Stripped / stuck outer primary bolts
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 297
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From: SE Mass
Stripped / stuck outer primary bolts
Decided to get a jump tonight on installing a new compensator. Three of the bolts that secure the outer primary are being real stubborn. They have slight back and forth movement but it feels like if I put any more force, the hex head is going to strip out. One already deformed slightly and might be too far gone to get a good bite on it. I decided to just stop before I really screw something up but I need a good plan of what to try next. Has anyone dealt with this before? The last time I was in there, I used a drop of blue Loctite on each bolt and torqued them to spec. I found plenty of threads and videos on derby cover bolts but not the ones for the outer primary.
I think heating them may be the way to go but I'm concerned about damaging the chrome on the primary cover. I guess I could drill the heads off just to get the cover off and then use heat. Thoughts?
I think heating them may be the way to go but I'm concerned about damaging the chrome on the primary cover. I guess I could drill the heads off just to get the cover off and then use heat. Thoughts?
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Apr 13, 2024, 04:49 PM
Thread Starter
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 297
Likes: 180
From: SE Mass
Thanks to everyone for all of the input. Based on all the recommendations and the resources available to me, here's what I did: I ended up drilling the heads off of the stuck bolts. It took about a minute or 2 per bolt taking my time and checking everything as I went. I knew I was there when the washer would start to spin with the drill. That allowed me to get the outer primary off and left about 3/4" of the bolt shanks exposed. Also left plenty of space to shoot some PB Blaster in the holes with the stuck bolts. After letting them soak for about 20 minutes, they practically unscrewed using just my fingers. Lessons learned and moving on to the actual job I started yesterday.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Mar 2017
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From: Texas
If you’re stripping the heads, that’s the first problem to fix. Get a proper hex bit that fits TIGHT. No ball end BS either.
If they are really stubborn, it will take some massaging back and forth to try and loosen. Most likely corrosion. If you’ve swapped the stock bolts at any point, there’s a good chance that the new bolts are a dissimilar metal than the case, at which point you’d need anti seize instead of loctite.
You can also put a hex bit in the bolt head and tap with a hammer to try and knock it loose. I’d be cautious heating up aluminum.
If they are really stubborn, it will take some massaging back and forth to try and loosen. Most likely corrosion. If you’ve swapped the stock bolts at any point, there’s a good chance that the new bolts are a dissimilar metal than the case, at which point you’d need anti seize instead of loctite.
You can also put a hex bit in the bolt head and tap with a hammer to try and knock it loose. I’d be cautious heating up aluminum.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
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From: backwoods
Maybe try tapping the allen with hammer.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 297
Likes: 180
From: SE Mass
HDF Community Team
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 7,857
Likes: 4,419
From: Texas
it can help but no, the main point is the shock of hitting the bolt with a hammer will loosen whatever is stuck.
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 297
Likes: 180
From: SE Mass
Gotcha, thanks.
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Seasoned HDF Member
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From: State of Confusion
Maybe spray some Break Free around them
and ride the bike until its at full operating temp then try working them loose?
and ride the bike until its at full operating temp then try working them loose?
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Seasoned HDF Member
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From: backwoods
I have one, but never used it, the impact driver you hit with a hammer. I bought one after have some issues with derby. Which I now use locktite on. The cover I do dry.
If you strip, may have to try chisel to spin or dremmel for groove to chissel. Put some tape to protect cover when you slip.
Can try vice grip needle nose, but probably not enough room.
