New head possibilities?

[mpls-ugly]

Im considering getting a new head because I have a bad broken exhaust bolt in my bike now. I figure i could spend $200 with poor results to get it out or I could get a new head for $50. Im just wondering if there are any alternatives to a regular GS650 8 valve head? I have heard about 16v heads but Im not sure if they are interchangeable. I wouldn't really expect them to be but thought Id get some input.

Its a 82 GS650 GL not so L anymore.

Thanks

[Nessism]

Replace the head because of a broken bolt?

[GS1100ez]

where can you get a new head for 50bucks?

[mpls-ugly]

Broken Exhaust bolt, Yes. My options are to EDM the broken "Easy-out" out of it then drill it out and tap it or just throw on a new head. I am looking at one other option revolving around a custom bracket to clamp down the exhaust flange without that one broken bolt but being aluminum I cant really weld anything. Am i being too abstract in this? or can you guys follow me??

[mpls-ugly]

ebay

where can you get a new head for 50bucks?

ebay, cycle scrap yard... May need work but its a head. there really is no value in any head. A head for My audi A4 2.8 V6 is only $45 all day anywhere. Salvage that is.

[Nessism]

Removing a broken bolt is a trivial matter in the grand scheme. Condition of the valve guides, seats, and valves are what really drives cost when it comes to reconditioning a GS head.

[gsryder]

On the broken bolt and easy out all you need is a small carbide grinding bit and a air grinder, or a carbide drill bit and a battery drill and some patience. Then retap, if you are careful you may be able to stay the same size. Replacing the head seems a little extreme but hard to tell without pics.

[drhach]

There is always the issue of "unknown quantities" when you buy used parts. Multiply that by a lot when you buy anything from ebay or Craigslist. A GS is not an Audi by the way. You may have a source for buying heads all day for $50. I'd think when push came to shove though, you'd end up spending more to get it all going than just taking your "known" head to a machine shop to have them take out the old stud.

[mpls-ugly]

I am aware that the true or complete cost of a head is well over $50. The Reason that this is up for consideration is because this is no trivial broken bolt. This is a seized bolt that has broken a couple times with different removal techniques that have failed. Now its flush with the head. Im going to have my master mechanic look at it before i do anything too drastic. In the mean time i am looking at my options.

or maybe Ill throw a audi head on it.
Don't be so snide buddy.

[Nessism]

Those exhaust bolts are soft, which makes them easy to break off but also make them possible to drill out. If you are very careful and start by center punching the bolt in the center and using a small drill bit for the pilot hole, I think getting out the bolt without damaging the head is defiantly doable.

[Smokinapankake]

Every time I've tried to hand drill anything, let alone a hardened screw extractor, tap, or what have you with a carbide bit, the carbide bit just shattered.
As my understanding and (admittedly limited) experience shows, carbide is harder than most tool steel, but way brittle. Look at it crosseyed and watch it shatter. I don't see how this is a do-able at home repair.

Pull the head and take it to a machine shop who can fixture it and remove it properly. Plus, gives you a chance to check internals, as well.

[Nessism]

Every time I've tried to hand drill anything, let alone a hardened screw extractor, tap, or what have you with a carbide bit, the carbide bit just shattered.
As my understanding and (admittedly limited) experience shows, carbide is harder than most tool steel, but way brittle. Look at it crosseyed and watch it shatter. I don't see how this is a do-able at home repair.

Pull the head and take it to a machine shop who can fixture it and remove it properly. Plus, gives you a chance to check internals, as well.

A regular HHS drill bit is fine, or use cobalt. I've drilled out all kinds of different bolts over the years and have only had problems when I got in a hurry. If the hole gets off center while drilling, work the bit sideways and straighten out the hole before going to the next size larger bit size. I usually work in small steps and drill slowly. Removing the head is recommended of course unless you are blessed with direct access to the screw.

[mighty13d]

if multiple attempts have already failed, BRING IT TO A MACHINE SHOP!! my head had a broken exhaust bolt in it. The PO tried to drill it out but drilled it at an angle and broke off an extractor in it. I took it to a machine shop who fixed the whole, installed a heli-coil and it cost me $80. That's less than buying a $50 head and having to pay $50 shipping! Plus I know that everything else on the head is fine! If I have any more issues with it, I might see if I can get it welded in and re-drilled and tapped. Then it would be like new ready to be messed up once more!

[GS1100ez]

ok so its not really a NEW head
its another USED head

[mpls-ugly]

no, not spankin new just new to me sorry if that was confusing.