Replacing Primary Cover screws

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

May 10, 2021 | 07:56 PM

#31

Dr. Tiki

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 2,347

Likes: 602

From: The 9th Island

Quote:

Originally Posted by IndyBret

Notgrownup hit the most important point. Use QUALITY BITS. I would never use a $0.50 Harbor Freight bit on a $25000.00 bike. Because, with a T27 bit, "close enough"... isn't.

This.... get a good quality bit, I bought a Nepros T27 , it was probably overkill but I was buying their screwdriver set, so this was an add on item. I just have the socket attached to a T-Handle and it works great.

Jul 2, 2022 | 06:41 AM

#32

NeoxReeq

Stage II

Joined: Jul 2022

Posts: 2

Likes: 0

From: Canada

I was looking for those bolts as well. However, I couldn't find the exact size anywhere.

Jul 2, 2022 | 06:48 AM

#33

Andy from Sandy

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2017

Posts: 12,260

Likes: 4,947

From: England

The problem with folk who have been wrenching for years is what does "snug it up" actually mean. The torque setting for the derby cover screws is 8 ft-lbs (Sportster). To the uninitiated it is very easy to go way past that.

For my part I decided to use a torque wrench as I only look inside the cover once a year.

Last edited by Andy from Sandy; Jul 2, 2022 at 06:50 AM.

Jul 2, 2022 | 03:56 PM

#34

NeoxReeq

Stage II

Joined: Jul 2022

Posts: 2

Likes: 0

From: Canada

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeoxReeq

I was looking for those bolts as well. However, I couldn't find the exact size anywhere.

I checked that in all the manuals that I could find online. However, none of them provided me if accurate information. I tried to use some simple screws there, and it seemed like they fit well. However, I had to replace them pretty quickly. In the end, I decided to use some batten screws as they look similar to the original ones. Well, it seems like they are working fine, as I have been using them for almost one year.

Last edited by NeoxReeq; Jul 2, 2022 at 03:57 PM.

Jul 2, 2022 | 10:21 PM

#35

hattitude

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2008

Posts: 14,165

Likes: 11,256

From: San Diego, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sparkee...

I use a torque wrench and blue thread locker, haven't had an issue yet.

Same here...

I switched to stainless steel bolts on my three Twin Cam bikes. Blue locktite or anti-seize are recommended to avoid galvanic (bimetallic) corrosion...

I've used just a dab of blue locktite and haven't had a problem....

FWIW:
Since this is the touring section... per my 2012 & 2016 touring parts catalogs:

The derby cover screws are:

(5) 1/4"-20 x 5/8" Torx button head screws, grade 8/ HD #1062

The outer primary cover screws are:

(4) 1/4"-20 x 4 3/4" knurled head, grade 8/ HD #1780

(9) 1/4"-20 1 3/8" knurled head, grade 8/ HD #4813A

(13) 1/4" washers, 7/16" OD

NOTE: For some reason, in both '12 & '16 HD Touring Parts Catalogs, they show the 4 larger outer primary cover bolts as HD #1780. But for some reason, they don't list those screws in the hardware list...?? I have the OEM screws I took out of my 2016 Ultra Classic, and I measured them... they are 1/4"-20 x 4 3/4". They have the same heads as the nine smaller screws (#4813A), which is called "knurled head" in the parts catalog... but in reality, they look like what most people call "socket head" screws.

Also, all the outer primary cover screws have washers on them, but there are no washers listed in the parts catalog. They are obviously 1/4" ID, and I measured their outside diameter @ 7/16".

Last edited by hattitude; Jul 2, 2022 at 11:21 PM.

Sep 17, 2023 | 10:37 PM

#36

JordanJim

Intermediate

Joined: Sep 2023

Posts: 37

Likes: 14

From: Tennessee

Bolt size

On my 11 ultra limited they are 1/4 x 20 x 5/8. I'm ordering
aome Titanium allen. And you can getting any one you want from Race Specialist

Sep 18, 2023 | 06:21 AM

#37

JordanJim

Intermediate

Joined: Sep 2023

Posts: 37

Likes: 14

From: Tennessee

Thanks for all the insight. I will try it a different way and see what the out come is. I will keep yall posted. Thanks again Jim

Sep 22, 2023 | 08:59 PM

#38

Sparkules

Tourer

Joined: Feb 2018

Posts: 357

Likes: 205

From: Eastern Washington USA

Years ago I used the “cylinder shaped” head stainless Allen’s on a 91 EVO. Just take the old ones in and match them up. Another vote for anti seize just a dab to prevent galvanic corrosion. Yes stainless and aluminum don’t get along. One engineer I worked with was an expert on dissimilar metals. He got tired of so many questions he posted a chart near his cubicle so we could figure it out ourselves.

I like Torx, just don’t use the T25 when you need a T27. I have a T27 in my take along tool kit and another at home for garage maintenance use.