You're correct, if a bolt head is already damaged or the metal is soft
chances for extraction go south quick. But, I have filed the edges to the
next size and had good results. Breaker bars are another solution but you
still need something to grab on to.
The question is why do these threaded parts lock themselves into place
and are so hard to remove?
When you work with steel threading into Aluminum threads the issue
comes up about electrolysis. Steel, although not as much as brass causes
exfoliation to/on the aluminum. I have said it here before, using used
bolts that have had the cad or zinc plating warn off can cause all kinds of
hell. Spending a small portion of your rebuilding funds on replating bolts,
nuts and washers that you want to reuse can save big dividends. It's not
all pretty, there is a reason for replating fasteners. And, when you have
them replated a few bolts will come back with black lines in the threads,
this is a tell-tail sign of stress cracks in the bolt, indicating they
should be looked at to make sure it isn't just dirt. If you have ever
snapped off a bolt in a thread that is not only hard to get at but requires
some disassembly, you will be glad you had that small thin black line in the
threads to check out. And, on the pretty side, it keeps the aluminum
surface from exfoliating (that white powder junk that dulls aluminum) We
have all seen it. You bead blasted the cases and covers giving them all
that gleaming new aluminum look. Then a year or so after you got everything
back on the road the aluminum is looking gray and powdery. Then something
needs to be fixed and the bolts are locked in place. It's a story told over
and over around the work bench.
Bill
-----Original Message-----
From: anzhonda600owners@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:anzhonda600owners@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of Bruce Dewing
Sent: Monday, October 09, 2006 6:52 AM
To: anzhonda600owners@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [anzhonda600owners] RE: [2cylinderhondas] Tensioner Stuck
There is more sholder contact with 6 point. However, I rounded of the
tensioner bolt with a 6 point pneumactic socket, no chrome, blackened.
This is where the main brand vs. cheap imports make a difference. The
inport sockets have thinner sidewalls and can fracture.
Back to the original post, try using a 1/2 breaker bar, then if no
movement use a cheater pipe (extension to slide over the handle). If that
doesn't budge, try the pneumatic wrench.
Bruce
----- Original Message ----
From: billmyong@...
To: Anzhonda600owners ;
2cylinderhondas@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, October 9, 2006 2:40:55 AM
Subject: [anzhonda600owners] RE: [2cylinderhondas] Tensioner Stuck
6 point sockets do the trick. I too have rounded some bolt heads with a
12 point socket or wrench.
Bill
-----Original Message-----
From: 2cylinderhondas@ yahoogroups. com [mailto:2cylinderho
ndas@yahoogroups .com]On Behalf Of tralfaz42@sbcglobal .net
Sent: Sunday, October 08, 2006 12:45 PM
To: 2cylinderhondas@ yahoogroups. com
Subject: Re: [2cylinderhondas] Tensioner Stuck
Yes. I've rounded one off by using a pneumatic wrench trying to bust it
free.
The fix for bolts with rounded heads is to weld a socket to it. Not
usable anymore, but it's better than leaving the part in.
Bruce
----- Original Message ----
From: Bill
To: 2cylinderhondas@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Sunday, October 8, 2006 6:38:23 AM
Subject: [2cylinderhondas] Tensioner Stuck
Anyone ran into this before? I am trying to get my tensioner out and
it is stuck tight!! Tried the penetrant spray and that didn't work. I
am not anxious to try to heat it as there is other stuff close by.
Tanks for any help,
Bill in Missouri