I made the Derby cover error...
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 463
Likes: 0
From: Des Moines, IA
I made the Derby cover error...
Yesterday I took off work early to do the fall maintenance on the Street Glide and had everything ready to go...
Figured I would start with what would be the easiest to access and do the primary oil. Started backing out the screws and they were in there good. When I reached the bottom left one I just had a feeling. Sure enough I felt it slip and that was it. Stripped the head out.
I then tried to dremel it so I could use a flat head screw driver and no go. It started to bend and twist the metal left on the head.
Next went and got a back out bit. Used all four sizes and nothing!!! So now there is virtually no head left and pretty sure I am damaging the Derby cover itself.
So now I am in holding while I figure out my next move. Do the holes for the Derby cover go all the way through the primary cover if it were to be drilled out, in other words do I have to worry about metal shavings in the primary? I am asking as I don't recall and I am at work now.
Any other ideas?
As for the tranny and engine, those went smooth as could be of course.
Figured I would start with what would be the easiest to access and do the primary oil. Started backing out the screws and they were in there good. When I reached the bottom left one I just had a feeling. Sure enough I felt it slip and that was it. Stripped the head out.
I then tried to dremel it so I could use a flat head screw driver and no go. It started to bend and twist the metal left on the head.
Next went and got a back out bit. Used all four sizes and nothing!!! So now there is virtually no head left and pretty sure I am damaging the Derby cover itself.
So now I am in holding while I figure out my next move. Do the holes for the Derby cover go all the way through the primary cover if it were to be drilled out, in other words do I have to worry about metal shavings in the primary? I am asking as I don't recall and I am at work now.
Any other ideas?
As for the tranny and engine, those went smooth as could be of course.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 219
Likes: 7
From: Mercer,Pa
Put the other cover bolts back in and snug them up, then try and loosen the the stripped screw first, that is, if you can get something on it to bite.
Oops, I just re-read your post and it sounds like there is no head left on the screw. If you can get enough of the head of the stripped screw off to where its flush with the hole, you might be able to pull the derby cover off over it, hopefully leaving enough of the screw sticking out that you could clamp vice grips to and remove it that way.
Oops, I just re-read your post and it sounds like there is no head left on the screw. If you can get enough of the head of the stripped screw off to where its flush with the hole, you might be able to pull the derby cover off over it, hopefully leaving enough of the screw sticking out that you could clamp vice grips to and remove it that way.
Last edited by Wideglide103; Oct 7, 2014 at 10:58 AM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 5,105
Likes: 16
From: Blaine, WA
I'm curious what (brand) sort of tool you used and was it the correct size? I've found these screws to be so hard that they can cause a snap-on bit to twist rather than strip out. That said - get a drill with a largish diameter and drill the head off remove the cover and the remaining screw should come out with your fingers.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 14,731
Likes: 2,536
From: Mountain Top, Alabama
I'm curious what (brand) sort of tool you used and was it the correct size? I've found these screws to be so hard that they can cause a snap-on bit to twist rather than strip out. That said - get a drill with a largish diameter and drill the head off remove the cover and the remaining screw should come out with your fingers.
Put screws in next time with anti seize, nutdriver snug, why people overtighten these is beyond me.
If the stub won't come out by fingers, vice grips will get it.
Chill, it's all good.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 5,120
From: SW Ohio
Worse come to worse die grind the head of the fastener off, remove the derby cover and use vise grips to turn it counter clockwise out. After that, buy a derby cover off Ebay for like 10 bucks plus shipping from a guy who had to have the skull edition.
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 368
Likes: 22
From: southwest Iowa
I did the same thing first time. Found if you loosen each one slightly it takes the bind off of them. Also used anti seize when I replaced & didn't have anymore issues. Anyway, to answer your question. I drilled mine out with a very small bit being careful to go straight in. The bolts do NOT get into the area where the fluid is. I started drilling slowly & the bolt fell right apart.
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Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 463
Likes: 0
From: Des Moines, IA
Thanks all. I have seen this on here so many times through the years and knew it would happen sooner or later. I will try to drill it out tonight and see what happens. Good to know that it doesn't go all the way through!
