A reminder about torque wrenches...

[Bluesmudge]

I'm cheap, so I decided I could torque down my cams with my 3/4" torque wrench, instead of spending $30 on a cheap 1/4" wrench that works in inch pounds. I knew that a torque wrench is not very accurate at the bottom end of its range but I did it anyways. Then I snapped the bolt and now I am out over $100 for a screw extractor set and a properly sized torque wrench.

Why does it seem like I only end up with cool new tools after making a stupid decision? Anyways, learn from me and buy a precision torque wrench for those little bolts.

[xunedeinx]

Good info, I dont have Any right now!

When I work on cars, the goodntight method usually works, dont seem that way on bikes, though

[bombsquad83]

I just did the exact same thing 3 days ago on one of my valve cover bolts, and without a torque wrench I broke one of the same bolts you did before that.

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=58463.0 <- see how I got my snapped bolt out in reply 15 and 16.  Had to drop the engine out so I could get at it.  If you have trouble let me know.

[Bluesmudge]

Were you able to get the cam journal bolt out with a left hand drill bit?

Also, was your engine/head on or off the bike? I would love to get it out without taking the head off again because I would maybe then need new gaskets/copper washers? I think with a drill extension I can get the angle I need on the bolt.


Edit: I see you answered my question in your edit. I don't want to drop the engine if I don't have to. I'll try the drill extension first.

[bombsquad83]

It depends which journal cap bolt it is.  Some of them I think I could have gotten the proper angle without taking the engine out of the frame.  I broke the one toward the front of the bike on the right exhaust valve, so I had to drop the engine out of the frame to get the angle.  Mine came out with the 3/32" left-handed bit after drilling one hole with a 1/16" left handed bit.  You shouldn't have to take the head off.

[slipperymongoose]

Chalk it up to expirence and move on. Hope it works out for u.

[Bluesmudge]

Mine is the farther back bolt on the right exhaust valve, so still very far into the frame. I tested it with a long strait stick to see if I was going to be able to get the correct angle and it looked like it was not going to work.

So, I popped the head off again. I figured this would be much easier than taking the engine out of the frame. The head gaskets and copper o-ring gaskets look the same as when I put them on in the first place (the bike has not been run since then) so I don't think I will have to replace them.
The tools I ordered should be here in a few days and then I can get back to work. I think the bolt should come out easy because there is no rust or anything like on exterior bolts.

[Bluesmudge]

Update for anyone who ever finds this thread helpful:

Pulled the head and used a left hand drill bit and screw extractor to pull the broken bolt out. Worked great, no fuss. A powerful center-punch helped to start the drill in the right place.

My new torque wrench comes tomorrow and then I can try this again with the proper torque setting. Let's hope there is no more drama!

[bombsquad83]

Nice work!  That method worked great for me too.  Just be sure to get all the metal shavings from drilling clear from your cams.