Head Bolt Loose

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Jun 17, 2009 | 09:19 AM

classof96

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Tourer

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 280

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From: Michigan

Head Bolt Loose

I've got a '96, about 15k into a top end rebuild. The other day while riding along, the head bolt on the front cylinder, left side, forward of spark plug lossened up, so bad it sounded like the spark plug came out of the hole. The bolt would tighten but as soon as engine ran just a few minutes it would loosen again, it wouldn't stay tight until engine was shut down and cooled for a few. ( I was trying to limp to destination for help) I'm sure head gasket is shot, but not sure what is going on. I'm getting ready to tear down the front cylinder. When I did the top end I did install new push rods and studs from the company.
I'm just looking for opinions or idea's of what has happened. Thanks in advance, I can't get on everyday, but will asap.

Jun 17, 2009 | 11:11 AM

miacycles

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 4,468

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From: Bluffton, South Carolina

Did you use any threadlocker on the bottom of the studs?? Check the installed height of the studs, and remove the one in question to check the threads in the block. Let us know what you find.

Jun 17, 2009 | 12:22 PM

hotrod351

Road Warrior

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 1,569

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From: Arizona

sounds like the stud is pulling itself out of the case, you might have to helicoil it. at least thats what happened to me on the front cylinder.

Jun 18, 2009 | 11:14 AM

classof96

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Joined: Aug 2007

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From: Michigan

Ok, thanks guys. In my original post I meant to say new studs and head bolts, not push rods. My studs have the collar for set depth (nice) and had factory applied locktight, anyway, I'll take head and jug off in a day or so. I'll update.

Jun 19, 2009 | 06:15 AM

miacycles

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 4,468

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From: Bluffton, South Carolina

Let us know what you find. when you put it back together make sure you have a good torque wrench and torque the head down in steps, 16, 20, 30, 36,42lbs, with a drop of oil on the threads and underside of the bolt. Let the head set overnight and retorque the last step to verify.

Jun 26, 2009 | 11:43 AM

classof96

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Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 280

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From: Michigan

For those who asked, just an update. The head gasket was blown out around the stud between the chamber and the stud, the stud appears tight. I still have to check the head for warp.