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I'm having trouble undoing the 7 philips head screws on the B6 oil pump plate. i tried an impact driver and a spanner on a large philips driver but it still will not undo without damaging the slots.
i'm tempted to not pull it apart to check it as the rest of the engine is not worn.

Anyone solved this problem?

Tried penetrating spray overnight?

I removed mine with a ratchet handle and a hex bit with a Phillips head insert (Sidchrome).

Make sure that the Phillips head you are using is the correct size (often the largest size that will physically fit the screw head) to minimise the chances of stripping.

If you feel like it is about to slip, stop (easy to say) and try a better tool. I note you are in Lake Mac, not a million miles from me I am guessing.....

Good luck.

Thanks pm sent
I will soak, degrease slots so the driver does not slip & try next week.

The screws were very tight and would not move using a T wrench and spanner. A professional engine builder said " they are always as tight as bu&&ery, use a pin punch ground to fit in the bottom of the philips slot, give a couple of hammer wacks"
Worked well, all of the screws came undone.
Make sure the aluminum housing is supported properly before hitting to avoid warping.