| Author | Message | ||
     Lostcause |
I have a 2000 S3T with 16500 miles on it. The front upper motor mount broke, and I later found out the cause was one of the mount bolts broke off inside the head.So I bought an aluminum mount from American Sport Bike. (those guys are great). Anyway, I took it to a friend of a friend to have the broken bolt extracted, and while it was there, he called and said "why don't I just install the new mount while it's here?) This was before I knew what I know now. So, let's skip over all the drama that followed, after I found out that instead of extracting the broken bolt, he shortened and installed the new one. I just rode the bike. Until the bolt broke again. Here is what I have today. Front motor mount bolts on the top of the head are egg shaped, and the broken bolt is still in there. The billet mount can, I think, be saved with a sleeve.So I need a front Tstorm head. Hard to find. Anyone have a source? Or do I buy a pair off later heads? Newer than 04? Do I need to need to change pistons? I know I will need to buy another billet mount with the correct bolt spacing for the new heads,if I go that way. Yippee. What about new style rocker boxes and breathers, If I stay with tstorm eads? And, what is the best style of air cleaner to go to, since I the billet mounts don't have the S3 breadbox support? I am just a tad pissed and frustrated, cause this is gonna cost some dollars, and I just want to ride my bike. I live in northern Wisconsin, and riding season is approaching. Any help I can get would be appreciated. Thanks Guys. | ||
| Andersonhdj |
Would it not be possible to use an Easy-out" to extract the broken off piece(s)? A picture would help to better understand the problem. There are various options to broken bolt removal which would be "First Prize" as it means minimal intervention therefore less spent! | ||
| Buelliedan |
I too would try to fix the head properly first before going out and buying a new head as that will run about $400 and up. As far as air cleaners go I am biased towards the hurricane flow from NRHS. | ||
| Kenny_gilgore |
If you have to remove the head to get at the broken stud I would take the head to an automotive machine shop and let them remove the stud. It is child's play for them. If you can get at the stud while on the bike, start by center punching a center on the stud and then spraying with PB Blaster penetrating oil frequently, for as many days as possible. Then the first thing to start with is a left handed drill bit and a powerful electric drill that turns very, very, slow. Left hand twist drill bits are available from industrial supply houses. And while you are at the supply house get the appropriate size Easy Out and you will need a Tap Wrench to hold it. Get a product called Never Seize and paint the threads on the new stud with it before assembly. I am not much of a mechanic, but from experience I know that Left Hand Twist drill bits will work 9 out of 10 times. Kenny G | ||
| Lostcause |
Ok, I took the head to a machine shop and found the following-removing the broken bolt is a piece of cake for them. Also, they looked it over closely and they feel they can do a solid repair on the oval shaped left bolt hole. Estimate is $350 and should be stronger than stock. I also found out that the Thunderstorm heads are still available through HD. $500, but at least I can get one if I have to. Also, thanks Buelliedan, I will check out that air cleaner. I guess I will have to get used to the idea of just not having fairing lowers on my S3t. So be it. I just wanna ride! Thanks for the responses guys. Ride forever. | ||
| Reepicheep |
I bet you can find a used head on ebay for $350 or less. Replace the valve seals, mic the valves and springs, and either replace anything out of spec with new or with in spec parts from your existing head. Then you can keep your current head as well knowing that it is also repairable. That's pretty much what I did when a Corolla broke my rear head frame mount on my Uly. | ||
| Lostcause |
Dammit Reep! I had it all figured out and knew what I was gonna do. Then you came along and made a suggestion that makes sense. Now I gotta re-compute. In other words, thanks and I'm gonna check out ebay. | ||
| Reepicheep |
 I can delete the post if you would rather.  (Its probably close either way, my way you just end up with a few extra parts your kids will have to throw away when they clean out your garage many years from now after you die ) | ||
| Lostcause |
Yea ya know yer right. Sometimes I feel like I am just gathering things together for the next guy. Oh well. All part of the deal, I guess. I think I'll have to go for a ride and think on it..... | ||
| Buelliedan |
good luck finding a good thunderstorm head on e-bay. They have become very rare and very expensive. | ||
| Lostcause |
Yea, Buelliedan, yer right. Heads on ebay are stupid expensive, and I didn't find many. I can't believe it, but I think the best solution is to buy one at the H.D. dealer. It's a crazy world, someone should sell tickets. |
