Engine Re-Assembly...cleaning threads.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 194
Likes: 1
From: Toronto, Ont.
Engine Re-Assembly...cleaning threads.
Going to be re-assembling my motor soon. Just wondering what is the best method of cleaning out the old/factory thread-locker etc. I have heard that any left over in holes, like cam cover, can affect torque values? I have also heard not to use a tap to clean out as it can actually 'cut' the treads doing the same thing. In the past I have given them a good shot of brake cleaner and blow out with compressed air. Any suggestions out there? Thanks.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 306
Likes: 7
From: Somewhere, PA
On bolts I've used a soft wire brush, nylon brush, a small pic, and even put the head of the bolt in a vice and then ran a die over the threads. For the frame and external engine holes (i.e. not going all the way throught the case like the timing hole cover) I've had good success with a pic and/or running a tap in there. Others may have experienced issues with taps/dies used in this way, but I've never had an issue. In fact, my taps/dies and thread gauges are some of my most cherished tools on my old bike builds. Especially on repainted/powdercoated frames and other parts, you almost HAVE to run a tap through the holes again or you'll be cussing and throwing tools later.
It is true, like you stated, that leftover blue/red/whatever loctite can cause an incorrect torque reading on the fastener.
Hobo
It is true, like you stated, that leftover blue/red/whatever loctite can cause an incorrect torque reading on the fastener.
Hobo
Last edited by hobobiker; Mar 26, 2015 at 09:10 AM. Reason: typo
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 789
Likes: 3
From: Kansas
This isnt a Harley trick but I used it for years on head bolt holes. I take a good bolt and cut a groove lengthwise with a cutoff wheel. and do it in such a way as the sharp edge faces forward (clockwise) so as to "cut" the crud.
The groove obviously catchs it so like a tap you may need to back it out once and restart it. Oh yeah oil the bolt that helps the operation a lot. hth
The groove obviously catchs it so like a tap you may need to back it out once and restart it. Oh yeah oil the bolt that helps the operation a lot. hth
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 306
Likes: 7
From: Somewhere, PA
This isnt a Harley trick but I used it for years on head bolt holes. I take a good bolt and cut a groove lengthwise with a cutoff wheel. and do it in such a way as the sharp edge faces forward (clockwise) so as to "cut" the crud.
The groove obviously catchs it so like a tap you may need to back it out once and restart it. Oh yeah oil the bolt that helps the operation a lot. hth
The groove obviously catchs it so like a tap you may need to back it out once and restart it. Oh yeah oil the bolt that helps the operation a lot. hth
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,826
Likes: 87
From: Cookson, Ok
Thread restorer kit like this would be a good investment.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 461
Likes: 119
From: North Dakota
This isnt a Harley trick but I used it for years on head bolt holes. I take a good bolt and cut a groove lengthwise with a cutoff wheel. and do it in such a way as the sharp edge faces forward (clockwise) so as to "cut" the crud.
The groove obviously catchs it so like a tap you may need to back it out once and restart it. Oh yeah oil the bolt that helps the operation a lot. hth
The groove obviously catchs it so like a tap you may need to back it out once and restart it. Oh yeah oil the bolt that helps the operation a lot. hth
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 194
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From: Toronto, Ont.
Thanks for the tips. Have a new polished hardware kit for putting everything back together so the bolts shouldn't be a problem. Was more concerned with all the recessed areas, making sure they are cleaned out prior to install. Thanks again.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,464
Likes: 50
From: Rouses Point, N.Y.
have quit a selection of those in my box also made some especially for the Cadillac northstar engine head bolts prone to strip out of block if not cleaned. than if that happens get the timeserts out.