Head bolt rust
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Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Ky
Head bolt rust
I picked up a bike and the head bolts are pretty rusted. Have you guys ever replaced your bolts? Is it tricky or can I simply pull them and clean them or just replace them?
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,099
Likes: 34
From: NC/SC
You didn't tell how old the bike is. I would replace them if the bike is too old. Cheap enough to replace them instead of going thru the hassle of cleaning them.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 841
Likes: 58
From: Yakima
Almost every sportster I've seen has rusty head bolts. I wouldn't worry about it. Get the "chrome" covers if it bothers you that much.
I'd only replace them if I were doing an engine tear down where the bolts are getting removed.
If you try to remove them without the proper installation torque sequence you could be opening up a whole other can of worms. A can of worms so bad that rusted head bolts don't seem too bad.
I'd only replace them if I were doing an engine tear down where the bolts are getting removed.
If you try to remove them without the proper installation torque sequence you could be opening up a whole other can of worms. A can of worms so bad that rusted head bolts don't seem too bad.
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
You can't replace those bolts without also removing the ones you can't see, to get the torque sequence correct, so wear your rusty head bolts with pride - like the rest of us! Just replace the spark plugs with new ones, if you wish.
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Tourer
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 299
Likes: 40
From: Eastern foothills of Shenandoah Mountains, Virginia
Aha. Just the situation I have with rust on headbolts. XL883C 2005
You confirmed my suspicion; loosening them would let loose a nightmare with everything they are holding tightly together! Thanks for the photo, Bearjew.
I'm happy riding with surface rust on the bolts but I am selling one of the two bikes and a prospective buyer will see rust as lack of care generally.
I'm going to try a Dremel tool with teeny brass wire brush & I'll post my results with before & after photos.
(I thought of naval jelly and other rust-removing liquids carefully painted on but it could stain other areas even with lots of hosed water rinse.)
You confirmed my suspicion; loosening them would let loose a nightmare with everything they are holding tightly together! Thanks for the photo, Bearjew.
I'm happy riding with surface rust on the bolts but I am selling one of the two bikes and a prospective buyer will see rust as lack of care generally.
I'm going to try a Dremel tool with teeny brass wire brush & I'll post my results with before & after photos.
(I thought of naval jelly and other rust-removing liquids carefully painted on but it could stain other areas even with lots of hosed water rinse.)
