Aaarrgh! Crappy torx screw stripped!
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 892
Likes: 8
From: Central Florida
I've owned 4 new Harleys to date. Never stripped a derby cover screw, and NEVER used loctite on them. Not a single leak-ever. If you use the right torque spec you do NOT need loctite. I've also heard that you can put a dab of valve grinding paste in a stubborn screw head and get a better grip with the removal tool. Never done it, but will keep it in mind if I ever need to.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 324
Likes: 1
From: USA
Best way to avoid reaming a stubborn screw is to use an impact driver. If you don't have air, an electric impact driver works pretty well for small screws/bolts. They also make small impact drivers that you smack with a hammer. Those work great for breaking loose torx or phillips screws that are already boogered up a bit.
Same here. I never use loctite on any primary cover screws or cam cover screws. Never had any come loose.
Same here. I never use loctite on any primary cover screws or cam cover screws. Never had any come loose.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,120
Likes: 4
Don't know "official" numbers but my manual (07 Fatboy) says 84-108 in/lbs. with a special sequence....see attached. Hope this is what you are lookin for.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 688
Likes: 350
From: Central Utah
I love these common problem threads! I too stripped one the first time servicing myself...I mean servicing the bike. I did like D'LUX suggested and drilled the head off, then surprisingly backed out the stud by hand. Nervous doing it though, as I thought, "Man, if I mess this up...it's gonna cost me dearly!" Everything turned out alright regarding that episode. Now, who's gonna fess up to cross threading the primary drain bolt? HA!!
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 892
Likes: 8
From: Central Florida
If your skills are so poor that you cross thread a primary drain plug, then I suggest you practice wrenching on something less valuable, like an old lawnmower. Seriously, good wrenching skills can take years to master. I started around age 8 with bicycles, then mini-bikes, then POS cars and Hondas, etc. It has been a learning process. Jumping in on a $20k Harley with a K-mart set of tools is not advised. Poor quality wrenching on a motorcycle can get you killed.
mine was done at the 1000 mile service.i tried to remove them and do the service at 10000 but cant get the cover off.ive read this thread and would like to ask about using a small battery impact?since the torque value is so small im thinking the dealer used loctite.i would contact said dealer but they closed up shop.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Supporter
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 567
Likes: 0
From: Lewisville, TX
When I wanted to do change out mine I sprayed a little WD-40 on the bolts when i pulled her into the garage and then broke them loose when she was still a little warm. Granted they had only been on the bike for about a year from manufacturing but luckily it worked and didnt put anything on the bolts when I reinstalled them.