Broken valve cover bolt...

[Agemax]

the drill is not the problem its the drill bit itself. you need to buy a decent set of drill bits, and some cutting/drilling compound. a decent sharp drill bit will whizz right through that bolt in seconds

[exzachtly1]

the drill is not the problem its the drill bit itself. you need to buy a decent set of drill bits, and some cutting/drilling compound. a decent sharp drill bit will whizz right through that bolt in seconds

Then these grabit bits must be weak, or made of the wrong material, cause I worked the heck out of it and was barely able to make a dent. This is what I bought

http://www.lowes.com/pd_299780-41877-8430P_0__?productId=3031513&Ntt=grabit&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dgrabit&facetInfo=

Maybe it will work if i drill a pilot hole with a good bit first. I've looked for the left handed bits around here and no one carries them, would have to order online. Maybe these...

http://www.harborfreight.com/13-piece-left-hand-drill-bit-set-95146.html

[Agemax]

Then these grabit bits must be weak, or made of the wrong material, cause I worked the heck out of it and was barely able to make a dent. This is what I bought

http://www.lowes.com/pd_299780-41877-8430P_0__?productId=3031513&Ntt=grabit&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dgrabit&facetInfo=

Maybe it will work if i drill a pilot hole with a good bit first. I've looked for the left handed bits around here and no one carries them, would have to order online. Maybe these...

http://www.harborfreight.com/13-piec...set-95146.html

look at the reviews on the grabit bits, poor quality,rubbish,junk.....say no more.

those left handers are a cheap kit as well but they should work for what you need, although for the money you could get a few 4 or 5mm carbide tipped drills. with cutting compound they will go through that bolt like cheese.

[Kiwi Canuck]

Then these grabit bits must be weak, or made of the wrong material, cause I worked the heck out of it and was barely able to make a dent. This is what I bought

http://www.lowes.com/pd_299780-41877-8430P_0__?productId=3031513&Ntt=grabit&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dgrabit&facetInfo=

Maybe it will work if i drill a pilot hole with a good bit first. I've looked for the left handed bits around here and no one carries them, would have to order online. Maybe these...

http://www.harborfreight.com/13-piec...set-95146.html

Just keep drilling slowly with good pressure they will do the job, most of the reviews are actually good for that item, I have the same set and they worked like a charm, did not even need to use a center punch as they are self starting but none of mine were under the frame like yours is.
Just be easy when you use the extractor end, take your time, nice and slow and you will be fine.

[derwood]

the hole is not blind, if you can get a straight shot at the bolt you should be able to drill right through, either a right angled drill or an extension. the bolt may start to turn and spin right through. if you can't get a straight shot, don't drill.
MIG would be my first choice, but imagine you don't have one, May be a neighbour?
That kinda leaves slotting or tapping it around with a small sharp center punch.
the motor may not have to come right out if you just remove the exhaust and undo the mounts it may help get the drill lined up .

[chuck hahn]

Yes on the 90 degree angled drill. Its a no brainer after that. heat the dog snotm out of it, someoil to soak in , and the left handed drill bit should start it coming out.

Heat is the best way to break the corrosions grip on the threads...when its in an applicable location.

[exzachtly1]

You guys rock, so many good suggestions and encouragement. These little things really drive me crazy sometimes. I am going to try once more with the grabit tomorrow once the drill is nice and charged up. I feel like it had a weak charge, could have been part of the problem.

I did find a set of left handed bits at autozone. Titanium coated. But I have no drill bit extender, doh. Gotta pick that up too. My last resort will be to grab a couple carbide tipped bits to help get a hole started.

As for the angle, it is nearly straight on with the 12" chuck extension I have so I think that will be ok.

[exzachtly1]

I also purchased one of those flexible drill extensions, but have not opened it because I wasn't sure I could get the pressure I needed when using it. I don't have a right angled drill or attachment, but I could check around with neightbors/family.

[chuck hahn]

It doesnt take a lot of pressure..it takes a good angle. Like i said, heat the thing till you think the aluminum is about to melt ( it wont) and then drizzle oil onto it ( its gonna smoke like crazy). The heat will crack the corrosion AND wick the oil into the threads to further lubricate the corroded threads.

[Agemax]

as Chuck says, with a good quality sharp drill you will not need pressure, the drill will do its job on its own.
you NEED cutting paste, not oil, or the drill bit will burn up and blunt itself very quickly

[exzachtly1]

as Chuck says, with a good quality sharp drill you will not need pressure, the drill will do its job on its own.
you NEED cutting paste, not oil, or the drill bit will burn up and blunt itself very quickly

Definitely. I'm planning to go get some cobalt bits and cutting oil just to get a hole started for the extractor. I'm not really seeing a big selection of the carbide tipped ones at the stores near me - aren't those typically for masonry? I've read that cobalt is best for steel, is there any reason not to use cobalt? These look awesome but I don't think they're available locally

[Agemax]

cobalt will be ok. you don't need to get left handers for this. a decent normal set will still drill the hole for your grabits,(if you still use them), plus you will still have a decent set of drill bits in your toolbox.

[exzachtly1]

Found a place near me that has a right angle drill to rent for 10 bucks. I'll be trying that tonight. Hopefully that will allow a straight shot at it which I think has been my biggest issue all along.

[loud et]

I'm still around Zach , if you need a hand. I'm good with broken bolts and such.....let me know.
Ready to ride too! I am on the bike daily.
BTW, did your tires hold air after we changed them? Lol
I have done more since then and its easier than when we did them. Turns out that zip tie method is not only unnecessary..... but actually more difficult. Lol

Let me know about that valve cover bolt. Maybe I can help.

[exzachtly1]

I'm still around Zach , if you need a hand. I'm good with broken bolts and such.....let me know.
Ready to ride too! I am on the bike daily.
BTW, did your tires hold air after we changed them? Lol
I have done more since then and its easier than when we did them. Turns out that zip tie method is not only unnecessary..... but actually more difficult. Lol

Let me know about that valve cover bolt. Maybe I can help.

Hi Adam! Yes, the tire has been holding up great and seems well balanced. Thanks again. I'll be doing my rear tire shortly, I just got all the stuff I need - irons, new valve stem, etc. etc... Good to know about the zip tie method, I was actually gonna do that but I might skip it now.

I am feeling optimistic about the stripped bolt tonight but I also think it is going to be my final attempt... if I can't do it with the tools I have then I am going to put things back together and hope it doesn't leak (it wasn't leaking before). If it gets to that point and it is leaking, then I might just hit you up for some assistance