| Author | Message | ||
     Arit |
I recently purchased an 02 XB9R gave it a service and when I removed the rear plug I realised the thread was damaged and plug won't seat properly now! Can the thread be helicoiled or similar? can the engine be rotated so it can be done without removing the head? if the engine does need to come out any idea of time cost involved to complete job? Any help appreciated - cheers | ||
| Sub65chris |
Have you called a dealer to see what they say?. I would be carefull of drilling and tapping without removing the head, you know metal shavings adn all in the cylinder ready to get thrown around and cause trouble. have you checked hte knowledge vault? | ||
| Spatten1 |
If you do clean up the threads with a sparkplug thread tap, put lots of grease on the tap to catch the metal shavings. | ||
| 3reg3 |
After discussing my options with a few mechanics I did the following: 1) Tried to re-tap with 12mm x 1.25 tap. That failed because there was not enough metal to cut groves into. 2) Re-Taped with 14mm x 1.25 (car size) and found plug with similar heat range. I coated the cutting teeth of the tap with grease to have most of the shavings stick. I then rigged a small hose to my vacuum and put it into the cylinder and spent about 20 mins just twisting and poking around trying to get any tiny shavings that may have fallen in. Using a heli-coil was definately my first option. The reason I went with the other option was for a couple of reasons. First in order to drill out the rear cylinder I would have had to pull the head out because of space and metal shavings issues. Secondly I am in the understanding that a heli-coil will never be as permanent as good threads. I also spoke to 3 different mechanics who said that as long as the plug fits correctly, (thread length, proper sealing on the head) and has the similar or cooler heat range there should be no issues. I have run about 350 miles so far without any issues. | ||
| Arit |
cheers guys so what about these time serts? can they be fitted with the motor in place? | ||
| Whitexc |
An '02 XB??? | ||
| Punkid8888 |
I like your solution. definitely let us know how it goes in the long run. | ||
| Arit |
it says May 2002 on the frame sticker? has anyone else had this problem before with the rear cylinder plug hole stripping? and used inserts to repair it? | ||
| Spatten1 |
Mine was made in 2002 also, but it's a 2003 model year. Don't sweat it. | ||
| Jos51700 |
I have faced this issue on a few and always replaced the head because I didn't want to remove any metal so near to the valve seats and lose a seat. I hope this works out well for you! A machinist or engine builder would know more about the seat-press-fit, but I just played it safe. | ||
| Semirgdj |
I had the same problem on a used XB9. It cost me $800 for a new head and labor. I got it done at the dealer. I didn't want to risk getting metal in the engine. Also I was afraid that the heli-coil would fail and blow the plug through the frame (now I doubt that would actually happen) | ||
| Sgthigg |
If that did happen on the rear, holy crap..I dont think the wife would be to happy..  | ||
| Percyco |
An '02 XB??? I have the 2002 Buell sales catalog and there is a XB9R in it along with the tubers. I noticed that it has a very small belt idler pulley compared to the 03 models. | ||
| Arit |
I've noticed a few other 02 XB's for sale locally | ||
| Point_doc |
I had this happen to my rear head. I used this $9.00 item and it repaired my threads without any problems. http://www.usatoolwarehouse.com/usatoolwarehouse/S TR-1013A.html I applied primary lube to the threads and ran the thread restorer a couple of turned at a time in and then removed/cleaned/reapplied another coat of oil to the tool until the spark plug restorer was completely thru the hole. Then I put a small diameter plastic hose on the end of the shop-vac nozzle attachment and then vacuumed out the cylinder. If you own a Buell or Harley, you should buy one for that..."OH-SHIT" moment!!! (Message edited by Point_doc on April 19, 2008) (Message edited by Point_doc on April 19, 2008) (Message edited by Point_doc on April 19, 2008) | ||
| Jos51700 |
"I noticed that it has a very small belt idler pulley compared to the 03 models." That's a pre-production photograph. They released as early '03 models. |
