Air cleaner removal/clean

[Chief Illiniwek]

While waiting for clutch help, I moved onto a/c removal and cleaning on the 10k mile service. Well, one of the three cover bracket screws is stripped. Two of them have nice torx patterns in the middle of them and the third has a circle. I don't know about you guys, but I don't have a CIRCLE BIT, and even if I did, the laws of physics prevent it from doing a damned bit of good. The tech from the 1k or 5k jumped on this poor victim of a screw with a power tool and burned the center out good. F WORD!!!

If you recall, I encountered a stripped oil pan resulting from the dealer-performed 1k or 5k service that was covered up by the dealer tech's liberal use of thread tape. The dealer has since gone out of business so I had no recourse. $360 later, my oil change (and trans) were complete. If you're interested in the whole story, click here:

Torque Wrenches

Chapter two was no less interesting and is still continuing: Clutch adjustment

Should these challenges discourage you from doing your own service? QUITE THE OPPOSITE! The only time anyone but me is touching this beauty from now on if for something I cannot do myself. I have had three challenges so far and two of them were caused by previous service by dealer error. I'm a clueless rookie by comparison, and I've only effed up once, if that (not sure yet what's up with my clutch cable, so the jury is still out).

Lesson learned, again. And, again.

[nipplesurfer]

This is turning into the 100000 mile service story from hell...

Needlenose vice grips come to mind as a solution.

It may be that the only purpose for your life is to serve as a warning to others.

[HDSickness]

Keep at it chief, you should have this service all wrapped up by spring

[Chief Illiniwek]

Originally Posted by HDSickness

Keep at it chief, you should have this service all wrapped up by spring

Richard.

[webco2]

Just another GOOD reason to do ALL your own work.
And a plus side is , you get to have nice shiny tools.



I case you don't know it, I like TOOLS.....

[mrmetal]

A service manual will help you to know how to do most all the service work. As far as the stripped out torx headed bolt. I would take a cutoff wheel and cut a slot in it so you could use a flat screwdriver to get it out and then buy a new bolt. No need to let something like that discourage you. Just keep at it and you'll be okay.

[bikedelic]

Originally Posted by mrmetal

...As far as the stripped out torx headed bolt. I would take a cutoff wheel and cut a slot in it so you could use a flat screwdriver to get it out and then buy a new bolt... Just keep at it and you'll be okay.

10-4 on the above. Dremel tools are inexpensive and can be used to cut a slot in the bolt head as suggested above. Best of luck, you will be glad you are doing yourself in the long run.

[Big D.]

Chief, I have been following your progress so far and have to say that you are doing a great job! I admire the fact that you are not letting minor setbacks deter you. Threads like these are what make this forum so great.
Keep the updates coming!

[GotGold]

Be patient my friend, and be thankful you made the decision to do your own wrenching. My last bike was butchered, and it was an older bike... can you imagine all the happy surprises I ran into. You've got a newer one, its not gonna take a lot of time to get her ironed out. Depending on that screw's location you can also introduce it to Mr. Chisel, a very sharp chisel on one edge as you are trying to loosen will knock it loose.

[chasarms]

Chief,

When I run across fubar-ed fasteners, my first choice it to try my EZ-outs.

They are basically a set of reverse-threaded, conical doohickeys that work awesome in removing just your sort of problems.

They are quite utilitarian and not too expensive. I highly recommend.

Charles