| Author | Message | ||
     Johnnyvince |
I've got a question someone may be able to help me with. Situation: I've removed both cylinders from my 2000 X1 and found a small but significant pile of metal shrapnel at the base of one of the cylinder studs of the rear cylinder (right rear stud). No shrapnel at any other stud. All studs look okay. Question: Is this a danger sign of something to be taken care of before assembly? Any input is appreciated. | ||
| Edv |
I am assuming this shrapnel you refer to is located inside of the studhole of the cylinder and the stud itself correct? This is corrosion caused moisture accumulating in the stud bore of the cylinder causing it to corrode. I just did a topend on a 96 softail with the same ailment, the studs on the right rear of both cylinders had a mound of corrosion around them when I lifted the cylinders up with the rear being the worst and it had actually eroded into the case somewhat but all of the other studs were clean. What I did when I reassembled the top end was to smear anti-sieze on the studs to minimize the corroding. Other than this I am at a loss as to what to do to stop the corroding because it is a hot-cold thing causing the sweating in the first place. The fellow with the softail mentioned here lives in michigan and the bike is in a unheated garage so I attributed this to his problem, if you are from a cold climate and your garage is not heated this may be what caused your corrosion also. Ed | ||
| Johnnyvince |
You're right about the location of the corrosion. I was quick to gently brush/vaccum the pile away so it wouldn't fall into the case so I never examined it closely and assumed it was shrapnel. I do live in Chicago as far as the cold climate thing goes. I'll try the anti-seize on the studs before I put it back together and with any luck it'll be a long while before I know whether or not it helped prevent more corrosion. Good call on this one, I appreciate your help. | ||
| Ceejay |
Not positive, but this can sometimes be attributed to a galvanic reaction, two parts directly in contact but of two different materials with a catalyst-oil, water, etc. Often happens with certain grades of Al-the crankcase, and steel-the studs, the antiseeze may or may not correct. I'll see if I can find some more info on this. I've seen it happen to my plow truck on the rear trasfer case-ate right through the back case and ended up having to replace the whole damn unit. Your situation is not nearly as extreme but interesting nonetheless. |
