Thermostat Cross Brace

[shadowknows977]

The two bolts pictured below (12mm heads) are stuck fast. I'm trying to get to the Thermostat housing so this brace needs to be removed. I've sprayed them down with some motul penetrating fluid but still no luck. Trying not to round the heads off. Suggestions?

 

[klaproth]

6 point socket and an impact? Tap with a hammer and punch first?

 

[Igofar]

Equal parts acetone and type F ATF fluid,
Best penetrating oil around.
Apply gentle heat with heat gun,
Apply oil, place 6 point socket on breaker bar, apply firm pressure, hold, and wait.
Should release in a few seconds.
Jerking, hammering, yanking, cheater bars, and impacts stretch and flex the fastener, pressure and time work better.

 

[Oldbikefixr]

You just never know.
I had no problem removing this brace on our 2006. But...performing a tire change back in the Spring I couldn't get the caliper mount bolts removed on the front wheel. got a longer ratchet handle and actually broke a short 3/8" drive extension. Almost rounded one attempting an impact wrench. It finally dawned me that someone had likely glued the bolts in. Torch fixed that. Red Loctite. It was well done, with no red residue visible, probably at the previous tire change.
I cleaned all four threads and replaced the bolts with new....then simply torqued to the proper value.

 

[Igofar]

What brand tool was the extension that broke if you don’t mind me asking?

 

[oude geit]

I use heat, fluid and a hand impact. But don't think it would fit in that area...

 

[Obo]

Equal parts acetone and type F ATF fluid,
Best penetrating oil around.
Apply gentle heat with heat gun,
Apply oil, place 6 point socket on breaker bar, apply firm pressure, hold, and wait.
Should release in a few seconds.
Jerking, hammering, yanking, cheater bars, and impacts stretch and flex the fastener, pressure and time work better.

Well you learn something new every day (although in learning this DIY penetrating fluid I've likely forgotten 2 things I once knew )

http://www.mvcconline.org/catagory4/Home%20made%20penatrating%20oil.pdf

 

[SMSW]

Well you learn something new every day (although in learning this DIY penetrating fluid I've likely forgotten 2 things I once knew

What brand of acetone? (Not going to start an ATF thread, but acetone.... maybe)

 

[ST Pili]

Equal parts acetone and type F ATF fluid,
Best penetrating oil around.
Apply gentle heat with heat gun,
Apply oil, place 6 point socket on breaker bar, apply firm pressure, hold, and wait.
Should release in a few seconds.
Jerking, hammering, yanking, cheater bars, and impacts stretch and flex the fastener, pressure and time work better.

I learned the same from a tech I worked with decades ago. Still keep a spray bottle of it on the workbench.

 

[shadowknows977]

Got the bolts off. Heat and Igofar's recommended mixture.

Now the bolts at the front of the Thermostat housing are held fast. Rinse and repeat with heat and the ATF oil?

 

[shadowknows977]

And there was much rejoicing. More heat, more mixture and steady pressure. Thanks again to Igofar for recommending to place a wedge under the Thermostat housing. I had a socket of sufficient length to act as a wedge. I placed it under the left side (as you're looking at the housing) bolt.

Some pictures of the old Thermostat.

 

[SMSW]

Don't forget that the little loose rivet on the thermostat goes at 12 o'clock when you reassemble things.

 

[Chris09]

And there was much rejoicing. More heat, more mixture and steady pressure. Thanks again to Igofar for recommending to place a wedge under the Thermostat housing. I had a socket of sufficient length to act as a wedge. I placed it under the left side (as you're looking at the housing) bolt.

Some pictures of the old Thermostat.

great pics!

 

[Honda-st-team]

Thanks for the info

 

[Gus1300]

Was the thermostat bad? I've done the boiling water test before on automobile thermostats but haven't had my bike one out yet; heard if fuel mileage drops it may be an indicator the thermostat has gone bad but since I'm routinely in the high 40s, not too worried about it.

 

[Mr.E]

Good to see it's job done.
I'd be tempted to replace those Hex bolts with Allen bolts & maybe a dab of Copperslip on the threads...