Stripped head bolt threads

Discuss everything about Honda GoldWing. Feel free to ask any question related to GoldWing.

Moderators: CYBORG, Oldewing, robin1731, Forum Moderators

Post Reply
User avatar
Old Fogey
Honored Life Member
Honored Life Member
Posts: 7702
Joined: Mon Aug 27, 2007 11:31 pm
Location: Glasgow, Scotland
Contact:

Stripped head bolt threads

#1

Post by Old Fogey »

Well, I guess it had to happen some time. Never had a probelm with all the engines I have rebuilt, but fortunately this is my own bike, not a customer engine.
This is the 79 GL1000 that has been sitting dead since I bought it many years ago. I found so many problems that I basically lost interest in it. However, I need the space so it needs to go. So knowing that the left head was leaking I pulled it, cleaned it and the valves up, new valve seals, lapped valves and went to refit it. I had cleaned the treads in the block with a tap, nothing much in the way debris removed, so greased up the bolts and got to maybe 30 ft/lbs and one bolt let go. So, ok, lets see if any othersare going to do the same. Sure enough, another one at about 35 ft/lbs.
That is a real bummer.
So, anyone got ideas on fixing, preferably in frame? With my spinal problems I'm not supposed to be pulling 200lb engines onto the bench (tho I will if I have too!). I guess Helicoils would be one answer but that's a big ask to get them drilled straight in frame.

EDIT: well, just looked at an old thread from 2013 with someone doing exactly that. So I guess I get ordering a Helicoil kit.
"Impossible Is Just a Level of Difficulty!..."
If I'd wanted you to understand, I would have explained it better! (Johann Cruyff)
I’d give my right arm to be ambidextrous! :-D
User avatar
gltriker
Honored Life Member
Honored Life Member
Posts: 5053
Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2010 9:11 pm
Location: central NY State

Re: Stripped head bolt threads

#2

Post by gltriker »

Hello John!
Taking into consideration the need to keep the HeliCoil pilot drill bit straight , I wondered if putting the cylinder head back onto the engine, if there is diameters' clearance in the bolt hole, would possibly serve as a makeshift drill bit guide .
Cliff (74yrs ;) )

Keep your eyes and ears open and you'll learn something new, everyday. tumb2

New users please visit our "Shop Talk" for common tips and help: <---jdvorchak
http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/page/ST
^^^^^^^click up here^^^^^ :oldies

RE: a thorough fuel tank cleaning
"And your carbs will thank you. They no longer live down stream from a sewage plant." -gregforesi tumb2
"Can't see the paint when your looking thru the handlebars..........." -Oldewing ;)
"I'd rather Ride than Shine" -RAT tumb2 Me Too!!

Cliff

'75 GL1000 home built trike; http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=39996
October,2017 BOTM :shock: https://nakedgoldwingsclub.com/forum/page/Welcome

previous rides:
1953 H-D Servi-car, naked, 1969-1978 (serial#53G1559 committed to memory!)
1980 CB900 Custom (triked) 1997-2003 .... R.I.P.
User avatar
Old Fogey
Honored Life Member
Honored Life Member
Posts: 7702
Joined: Mon Aug 27, 2007 11:31 pm
Location: Glasgow, Scotland
Contact:

Re: Stripped head bolt threads

#3

Post by Old Fogey »

Hi Cliff,
I ordered a Helicoil set last night. The drill would not be long enough to go through the head and down into the block, unfortunately as that would had been one answer. My best bet is someone else eyeing it from the side while I check it from the top. I'm going to do all 6 as I don't want to do those two and have another strip, besides not trusting any threads that are left to hold a final torque. I was going to overhaul the other head as well, but i guess not!!
"Impossible Is Just a Level of Difficulty!..."
If I'd wanted you to understand, I would have explained it better! (Johann Cruyff)
I’d give my right arm to be ambidextrous! :-D
pjlogue
Billet Alum. Member
Billet Alum. Member
Posts: 278
Joined: Thu Jun 07, 2018 8:30 am

Re: Stripped head bolt threads

#4

Post by pjlogue »

i would think that the original bolt hole (providing the bolt isn't broken off in the hole) would suffice as a pilot hole to keep the drill going straight. Just keep an eye on the depth and you should be ok to drill it out with the helicoil drill bit and then tap it for the helicoil. Use cutting oil for both the drill and tap.

