Topic: Exhaust header bolt removal

[Douglas.birnbaum]

Does any one have tips for removing the exhaust head bolts from the head?

Cheers and thanks

[Johnie]

Welcome to the board Doug. Which bike you talking about here? If it is the 750 I soak it with some PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench and use a impact driver to remove the bolts. On mine with the OEM pipes I have philips flat head holding my header spigots on there. Just take your time you certainly do not want to round those things out. When you get a chance post a pic of your ride. One thing you will notice here is we like pics!!! Again, welcome...there are a ton of guys here that just enjoy keeping these bikes on the road and helping each other out with advise and parts. Let us know how you come out.

[Douglas.birnbaum]

Johnie,
  Thanks for the reply, I have a 76 Hondamatic that I'm rebuilding into a Cafe. The exhaust pipe bolts are the old ones that have duel threads on both ends. A friend suggested some heat and then work them out. But it's anyone's game at this point I'm still open to suggestions.

[Johnie]

Before heat try the Liquid Wrench, penetrating oil or PB Blaster is what a lot of guys here like. Take your time and let it work overnight. Then gently turn the bolts with a 6 point socket. Don't force it. Last resort use the heat if needed. I would hate to see you have to drill them out.

[chickenman_26]

The exhaust pipe bolts are the old ones that have duel threads on both ends.

Those are referred to as studs. Unless you really need to remove them, your best bet is to leave them in and clean them with a small wire brush attached to a Dremel tool. To get them out, run two 8 mm nuts onto the threads, and tighten the nuts together. Then use an open end wrench on the inner nut to back the stud out - the outer nut to tighten. Use slowly increasing pressure - don't jerk or pound on the wrench. Once you get the stud to turn a bit, apply penetrating oil as you work the stud back and forth. It'll eventually move more easily and come out without damaging either the stud or head.

Stu