When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I agree 100% with Brandon that it is more likely corrosion giving you the trouble. Blue lock-tite isn't too tough. If you can rock the bolts back and forth, then some good penetrating oil is a good thing to try. As long as the bolt head isn't making a seal against the cover you can get a good amount of the penetrating oil to wick down the threads. Sure can't hurt anything.
Depending on what you are using to heat the bolts, heat usually does good things to stuck fasteners. With a tightly directed torch tip, harming the chrome on the cover shouldn't be a big concern. I have an oxy-acetylene torch with some small tips, but I also have one of these Bernzomatic torches that I use a lot on little stuff and heat shrink tubing. They have a very fine directed flame and get serious hot. One of these will work for heating those small bolts and getting enough heat in the bolt to do some good. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Bernzoma...134308#overlay
I also agree with Brandon that you need to get some proper fitting hex wrenches. If you have already damaged the hex head in the bolts, getting an impact driver may be something that can save you. I use my impact driver quite a bit, they are amazing. You can get a cheap torx bit and drive it into the stripped out pocket of the damaged allen head bolt if you really wipe it out and a lot of times that will work.
On edit - This is what I am referring to for an impact driver, not an impact wrench. The impact driver combines the hammer effect Brandon was talking about with twisting motion to help get stuck fasteners out. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-To...0HX8XnzddRWlJ0
Take your time. As long as you haven't stripped or broken anything you have some good options. It is when stuff starts getting broken and stripped that the fixes get tougher.
Last edited by Gas Smasher; Apr 12, 2024 at 10:48 PM.
Reason: I can't spell and I added a link
Often wondered what something like a Weller soldering iron would do in a case like this. That way the heat from the gun stays right on the bolt head and transfers down the bolt to the threads. Not all over the primary case. Just a thought. Has anyone tried it?
Often wondered what something like a Weller soldering iron would do in a case like this. That way the heat from the gun stays right on the bolt head and transfers down the bolt to the threads. Not all over the primary case. Just a thought. Has anyone tried it?
This guy.......
Youll have another birthday waiting for one of those to heat a bolt enough to do any good.
It's most likely corrosion on the shank of the fastener sticking to the housing, not stuck threads. To be safe, drill the heads of the fasteners off and remove the cover, then see what needs to be done to get them out.
Not sure I would drill the head off or not. But if you did you might be able to get vice grips on what is left. Though with this big of bolt you might not be able to apply enough force before they slip. This works with little bolts.
I'd probably try hand impact driver or just taping with bit and hammer. Heat. Maybe cut a slot and try screw driver, and that wears open maybe tap with chisel.
There isnt much tq to these, I believe it is 120 inch pounds.
Make sure that you are using a new bit that isn't rounded off.
Make sure the inside of the bolt head is clean and that you can get the bit fully inserted.
Then work it both directions, slowly increasing the rotation as you go.
Once you can get the head to back off the face of the primary cover, then shoot a bit of penetrating oil in on the exposed threads and let it wick into the hole.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.