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timing cover help...

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Old Feb 12, 2011 | 07:20 AM
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Default timing cover help...
i bought one of the dark custom timing covers. it is a lot thicker than the factory stamped sheet metal cover. i went to put the screws back in and barley tightened them and they all three started to strip out.

the new cover didnt come with longer screws. is there a harley part number for the longer screws i would need to install it?

thanks,
rob
 
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Old Feb 12, 2011 | 07:45 AM
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I would just go to the hardware store. Your gonna pay less anyway. Have them match the size up in chrome and give you a lengthened one then.
 
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Old Feb 12, 2011 | 07:57 AM
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Go figure, I've owned a few different HD timer covers and never had this problem myself and I've always used the stock screws.
 
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Old Feb 12, 2011 | 08:17 AM
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Just swapped mine, (older bike) only had 2 screws. New cover came with the screws and new gasket. I had 2 covers, top cover was decorative (live to ride) was riveted in at 12-6 positions to second plate, second plate had screws at 3-9 positions. removed these, plate and gasket, and installed new gasket and cover. The screws were about 3/8" long. I'd go with stainless, and a dab of blue thead lock.
 
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Old Feb 12, 2011 | 08:20 AM
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ill have to look tonight..but i dont think mine even had a gasket?
 
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Old Feb 12, 2011 | 09:14 AM
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Originally Posted by fatrob74
ill have to look tonight..but i dont think mine even had a gasket?
Twin cam motors don't have a gasket. It's just a decorative piece and doesn't actually get exposed to oil or the inner workings of the motor.
 
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Old Feb 12, 2011 | 10:41 AM
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Originally Posted by fatrob74
...i went to put the screws back in and barley tightened them and they all three started to strip out...
I did the same thing on the first one I installed on my '99 FXDX. I found a bottom-hole tap, gently ran in in, then applied a dab of silicone to the screw and reinstalled...being careful to not over-tighten. Worked like a charm.
 
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Old Feb 12, 2011 | 10:45 AM
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Originally Posted by lionsqrne
i would just go to the hardware store. Your gonna pay less anyway. Have them match the size up in chrome and give you a lengthened one then.
Hardware store may have chrome if not stainless steel will do. Just add a little polish to the head. Actually mine had a phillips head. Worked great and still in place. No gasket needed.

WOODY
 
Last edited by WFA; Feb 12, 2011 at 10:38 PM.
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Old Feb 13, 2011 | 09:06 AM
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Gasket came with new cover, assumed was to keep out road dust and water.
 
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Old Feb 13, 2011 | 09:09 AM
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Originally Posted by watchluvr4ever
Go figure, I've owned a few different HD timer covers and never had this problem myself and I've always used the stock screws.
I only bought one in recent years, and it came with longer screws.
Even had a dab of locktight already on them.

Ace hardware would be my first choice.
 
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