Author Topic: 17mm bolt??  (Read 4589 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Jim Shea

  • Guest
17mm bolt??
« on: January 19, 2006, 04:23:35 AM »
I seem to remember that I was advised to change an old bolt to a 17 mm bolt when I next change the oil!
Which one is it and why would this be better??
I could see changing the sump drain bolt for a new one as this is fairly worn, but the only one I can see on DSS is an oil filter bolt with 17 mm head for 8 pounds!
Jim.

Offline eurban

  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,625
Re: 17mm bolt??
« Reply #1 on: January 19, 2006, 04:42:47 AM »
Can't be sure what the advice was at the time but my guess is that it was refering to the oil filter bolt which Honda originally provided with a smallish 12/13mm (or so) head.  They were worried about people over torqueing so they gave you a small bolt head in the hope  of avoiding this.  A steel bolt in an aluminum case can get locked in pretty good so often times these little bolts heads get roached in the removal process.  The 17mm bolt gives you a more reliable grip . . .just don't overtorque it. I also put a tiny bit of sieze compound on its threads prior to installing.  I think that this is good practice on any bolt where you are mixing metals, or in the presence of high heat or both.  This bolt is pretty commonly available in the aftermarket so you might be able to find it cheaper than at DSS.

Jim Shea

  • Guest
Re: 17mm bolt??
« Reply #2 on: January 19, 2006, 04:45:28 AM »
Thanks. I thought it might be the filter bolt.

Offline Jonesy

  • Shop Rat
  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 2,648
  • "Damn! These HM300 Pipes Are Expensive!!!"
Re: 17mm bolt??
« Reply #3 on: January 19, 2006, 06:36:34 AM »
A 17MM oil filter bolt makes it nice when changing the oil since the sump and tank drain plugs are also 17MM. This way, only one wrench (or spanner) is needed.
"Every time I start thinking the world is all bad, then I start seeing people out there having a good time on motorcycles; it makes me take another look." -Steve McQueen

Offline Bob Wessner

  • "Carbs Suck!"
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 10,079
Re: 17mm bolt??
« Reply #4 on: January 19, 2006, 06:39:21 AM »
Quote
A 17MM oil filter bolt makes it nice when changing the oil since the sump and tank drain plugs are also 17MM. This way, only one wrench (or spanner) is needed.

Yup, found that to be one of Honda's handier decisions.  :)
We'll all be someone else's PO some day.

Jim Shea

  • Guest
Re: 17mm bolt??
« Reply #5 on: January 19, 2006, 06:44:54 AM »
I will get a 17mm and a new sump bolt for the next oil change.

Offline Gordon

  • Global Moderator
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *****
  • Posts: 12,114
  • 750K1, 550K2
Re: 17mm bolt??
« Reply #6 on: January 19, 2006, 07:00:26 AM »
While we're on the subject of bolt sizes;  what's with the 17mm size anyway?  You see plenty of 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, and 14mm, and then 17mm? ???  Was there just some universal understanding long ago to split the difference between 16 and 18mm to reduce the number of wrenches needed? 

Just drinking thinking too much, I guess. ::)

Jim Shea

  • Guest
Re: 17mm bolt??
« Reply #7 on: January 19, 2006, 07:20:15 AM »
I assume it was because the sump bolt was already 17mm?? are there any other 17mm bolts on the bikes??

Offline Jonesy

  • Shop Rat
  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 2,648
  • "Damn! These HM300 Pipes Are Expensive!!!"
Re: 17mm bolt??
« Reply #8 on: January 19, 2006, 07:25:34 AM »
While we're on the subject of bolt sizes; what's with the 17mm size anyway? You see plenty of 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, and 14mm, and then 17mm? ??? Was there just some universal understanding long ago to split the difference between 16 and 18mm to reduce the number of wrenches needed?

Just drinking thinking too much, I guess. ::)

...or why they go 8, 10, 12, 14, then 17, 19, and then 22mm (rear axle nut)?

...or why car companies use 8, 10, 13 and 16mm, etc ?
"Every time I start thinking the world is all bad, then I start seeing people out there having a good time on motorcycles; it makes me take another look." -Steve McQueen

Offline Gordon

  • Global Moderator
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *****
  • Posts: 12,114
  • 750K1, 550K2
Re: 17mm bolt??
« Reply #9 on: January 19, 2006, 07:38:20 AM »
I assume it was because the sump bolt was already 17mm?? are there any other 17mm bolts on the bikes??

Some of the engine mount bolts are 17mm as well. 