-P.
User avatar
Old Fogey
Honored Life Member
Honored Life Member
Posts: 7702
Joined: Mon Aug 27, 2007 11:31 pm
Location: Glasgow, Scotland
Contact:

Re: Stripped head bolt threads

#5

Post by Old Fogey »

pjlogue wrote: Mon Dec 06, 2021 7:21 am i would think that the original bolt hole (providing the bolt isn't broken off in the hole) would suffice as a pilot hole to keep the drill going straight. Just keep an eye on the depth and you should be ok to drill it out with the helicoil drill bit and then tap it for the helicoil. Use cutting oil for both the drill and tap.

-P.
Thanks for the reply. Robin also said the same thing in a PM. No broken bolts, just no thread left. but I will still have another pair of eyes on it, just to be sure.
"Impossible Is Just a Level of Difficulty!..."
If I'd wanted you to understand, I would have explained it better! (Johann Cruyff)
I’d give my right arm to be ambidextrous! :-D
User avatar
pidjones
SUPER BIKER!!!!
SUPER BIKER!!!!
Posts: 3237
Joined: Wed May 22, 2013 4:06 pm
Location: East TN

Re: Stripped head bolt threads

#6

Post by pidjones »

Some hand drills have a built-in level, but I've never trusted them. You could jig up a fixture to attach a spirit level to the drill to keep one axis correct (assuming the engine level).
"Love 'em all.... let God sort 'em out!"
Ex 2006 GL1800 - the Black Pearl SOLD! to make room for:
2021 Can-Am Spyder RT Limited Dark Chalk Metallic
1975 Red GL1000 project - ex Pistol Pete project
1972 Triumph T150V Trident rescue - finished and FOR SALE!
1976 Yamaha RD400c
1978 GL1000 with '75 engine - the Hunley
Ex 1978 GL1000
Ex 1979 GL1000
Ex '79 CB750F rat bike
Ex '86 SEi
Ex '77 GL1000
Ex '76 RD400
Ex '72 Penton 125 set up for flat track
Ex '73 RD250
Ex '68 TR6C - chopped
Shadowjack
Silver Member
Silver Member
Posts: 654
Joined: Fri May 26, 2017 11:07 am

Re: Stripped head bolt threads

#7

Post by Shadowjack »

I would try making a drill guide out of a piece of hardwood that was thin enough to let the bit reach but thick enough to keep it square.
User avatar
5speed
Honored Life Member
Honored Life Member
Posts: 5312
Joined: Sat Jul 11, 2015 2:37 pm
Location: Nova Scotia Canada

Re: Stripped head bolt threads

#8

Post by 5speed »

have you tried googling the drill bit size to see if you can get an extra long one that would allow you to use the head as a guide?
1982 1100 standard. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)

2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
User avatar
Old Fogey
Honored Life Member
Honored Life Member
Posts: 7702
Joined: Mon Aug 27, 2007 11:31 pm
Location: Glasgow, Scotland
Contact:

Re: Stripped head bolt threads

#9

Post by Old Fogey »

5speed wrote: Mon Dec 06, 2021 10:28 am have you tried googling the drill bit size to see if you can get an extra long one that would allow you to use the head as a guide?
Thanks for the thought. As yet I have not but that thought had crossed my mind.
"Impossible Is Just a Level of Difficulty!..."
If I'd wanted you to understand, I would have explained it better! (Johann Cruyff)
I’d give my right arm to be ambidextrous! :-D
User avatar
robin1731
Membership Admin
Membership Admin
Posts: 21724
Joined: Mon May 29, 2006 8:31 am
Location: Decatur, Indiana

Re: Stripped head bolt threads

#10

Post by robin1731 »

Making this way too difficult. ;) anim-cheers1

Or way over thinking it. Take your pick. lolol
1976 Goldwing Super Sport
1985 Honda Elite
1976 KZ900 Dragbike
1992 ZX7 Dragbike (KZ900 style motor w/NOS)
and a rotation of various purchases
Randakk approved Carb Rebuilder
User avatar
Old Fogey
Honored Life Member
Honored Life Member
Posts: 7702
Joined: Mon Aug 27, 2007 11:31 pm
Location: Glasgow, Scotland
Contact:

Re: Stripped head bolt threads

#11

Post by Old Fogey »

Well...........maybe. But anyway, I have ordered a long series 10.3mm drill. The way my luck has been lately I need to take all the precautions I can.
"Impossible Is Just a Level of Difficulty!..."
If I'd wanted you to understand, I would have explained it better! (Johann Cruyff)
I’d give my right arm to be ambidextrous! :-D
Post Reply
  • Similar Topics
    Replies
    Views
    Last post

Return to “GoldWing Tech Discussions”