| Author | Message | ||
     Buellster164 |
A few day ago I purchased a 97 S1. I knew at the time of purchase about the dreaded front head bolt issue and figured. I'm a mechanic no problem. Well two nights later and a dog who is scared to come near me because of all of cussing and throwing things in the garage, I need help. It looks like I may have to pull the head to finish the bolt repair but it leads me to a bigger question. If I am unable to repair my head what other Buells head will bolt right on and replace my front cylinder, Do any of the Sporty heads fit off the shelf? Thanks in advance. PS. I'm tickled piss pink to own this things. I've road raced bikes for years and always liked this bike. I'm old enough now to appreciate it and plan on having this bike in my stables for a lonnnnng time of fun riding Jack WMRRA/OMRRA #164 (retired) Formula USA #169 (retired) AMA/CCS 169 (retired) Track day junkie wheneveri can | ||
| Jolly |
What damage is done to the head? Is it broken or do you just need to repair the threads?? I had to repair the threads and used a time-sert tool set and insert!. Worked brilliantly!! Did not have to remove the head to repair! I did a write up here on the job. PM me if you can't find it... Be happy to help! | ||
| Jolly |
http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/476 23/728956.html?1388882476 | ||
| Buellster164 |
The bolt broke off pretty deep in the hole. When I tried to drill the bolt for the EZ-out the drill bit walked on me and went off to one side and into the threads of the cylinder. I'm going to try and use a rotary burr tip tomorrow and see if I can continue to remove the bolt but it doesn't look good at this point. I have a Heli-coil ready to go but im afraid it might be too late | ||
| Jolly |
Don't use a heli-coil for this application. Heli-coil really isn't the best for this kind of stressed high torque point. Don't use an easy out, it will break and leave you in worse shape, no experience with that, I'm just passing on the proven advice of many people here. American Sport Bike sells a tool for this that works much better and won't break. How far down did it break? How badly did you dig into the threads? With a time sert you drill it out anyway then screw in a full insert instead of a coil so you may still be ok once you get the bolt out. http://www.timesert.com | ||
| Jolly |
By the way, WELCOME to the world of Buells and this forum!!! | ||
| S1owner |
If correct there is a Jims tool for this. Worse case you can get new/ used parts they are plentifully. Talk to Al at asb he can help you with advise new bolts etc. try to get ahold of Buellistic from this site he can email you his 101 classes and it addresses all the small issues and corrective measures very handy | ||
| Bluzm2 |
Guess we should get a bit of clarification. Is it the header bolt on the exhaust port or is it one of the isolator mount bolts? | ||
| Dannybuell |
I have had this happen a few times on my S1. The first time was traditional, the second and third times it came using an air tool and a Reverse drill bit. It will walk right out, if it doesn't you are ready for an easy out. This all happened years ago. At the time Buell motor mount bolts were on national backorder. I eventually ended up at a specialty fastener store, they had some super better than grade 8 bolts and washers that have been in the bike for 12-15 years. Check your isolators. the front is very important. Besides lousy handling, a bad front isolator may add more stress to those front head bolts. the rear isolators have a hook to catch the tube frame in the event that one of them tears. Oregon and Washington MRRA? Jack, you must know Doc Brown! I have bought a lot of Dunlops from that guy. When things are important to him he gets so excited! I would go in there and so many times there was an OMRRA road racer stepping up for something. I have learned a lot from that old racer. Everybody that knows Gene has learned something. | ||
| Lakes |
Buellster164 Not sure if your model has the thunderstorm heads, but if it does you can't interchange with other sportster heads, as pistons match that chamber hope you get broken bolt out ok. i got one out 4 years back, no more trouble yet. | ||
| Buellster164 |
It is official... I am screwed. The head is ruined. I could not get the bolt to move with an EZout so I tried to just drill the bolt out and the drill ended up walking inward and into the a passage onside the head. If anyone is willing to help I guess i need to start off first by finding out what type of heads I have so i can begin looking for a replacement forward cylinder. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance, Jack | ||
| S1owner |
Heres a nice set of thunderstorms http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web& id=151630047839 | ||
| Buellster164 |
S1owner. I have been doing some reading and am I thought that the 97 S1 had lightning heads and that the thunderstorm heads will not work. Am i incorrect? | ||
| S1owner |
Heres some standard heads http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/for/49078373 32.html | ||
| S1owner |
They will work I am not sure if you would need to do anything else with them though many have upgraded to thise heads | ||
| Ratbuell |
Thunderstorm heads require thunderstorm pistons. | ||
| Screamer |
I'll look to see if I have a lightning front head. | ||
| Buellster164 |
Awesome, Thanks Screamer | ||
| Xbpete |
That sux Jack,,, Could possible check with Dan an NRHS,,, he might could fix your head,,, Bulliedan here on the BW | ||
| Phelan |
I know we can fix that head if you send it in. It may or may not he cost effective, but it can be done. We would drill out all the junk left in there, weld it all up, mill it flat, and re-drill the hole. Been done here before. | ||
| Phelan |
BTW those Thunderstorms you linked S1owner have similar damage and would need the same repair. | ||
| Screamer |
Buellster164 My parts list shows I have a couple of front lightning heads. Should be able to dig them out today and confirm what I have and what shape they're in. R | ||
| Screamer |
Buellster, I have heads - sent you a PM. R |
