Hey guys, been awhile since I have posted anything here but I do have a question... Anybody have this problem?

I was washing my bike on the weekend and noticed that the collar at the cylinder connection of the exhaust pipe (right side) was loose. Upon further examination I noticed that the inside bolt was missing and the other was hanging on by a thread (no pun intended).

I have never removed any of these bolts before. Apparently they just backed out on their own. Funny thing is the left side bolts are so tight I can't move them (w/o a bigger wrench that is and some good old WD40)  .
So is this somewhat typical or a one-off??

When I get the replacement bolt (and washer) I'll be using locktite for sure
thanks for your insights.
Dandy D

thats why the dealer has a 600 mile service which mainly includes checking bolts and nuts for tightness...glad it wasnt your wheels or something...

I'm old and sometimes I forget, are you supposed to check all your bolts every 600 miles?  Or can you do it every 3000?  Just a wondering

On a recent 1000 mile round trip to North Carolina I had the same thing happen to me outside Atlanta. I heard a hissing/ rattle sound and low and behold somehow these rusty old bolts had fallen off between Mobile and Atlanta. I stopped at a Home Depot and was able to match up some bolts that were close enuff for my purposes. They are Cap Screw Socket 8mm X 40mm plain steel.  Although the allen bolt size is a 6mm.  SKU #030699827282

-ash

Quote from: Dandy D on July 17, 2006, 09:50:05 PMWhen I get the replacement bolt (and washer) I'll be using locktite for sure

Won't do any harm, but won't help a lot either. Locktite burns up / breaks down at the temperatures you encounter arund the header. Just tighten them sensibly (best to use a torque wrench) and you should be OK.

And on checking bolts regularly: This is in the to-do list of the 8000 mile checkup. And the first one, of course.

Yep, common problem.  Dgyver? nearly lost his exhaust in a race.    

I drilled and wired them on my '96.  I don't like to torque those too much considering they must come off at every oil change  The thought of stripping out the head from repeated cycling and the resulting field repair does not thrill me.  (The V&H exhaust interferes with removal of the oil filter cover.)

Quote from: GeeP on July 18, 2006, 12:05:13 AMI drilled and wired them on my '96. I don't like to torque those too much considering they must come off at every oil change The thought of stripping out the head from repeated cycling and the resulting field repair does not thrill me. (The V&H exhaust interferes with removal of the oil filter cover.)

That's why I have replaced them with stainless steel studs and nuts on mine. I don't have to take them off too often, so no expereince yet on potentaial cold welding of the stainless steel.

I'd recommend a little anti-seize lubricant (available at most auto parts stores) to prevent them from getting stuck in the long-term, as the bolts are steel and the head is aluminum.

Quote from: GeeP on July 18, 2006, 12:05:13 AM
Yep, common problem.  Dgyver? nearly lost his exhaust in a race.    

I drilled and wired them on my '96.  I don't like to torque those too much considering they must come off at every oil change  The thought of stripping out the head from repeated cycling and the resulting field repair does not thrill me.  (The V&H exhaust interferes with removal of the oil filter cover.)

Was not me. I safety wire mine. 

3d

Quote from: MarkusN on July 18, 2006, 12:49:53 AM
That's why I have replaced them with stainless steel studs and nuts on mine. I don't have to take them off too often, so no expereince yet on potentaial cold welding of the stainless steel.

I was thinking about that at the last oil change.  I may do that. 

Wrecent:  Elegant solutions fly out the window as soon as you start packing it in.  On one particular airplane I service the oil filter cartridge is installed face down.  To get to it requires three hands.  Naturally, removal results in 1.5 quarts of oil on the floor.  I do a agree though, a slight bend in each pipe would alleviate the problem.   

stealerships bah i have a 2006 modle gs500f so far 1 bolt has fallen out of the side cover for the motor at about 7000km and the big 1 that hold the zorst on to the rear foot peg at about 800km

Thanks guys. 
I will just have to be deligent and check. I never would have thought that these bolts in particular could just fall off though.  weird.

Pull out the bolts, drill some tiny holes through them, re install and torque them down, and safety wire them. Safety wiring is done on all sorts of parts of airplanes and race cars/bikes. I'm sure you can find some tips on how to do it online. I just safety wired my brake caliper bolts after I changed my pads. better safe than sorey. At my next oil change I plan on installing a magnetic drain bolt and safety wiring that.

I bought my bike with a V&H, and you have to at least loosen the headers to change the oil filter. 2 bolts came out no problem. One was a bit of a fight. The last one was a war. After finally getting the last one out, I replaced all the bolts and anti-siezed the snot out of them.