Triumph Repair: oil sump removal - part 2, corrosion prevention, liquid wrench

Question
Jim:

As always, thanks for all your great advice.
I'm ready to remove the oil sump and replace the gasket, but I'm a bit afraid I may break a bolt while removing the sump.  This is a 41 year old car and I've broken a few bolts on it because they are just old.  Any advice as to how to remove the bolts more safely.  In intend to put in new bolts when I replace the sump.

Answer
Jeff,

Well, usually the engine compartment benefited from the
"Triumph corrosion prevention system"... aka leaky gaskets.

Seriously, start soaking the bolt area with penetrating oil.  Some people swear by PB Blaster, others like old standbys like Liquid Wrench.  

The important thing is to give the oils time to do their thing.  If you can spare the time, go out and give all the bolt heads a shot on a daily basis for at least a couple of days if not weeks.

When it comes time to remove the bolts... if you hit any that are really tough... a gentle tap on the head with a hammer and drift (metal rod) and some more penetrating oil might do the trick.  If you can get the engine out of the car it'd be a lot easier.  

Also, if there are truly stubborn bolts sometimes heating can be very effective.  Just be careful as there will be all that nice flammable penetrating oil all over.

Cheers,

Jim