I changed the fluids on my road king today. I did the oil and transmission, and was going to do the primary too. I decided to try losening the derby cover bolts before I drained the primary fluid thank GOD! I managed to start stripping the heads out. Is there a replacement bolt in allen head for the derby cover out there?

 

Sure. There is an allen replacement in chrome or SS. However to some the torx looks better and with the correct size wrench as long as someone does not loctite them they come out fine. I realize that is a lot of ifs.. Standard is T27 but no telling. Wrench should have no shake and be in good shape. If its cheap, soft and rounded it tends to roll out and round the screw.

 

Are you sure you were using the proper size torx?
I believe the covers are a T-27, which is uncommon on most packaged sets. Most small sets (like mine) come with a T-25.
I had to buy a single T-27 Craftsman torx, removed and replaced the offending bolt, good to go.

 

Are you using the right size torx bit? I believe #27 is the correct size. This size does not usually come in a standard kit. I've removed many covers on many bikes and never had a problem....when using the right size bit.

To answer your question, yes, you can certainly get allen bolts for replacements. If you do, make sure they are deep heads. I've had more trouble with shallow allen heads than torx heads.

 

Go to Ace Hardware. The have stainless steel bolts in allen that look great, and no more fooling with the torx. About $0.50 ea if I recall.

 

I went through the same aggravation at my 1st Primary fluid change. The 1st torx screw started to strip, so I stopped. I asked here, and was advised to not use a drill, but rather hand tools. So I went to harbor freight and picked up a set up torx bits that attached to my hand tools. Problem solved. But yes, HD should have used another design or at least made the torx screws witha harder metal that would not strip so easily.

 

for anyone else with a similar partly stripped allen head, torx or phillips, valve lapping paste applied to the tip of the tool will help regain enough grip to get it out.

if you are not a valve-lapper ( and who is) toothpaste ( not gel) will work.

replacing torx with allens is a smart move as it reduces the number of tools needed when traveling

mike

 

I aways said torx is a conspiracy between the bolt co and tool co..they give the torxs bolts away so you have to buy more tools

 

Well, that just torx by grommet!

 

also, when reinstalling either torx or allen heads, a little anti-seize on the treads make them easier to take out next time around......