Oil filter cover - stripped stud bolt

[swhomrig]

Hello all,

Well it seems like I've gotten myself into quite the mess this time. I was changing the oil on my '86 GS450L and when I was putting on one of the acorn nuts to hold on the oil filter cover I stripped the threading on the stud bolt. There's 3 stud bolts for holding the filter cover in place and the one in the 10 o'clock position is now stripped. You can see bike bandit for the part schematic http://houseofmotorcycles.bikebandi...el_dept_id~703498~model_dept_name~GS450LG.asp

So far I've tried a few different things. I've tried: putting new nuts on there (as the original acorn nut is now stripped as well), twisting out the stud bolt with vise grips, twisting out the stud bolt by threading two regular nuts further down the stud bolt and using one to hold the other place while trying to loosen out the stud bolt, and finally drilling into the stud bolt and trying to pull it out with one of those easy out bits (where the bit is threaded backwards so as you drill into the bolt it bites and tries to turn the bolt counterclockwise). None of these methods have worked. It seems that the stud bolt is just in there too tight which isn't surprising since it's probably never been removed. I've considered trying to recut the thread with a die but the space is too small to get a die in there.

I'm feeling quite stuck and I really hope you guys have some good tips to get me unstuck.

-Scott

 

[andrewclaycomb]

This just happened to me. In fact I'm still waiting for the replacement studs that I had to order because these are impossible to get locally. I used locking pliars to get mine off, but if that didn't work, I was going to weld a nut on the end and use a cheater bar to twist it out. Try some different locking pliars. I had to try 3 different sizes before I found one that worked.

 

[Tom MLC]

You just gotta keep working it with vice grips and penetrating oil. Try tapping on the end of the shank with a ball peen hammer as you put twisting pressure with the vice grips. Take the pipes off to give you better access.

I think you could find replacement studs & acorn nuts at Home Depot.

 

[prxbadger]

ive used 2 methods, i have cut a slot and turned out with a screwdriver/impact driver or i have filed flats either side and used a spanner

i guess it depends on the size of the stud thats left

welding a nut on is the best

 

[tconroy]

This just happened to me. In fact I'm still waiting for the replacement studs that I had to order because these are impossible to get locally. I used locking pliars to get mine off, but if that didn't work, I was going to weld a nut on the end and use a cheater bar to twist it out. Try some different locking pliars. I had to try 3 different sizes before I found one that worked.

try heating it up first to expand the aluminum with a high heat gun,then tapping the stud then put vise grips on and tap them with a hammer.

 

[bwringer]

You can find 6mm X 20mm studs and the nuts you'll need at almost any Ace Hardware or DoItBest Hardware. They usually have a nice selection of stainless steel metric allen head stuff, too. The very small stores might not have so much, but the medium and large ones do.

You will NOT find metric stuff at ANY of the big box home stores (Home DeNo, Blowes, Meanerds). They stock very little, if any metric hardware, and it's appallingly low-quality and expensive. Plus, they don't check the metric section very often so it's normally all stolen (full of empty plastic baggies) or out of stock.

Unfortunately, the local hardware store also usually features a Zippy the Pinhead character who jumps out and "helps" you, whether you want him to or not and whether he has any idea what you're looking for or not. You have to be pretty firm to get these characters off your back.

 

[emjay]

... i have filed flats either side and used a spanner...

What the h3ll's a spanner? ;-) jk

 

[tkent02]

Translation...

Translation...

What the h3ll's a spanner? ;-) jk

It's British for wrench.

 

[andrewclaycomb]

The studs on my bike were longer than 20mm.

 

[Dave8338]

Unfortunately, the local hardware store also usually features a Zippy the Pinhead character who jumps out and "helps" you, whether you want him to or not and whether he has any idea what you're looking for or not. You have to be pretty firm to get these characters off your back.

Is there a happy medium between Zippy "you may be the last customer we ever have" and Thrumpy "you mean just because I work here...I'm supposed to help you". Throw some "high-tech" speak at them and watch as the terror grips their throat and they quickly scamper away, looking for anyone else who may no what your talking about! :-k

 

[bwringer]

The studs on my bike were longer than 20mm.

Good point -- bring an old stud with you and get one that's the same length or a wee bit longer. I'm not sure the "20mm" that bubbled up from my subconscious has anything to do with reality.

I certainly don't trust my memory, and you shouldn't either...

 

[swhomrig]

Well welding a nut on there seems like a very appealing way of turning it out. However, pushing my bike 3 miles to the metal shop we have on campus is not so appealing. Right now I'm regretting my decision to sell my truck. Oh well. I think I might try filing a couple flat spots on there and try backing it out with a wrench (or spanner). I suppose welding a nut on could be my back up.

Not to get too far ahead of myself, but when replacing this bolt (which will most likely be destroyed beyond any recognition) would there be any benefit to replacing it with the OEMs from bikebandit as compared to the ones they've got at ace (or anywhere else for that matter)? I'd really like to avoid a situation like this in the future and if it means spending a few extra bucks on some magic bolts I'd be ok with that.

Thanks for all the input!

Peace,
Scott

 

[tconroy]

Well welding a nut on there seems like a very appealing way of turning it out. However, pushing my bike 3 miles to the metal shop we have on campus is not so appealing. Right now I'm regretting my decision to sell my truck. Oh well. I think I might try filing a couple flat spots on there and try backing it out with a wrench (or spanner). I suppose welding a nut on could be my back up.

Not to get too far ahead of myself, but when replacing this bolt (which will most likely be destroyed beyond any recognition) would there be any benefit to replacing it with the OEMs from bikebandit as compared to the ones they've got at ace (or anywhere else for that matter)? I'd really like to avoid a situation like this in the future and if it means spending a few extra bucks on some magic bolts I'd be ok with that.

Thanks for all the input!

Peace,
Scott

Go get the ones at ace and some new acorn nuts too. Your stud size is 6 by 20mm.Somebody must have done something to that in the past.They should come out with little force.Have you tried tapping on the end of the stud while turning some vise grips after letting it soak with pb blaster or something like that?You might also try a heat gun close to where the stud meets the block while trying to turn it back and forth