Thread locker on cam install
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 425
From: Pennsylvania
Thread locker on cam install
So I just upgraded my cam over the weekend and one question just stuck in my mind.
The procedure calls for red threadlocker on the cam and pinion bolts. All well and good for the cam, but since oil was more or less drooling (albeit very slowly) out of the pinion shaft the whole time
I was in there, and even though I did my best to clean out and absorb any residual oil (several times) before installing the sprocket, and the bolt itself was completely clean before I applied the red to the threads, I know there is still oil inside that pinion shaft and that I'm sticking that bolt into an oily hole (dont go there!)...
So the question is, does that threadlocker on that bolt actually accomplish anything?
The procedure calls for red threadlocker on the cam and pinion bolts. All well and good for the cam, but since oil was more or less drooling (albeit very slowly) out of the pinion shaft the whole time
I was in there, and even though I did my best to clean out and absorb any residual oil (several times) before installing the sprocket, and the bolt itself was completely clean before I applied the red to the threads, I know there is still oil inside that pinion shaft and that I'm sticking that bolt into an oily hole (dont go there!)...
So the question is, does that threadlocker on that bolt actually accomplish anything?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 10,083
Likes: 5,325
From what I’ve read, red Loctite is supposedly resistant to oil if it’s applied correctly, especially when it comes to blind hole applications. It says to apply several drops of liquid threadlocker down the sides of the blind hole filling the lower third. Apply several drops to the bolt.
https://next.henkel-adhesives.com/us...000153465.html
https://next.henkel-adhesives.com/us...000153465.html
Last edited by GalvTexGuy; Jun 23, 2025 at 10:33 AM.
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 425
From: Pennsylvania
From what I’ve read, red Loctite is supposedly resistant to oil if it’s applied correctly, especially when it comes to blind hole applications. It says to apply several drops of liquid threadlocker down the sides of the blind hole filling the lower third. Apply several drops to the bolt.
https://next.henkel-adhesives.com/us...000153465.html
https://next.henkel-adhesives.com/us...000153465.html
I assume this works since lots of folks do these upgrades, but I'm just curious about the value of the locktite in this particular scenario...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,191
Likes: 12,774
From: South Carolina
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Jun 24, 2025 at 09:27 AM.
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,957
Likes: 8,048
From: poway
After 4 cam changes in 125000 miles I finally got the retention kit. Wire wheeled off the patch and used a drop of red..
If you got the dribble problem, turn the crank so pistons are closer to BDC. You simply have oil draining from the crank pin to pinion shaft through gravity.. Get is going the other way..
If you got the dribble problem, turn the crank so pistons are closer to BDC. You simply have oil draining from the crank pin to pinion shaft through gravity.. Get is going the other way..
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public
Verdad Gallardo
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 425
From: Pennsylvania
Since oil oozes out of that bolt hole in the pinion shaft I have to assume theres channels in there where oil is fed through.
Wouldn't it be bad to get brake cleaner into those areas?
Wouldn't it be bad to get brake cleaner into those areas?