Offline bryanj

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 14,150
  • CB500 Number 1000036
Re: 17mm bolt??
« Reply #10 on: January 19, 2006, 07:52:41 AM »
There is somwhere a "standard" on prefered sizes for bolts--unfortunately the japanese rarely read these documents hence the 12mm spanner size on a 6mm thread Ford happily use 15 and 16mm spanner size bolts!
Semi Geriatric ex-Honda mechanic and MOT tester (UK version of annual inspection). Garage full of "projects" mostly 500/4 from pre 73 (no road tax in UK).

Remember "Its always in the last place you look" COURSE IT IS YOU STOP LOOKIN THEN!

Offline Gordon

  • Global Moderator
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *****
  • Posts: 12,114
  • 750K1, 550K2
Re: 17mm bolt??
« Reply #11 on: January 19, 2006, 08:07:41 AM »
There is somwhere a "standard" on prefered sizes for bolts--unfortunately the japanese rarely read these documents hence the 12mm spanner size on a 6mm thread Ford happily use 15 and 16mm spanner size bolts!

I'm not sure about the newer models, but over here Ford and all the other American car makers still use the old standard fractions-of-inches size bolts and nuts.  That's one of the reasons I keep buying Japanese cars, because I got most of my tools when I had an old VW that used metric sizes and there's no way I'm shelling out the dough for a whole new set of wrenches and sockets!

Offline scott_cb650

  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 145
Re: 17mm bolt??
« Reply #12 on: January 19, 2006, 09:47:38 AM »
Isn't the spark plug 17mm also?
Why worry about tomorrow for tomorrow has enough troubles of it's own.

Offline Gordon

  • Global Moderator
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *****
  • Posts: 12,114
  • 750K1, 550K2
Re: 17mm bolt??
« Reply #13 on: January 19, 2006, 09:53:57 AM »
Isn't the spark plug 17mm also?

The spark plugs are 18mm.

Offline Gordon

  • Global Moderator
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *****
  • Posts: 12,114
  • 750K1, 550K2
Re: 17mm bolt??
« Reply #14 on: January 19, 2006, 10:05:26 AM »
I think the plugs sizes are based on the the thread diameter, and yes it is confusing. :-\

Offline volz1fsu

  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 104
Re: 17mm bolt??
« Reply #15 on: January 19, 2006, 10:20:48 AM »
Where can one of these 17mm Oil filter bolts be had? Already ruined the 12mm end on mine, vice grips work but ruin it more.

Offline SteveD CB500F

  • Global Moderator
  • Old Timer
  • *****
  • Posts: 4,553
  • Ride on the Steel Breeze...
    • TVAM
Re: 17mm bolt??
« Reply #16 on: January 19, 2006, 10:31:03 AM »
You can get them from David Silver Spares

www.davidsilverspares.co.uk

SOHC4 Member #2393
2015 Tiger 800 XRT
1971 CB500K0 (US Model)

Offline Jonesy

  • Shop Rat
  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 2,648
  • "Damn! These HM300 Pipes Are Expensive!!!"
Re: 17mm bolt??
« Reply #17 on: January 19, 2006, 01:09:24 PM »
JC Whitney sells them too. I have one on my bike and it's been good.
"Every time I start thinking the world is all bad, then I start seeing people out there having a good time on motorcycles; it makes me take another look." -Steve McQueen

Offline SteveD CB500F

  • Global Moderator
  • Old Timer
  • *****
  • Posts: 4,553
  • Ride on the Steel Breeze...
    • TVAM
Re: 17mm bolt??
« Reply #18 on: January 19, 2006, 11:44:30 PM »
Maybe 17mm is the closest equivalent to one of the imperial sizes?

Same with 13mm?

Just a thought.
SOHC4 Member #2393
2015 Tiger 800 XRT
1971 CB500K0 (US Model)

Offline mcpuffett

  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 2,354
Re: 17mm bolt??
« Reply #19 on: January 20, 2006, 01:43:03 AM »
14 mm is close to 9/16 if thats any help   :-\ ???  mick.
Honda CB750 KO 1970,   Honda VTX 1300 2006, Lancaster England.

Jim Shea

  • Guest
Re: 17mm bolt??
« Reply #20 on: January 20, 2006, 01:52:38 AM »
Was the bolt bought from Whitney a 'Honda' bolt or just any old 17mm bolt?

Offline Raul CB750K1

  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 3,881
Re: 17mm bolt??
« Reply #21 on: January 20, 2006, 07:35:55 AM »
Do an eBay search, you will find a bunch.


Raul