| Author | Message | ||
     Blackandchrome |
Top left exhaust stud bolt on the front head. 2002 X1 lightning The helicoil stripped out of my header bolt and I'm trying to figure out the best way to fix it. I was thinking drilling to the next bolt size, but a 7/16" bit is loose in the opening. I don't think there's enough room to go to a 1/2" bolt. Has anyone been able to weld it without removing the heads from the bike? If so, anything special I need to look out for? I have a full time welder where I work and can get him to do it if I tell him how. Can he use any type of aluminum filler or does he need to be specific to the head's alloy (anyone know what it is?) Could I just shift the flange 90 degree and drill two new holes? | ||
| Drhacknstine |
+1 on the shift 90 degrees. Seen this done to many big twins and sportsters alike. | ||
| Oldog |
dont think you can go 90 look at all possible obstacles before cutting metal weld up is do-able, had front mount fixed by cyclerama.. | ||
| Smoke |
it's always recommended to remove the head for welding it up. prevents stray arcing in bearings or other parts you don't want stuck together. otoh i've seen it done many times. good luck! tim | ||
| Blackandchrome |
I was able to get it welded on the bike this morning. I moved the gas tank as far back as I could and disconnected the positive terminal on the battery. We grinded a small section of the head near the welding location for a solid ground. I'm dropping the bike off to get it drilled and tapped tonight. Hopefully everything goes smooth. Looking at it again, welding is much better than shifting it 90 degrees. It MIGHT be able to fit, but there isn't alot of aluminum holding it. |
