Topic: 1974 CB550 Valve Cover Bolt Broke Off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Short Round]

Hey Guys,
        I have a 1974 CB550 that I got for a great deal from a guy I know about a month ago.  I also have a 1981 CB650C that I am currently turning into a hard tail/ rat bike for #$%*s and grins.  Any ways, I took the carbs off my CB550 today to rebuild all of them ( mainly so0 I know they have been done properly), and when I was covering the intake ports i noticed that one of the bolts on the Valve cover moved with ease.  I grabed it with my fingers and pulled it out to  find that it had snaped.  I then shouted a few words that I'm not going to post.  My question is- can I get it out, is it a #$%* to do so, and how would I go about doing it.  Would a left hand bit do the trick?  I do not want to get rid of this bike, I sought it out for a reason (because I love the 550's).  Any help would be Wonerful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[750goes]

Is it currently leaking oil around where the bolt is broken off?
If not then leave it till you need to take the cover off, then fix it..

[bryanj]

I agree, if it aint leaking leave it alone. Hopefully when you do take the valve cover off there will be a bit sticking out you can grip to undo. If not get a straight fluted extractor (only ones I seen are Snap-On) NOT the tapered easyouts

[johnny-from-bel]

I agree, if it aint leaking leave it alone. Hopefully when you do take the valve cover off there will be a bit sticking out you can grip to undo. If not get a straight fluted extractor (only ones I seen are Snap-On) NOT the tapered easyouts

Good preparation helps. Spray the bolt with WD-40, gently tap it with a light hammer while trying to turn it. Don't force things. If it does not work let it soak in WD-40 for a day or so and try again. I had to do it as long as 3 weeks but in the end it came out without any damage.

[Dirtman666]

  Johnny - very good advice - Patience, Patience, Patience

That bolt has been there for 30 years and has no reason to want to move.

[johnny-from-bel]

  Johnny - very good advice - Patience, Patience, Patience

That bolt has been there for 30 years and has no reason to want to move.

Thanks, I have been working on CB750 for 10 years now (notice I am member #158)

[Short Round]

sprayed liqiud wrench on it athe day after I posted.  Found out last night that it had made its way out the bottom, so no taping Thankfully!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Thanks for the advice guys.