Successful Repair of stripped and cracked valve cover bolts

[carquestman1]

I recently removed the valve covers on the right side of my 1100RT to discover that the lower two bolts were not only stripped out but the one had two serious looking cracks with a large piece ready to fall out. I installed a helicoil on the easy one but the other one was was scary looking and I wasn't sure of how to repair it short of removing the head and having it welded up. I checked with the dealer and a new head is $500. I removed the chunk that was ready to fall out and I thought I would try to build up the missing metal with JB Weld and drill, tap and install a helicoil. I used the JB Weld as glue to replace the big chunk that had came off the head and put a couple of layers on top of it. I let it set over night and this evening I was able to drill it and install the helicoil. I put the valve cover back on being careful not to tighten it too tight. I went for a one hour ride and it seems to be holding just fine at this point. The repair cost me about $6.00. I'm happy.

Bob

[USAF1]

Good for you!!

You entered this into your book of "Life's Experiences", right?

 

Pat

[Rob L]

Been there. Time to buy a torque wrech that measurers in inch/lbs.