Stripped Bolt - Opinion

[jbh]

I changed by alternator belt and to get the cover off I removed the right hand side shark fin (after I had removed the side panels.) I removed the shark fin a few days ago and rode the bike without the bolts and I noticed a small oil leak I assume from the bolts not being in (I did not realize they were necessary to seal the gasket). Now my real issue: when I retighted them I thought my haynes manual said 20nm so I guessed at the top one because the torque wrench would not fit. That one is fine now. The lower one I used the torque wrench and it stripped. I backed the screw out and I found abougt 2 complete turns of thread on the screws. I reinserted the screw and tightened as tight as possible with out stripping it worse, maybe 4nm???

 

Do you think I have anything to worry about? This is just one of several bolts that hold this gasket tight. I guess I can watch it to make sure there are no oil leaks in the future from this area.

 

Opinions please.

 

Thanks.

[Ken H.]

Watch it for seepage, but I'm betting it will be fine.

[Clive Liddell]

But don't forget it secures the shark fin and relevant tupperware. I hate unnecessary r&r of small bolts into aluminium and that's why I cut my plastic alternator cover in half. Now it's "easy" to remove - OK - "easier" than before

[smiller]

You will probably see a little bit of seepage and if you don't mind that then otherwise you are probably OK. Personally I think I'd repair it with a helicoil though just for peace of mind.

[jbh]

Thanks for the replys. I washed the area off today and I will drive it a few times to see how much sepage there is. I took a 20 minute ride today and rode the engine hard and I think I see a little sepage but not enough to be concerned about. If after multiple rides it starts dripping I may have to do something about it.