Topic: Motivation Needed to Fix This

[Accolay]

What else should I do to the engine if I take it apart to fix this? The bolt fell out of the engine. Maybe if they used duct tape it would have stayed in there longer.

What am I getting myself into?
The engine is so small though...
But I'm a novice.
But you want to ride the motorcycle, right?
But you could just buy one of those Harley's you saw today...they come already polished!
But this is a classic!
But you could just get some more electrical tape wrapped around the bolt and nobody would ever notice!

What could possibly go wrong? 
Just how integral is this to the operation of the thing? I always thought it looked as if it were leaking oil over there...

[martino1972]

if it ain't leaking oil too bad where the upper and lower cases come together around the area where that bolt broke off,you can plug that bolt hole with some plug from rubber or something....
the correct fix would be to pull the engine out and remove the lower engine case,should be possible without taking the top end off and remove the broken off thread and replace with new bolt....

all depending on what bike/model etc it is......

just that one broken bolt won't make your engine to fall apart......

[fuzzybutt]

But you could just buy one of those Harley's you saw today...they come already polished


and they also come with 100 + year old technology, vibration , horrible mileage and excessive weight.

[Accolay]

Right right right...

1977 CB550F

Since I've got it down this far, I might as well fix it....you think?

But if I play that game I will get myself into trouble ie: "Might as well get that new cam while you're here"

[Alan F.]

Right right right...

1977 CB550F

Since I've got it down this far, I might as well fix it....you think?

But if I play that game I will get myself into trouble ie: "Might as well get that new cam while you're here"

Don't forget the payments, poor handling, limitted tire choice, and of course the attitude.  But at least you'll get some respect from the guys at the donut shop in town on Tuesday nights, if it's not too hot out to ride that is...

[kabuki]

Right right right...

1977 CB550F

Since I've got it down this far, I might as well fix it....you think?

But if I play that game I will get myself into trouble ie: "Might as well get that new cam while you're here"

Ha, I'm going through this process right now. I opened up my 550 to fix the oil leak and re-ring the pistons. Ended up with a 600 kit, Webcam, new paint, etc...

[754]

Think I have a solution;

 Lathe turn a sleeve that fits in the bolt hole (against broken end)with very little clearance, leaving enough sticking out to grab with vise-grips. Sleeve should have a 3/16 or 1/8 hole.

Now use a left hand drill bit that is 1/8 or 3/16 inch. Install slleve in hole and hold with vise-grips, then drill in reverse with Left Hand bit.. it will probably come out.

Allen f, I hope you run up against a new Sporster so you can show him whois boss.. ..  & what do you mean by limited tire choice?

[Inkscars]

Why not helicoil it?
It doesn't appear to be a bolt that's "fighting" against compression.
That's what i would do for a better fix. 20 minutes, 20 bucks tops.

[754]

Ever try helicoiling 2 1/2 inches down a hole? If you get it wrong it will hold the cases together..

 I re-read, and ...when I  first posted I thought we were talking broken bolt.. wuups

[Inkscars]

Ever try helicoiling 2 1/2 inches down a hole?
 I re-read, and ...when I  first posted I thought we were talking broken bolt.. wuups

Maybe I'm misunderstanding?
Yes I've tried, we helicoil for broken spark plugs. People just can't seem to get the new plugs in the 5.4s out without stripping the threads off or breaking 1 or 2 of them completely off.
Is he not trying to hold two case halfs together? If not you could just tap it and replace the bolt too. Either way it's better than tape.

[754]

I think we are talking  2.5 inches downa 5 ..SIXTEENTHS .. hole..

[Inkscars]

I think we are talking  2.5 inches downa 5 ..SIXTEENTHS .. hole..

Where's your sense of adventure?

[martino1972]

I think we are talking  2.5 inches downa 5 ..SIXTEENTHS .. hole..

2.5 inch seems a bit under average I think....

[Accolay]

Considering the cost for new gaskets etc, and time involved (since I've never taken an engine apart before) I'm going to let this one pass for a while. I'd much rather get it on the road sooner. The engine has lasted this long, So I think it will be fine.

The only thing that concerns me is what was the reason for taking that bolt off in the first place?