Broken Cylinder Head Cover to Head Bolt Holes

[Guest]

1982 GS550M Katana:

I posted this in my ongoing build thread but thought I'd pose the question on it's own as well... I through my motor up on the lift to start tearing through it and immediately saw this on the head...





Looks like someone forced too long a bolt on these two cover bolts???

Anyone have any experience in my repair options? Or should I just be looking for a new head?

Thanks in advance!

Mike

[almarconi]

It depends on what the head is made out of. If aluminum it can be repaired. If you can source a head for $50-100 it may be cheaper to buy a used head. I would inspect the head you have to see if there are any other damaged areas.

[mv577]

It depends on what the head is made out of. If aluminum it can be repaired. If you can source a head for $50-100 it may be cheaper to buy a used head. I would inspect the head you have to see if there are any other damaged areas.

Ya I have a broken exhaust bolt as well... not the end of the world there but... I just bought a head off Ebay from a salvage yard in Maine I've bought motors from before... $69.99 shipped to me... I figure better to have it then not...

I'm not sure what these 550 heads are but assuming aluminum... Thank you for the reply

[phydeauxmutt]

As long as the damage is limited to the outside area, it should not be a problem. Might find a way to prevent corrosion on the tip of that bolt, but other than that, I would not worry too much about it.

[chef1366]

I would of drilled, tapped and ran it.
Exhaust bolts can be tricky if broken in the head. Welding a T is your best bet there.