Crankshaft cover bolt - ST1300

[RodSTer]

Crankshaft cover bolt won't come off on my 2004 ST1300. Did the valve check at 16,000 miles and didn't have any trouble, know I torqued it to spec.

I can't see anywhere in my shop manual that is is reversed thread or anything, am I missing something ?

Allen head is stripped now, anyone else have trouble getting their's out ?

 

[Mellow]

I've heard of people having a problem with them once in a while.. It's not reverse threaded. I'm not sure of the best way to resolve this one sorry... I'm sure there are others with better ideas.

 

[STDaveNW]

Crankshaft cover bolt won't come off on my 2004 ST1300. Did the valve check at 16,000 miles and didn't have any trouble, know I torqued it to spec.

I can't see anywhere in my shop manual that is is reversed thread or anything, am I missing something ?

Allen head is stripped now, anyone else have trouble getting their's out ?

If you have already buggered up the head your options are limited. I had an issue on Lisa's C-50 I ended up using my pneumatic impact and holding my breath. I think holding my breath worked because it came out.

 

[Mellow]

Would it help to take a thin cloth and put it over the hole then tap the allen socket in there.. might give you a little more grab... other than that, is there some cold spray that can be used to cause the metal to shrink a little?

 

[RodSTer]

If you have already buggered up the head your options are limited. I had an issue on Lisa's C-50 I ended up using my pneumatic impact and holding my breath. I think holding my breath worked because it came out.

Thanks guys, I had the same thought, pull the front wheel and get out the impact. I didn't think it was reverse thread but when it wouldn't move I started second guessing myself.

Rod

 

[Blrfl]

It isn't reverse-threaded.

If you absolutely can't get it out, you'll probably have to drain the oil and coolant, remove the radiator and water pump and pull the front cover. Best case is you can get it out and have the threads re-tapped if they're hosed up and you replace the cap for $15. Worst case is replacement of the entire cover for $270.

--Mark

 

[Don B]

You should be able to break it loose using a small chisel and mallet. Once you get it to turn a few degrees, try Mellow's suggestion with the cloth/allen socket, or possibly a narrow strip of thin shim stock in place of the cloth.

Good Luck.

 

[okmurdog]

+1 on using a cold chisel and mallet

If that doesn't work, you could probably use a dremel to cut a notch across the face and use a drag link socket to snap it loose. In the end you would have to replace the cover screw.

 

[Don B]

Rod,
If you're really desperate to check your valve clearances and the cover bolt can wait, you can still rotate the crank for the valve checks - just put the transmission in 5th gear and turn the rear wheel (in the "go forward" direction) to rotate the crankshaft to get the cams properly aligned.

 

[RodSTer]

Thanks guys, all good suggestions. I'll give it another try in the morning.

Rod

 

[indypup]

 

[RodSTer]

thanks again everyone. I did get it with the cold chisel. As I said I started second guessing myself about reverse thread and wasn't committed to giving it a good whap. Once I didn't baby it she finally came off, it was tiigghhttt.