Topic: CB550 stuck crankcase bolt

[HawaiiMike]

I'm splitting the cases on my CB550 and there's one bolt that does not want to come out.  It's the long bolt nearest the kickstarter, on the top side of the case.

When I turn the wrench I can see the bolt head turn several degrees, flexing the bolt.  The threads of the bolt aren't budging.  I marked the head and crankcase with a sharpie pen to see if the bolt is coming out.  So far it's not.

Sprayed WD40 and applied sewing machine oil around the head of the bolt.  It's 1/1/10 and I don't think stores are open.  I can pickup PB Blaster tomorrow.

Or....

Should I skip the crankcase splitting altogether?  The engine was running fine.  Purpose of splitting the crankcases was to replace the cam chain (as maintenance) and to repaint the motor.  Some have told me the cam chain will last a long time, this motor has about 32k miles on it.  I can put the motor back together and paint it then get it back in the frame.

What do you think?  I don't want to break that crankcase bolt. Just wondering if PB Blaster will seep all the way down into the crankcase to the threads of that bolt, which is about 4-5 inches long.   I have time to wait but don't want to wait weeks or longer for the PB Blaster to work.

Happy new year, Mike

[steam-powered man]

how about using a new cam chain that has a press-type link?  cut the old and use it to pull the new one on.  how many miles?

[hahnda]

If you really want to split the cases you could drill the head off the screw. Split the cases then use pb blaster or similar on the thread area and a vise grips to get it out.

[Tnutz]

i have done 3 cam chain master links with no problems on any of them.

[HawaiiMike]

The bolt finally loosened and came out yesterday!  The bolt had rusted and all of that gunk travelled down into the threads.  Liquid Wrench, careful turning and patience eventually pried it loose.  Went to the hardware store, got a replacement bolt and washers for a little more than $2 bucks.

Okay, no excuse now for not splitting the cases changing the cam chain.

[cbrace0012]

For future reference, you can take another bolt of similar size to the head you are trying to remove.  Give it a couple whacks with a hammer to break the threads loose from whatever is seizing them and then remove it.  I had to do this to every single bolt holding my crankcase sides on as a gorilla must have installed them.

[gane]

Mike, since you've won the immediate battle, look to primary chain wear, casual reading  indicates that the 500/550's often exibited  wear there. Luck g

[HawaiiMike]

Thank you for the tips guys!

Aloha, Mike