Bah, stupid screws!!

[Odinist]

What the hell is the trick to getting the screws that hold on the clutch cover (and the stator cover too, I'd assume) to unscrew without stripping the crap out of them?

I know a couple of years ago, I was going to change my stator, but I just could NOT get those damn screws to turn. Ended up taking my bike to a local mechanic that specializes in old bikes to have him do the labor. He obviously was able to get them out, no problem.

I'll be doing my clutch springs soon (waiting on the gasket). The other day I tried to loosen one of the screws, and it was the same thing. It refused to turn, and when I tried too hard, the head of the screw started to strip out (soft metal, I guess).

There's got to be some sort of magic to make these things come out. Do you guys sprinkle fairy dust or something on them first? Catch a leprechaun and make him do it? Halp!

[Larry D]

I suppose fairy dust would work, if you can find it. I haven't had any since 1982....

Usually a good fitting screwdriver and a strong grip, PB Blaster or perhaps a impact driver, if needed, will work too. After you get them out, replace them with allen heads. Remember they are different lengths, so keep them straight.

[doctorgonzo]

Impact driver (found at any auto parts store for less than $20) is a must have tool for the first time you remove them, at which point you replace them all with socket head.

[Baatfam]

Impact driver...mandatory equipment...

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947641000P?keyword=impact+driver

[Odinist]

Cool, I have an excuse to buy more tools.


I was totally hoping for something involving leprechauns though, that'd have been totally boss.

[Joneman]

Japanese Philips

I was just reading somewhere about a different kind of Phillips screwdriver, one specifically made in Japan. Heres a link to another thread talking about it http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...anese+phillips

Cheers

[reddirtrider]

Yes, the Japanese philips is a little different configuration than ours, but the correct tool here is an impact driver. If you need an excuse for the Japanese philips I've found they work great on the carb screws.

[ryonker]

What the hell is the trick to getting the screws that hold on the clutch cover (and the stator cover too, I'd assume) to unscrew without stripping the crap out of them?

I know a couple of years ago, I was going to change my stator, but I just could NOT get those damn screws to turn. Ended up taking my bike to a local mechanic that specializes in old bikes to have him do the labor. He obviously was able to get them out, no problem.

I'll be doing my clutch springs soon (waiting on the gasket). The other day I tried to loosen one of the screws, and it was the same thing. It refused to turn, and when I tried too hard, the head of the screw started to strip out (soft metal, I guess).

There's got to be some sort of magic to make these things come out. Do you guys sprinkle fairy dust or something on them first? Catch a leprechaun and make him do it? Halp!

I am no expert, except perhaps in also destroying those darn screws! So I've learned how to drill off the heads pretty well.

Currently here is what I do to get them off. I will use an impact driver (nice sears one) until it appears I might damage the head. I have actually (even being very carefull) managed to mash them with the impact driver. So after soaking with some pb blaster, and working them with the impact driver, I will use the impact driver bit on a racheting wrench, which gives lots of leverage. This usually works well for me.

Rick

[yank]

strike the inpact driver with a mallet... i don't think a ratchet will do you any good. You will get it in time good luck.

[mike_of_bbg]

If ya bugger up the philips head and have a dremel, turn it into a slotted screw.

make sure you're using a #3 philips on those screws - not a #2. The #3 ph bit which comes with that $25 Craftsman impact tool fit so well I didn't even need to impact it.

[bwringer]

The "mechanic" who worked on your bike before committed serious malpractice when he put the old screws back in.

I've got an ironclad garage rule about those garbage screws -- they get measured and then go straight into the trash.

[Odinist]

Not sure if he put the original screws back in or not, never thought to inspect them...

So I guess I'll be waiting even longer to do my clutch then, so I can order the new screw set from Z1.

[Wallowgreen]

Nah, run up to your local ACE hardware store, if you have them over there in fairy land. They have a good selection of stainless or chrome allen head bolts in stock. They're the only people round here that don't look at me like I'm an alien when I ask for something metric.

[Odinist]

I've got two ACE hardware stores, both within about 2 miles of my house. Living in a redneck state does have its advantages, haha. =)

Okay, another question for you guys... All the gaskets I'm finding online seem to be for the pre-1980 750. I'd assume that the clutch cover is the same between the 8 valve and the 16 valve motor, am I correct?

[sschering]

You can get a set of JIS screwdrivers from McMasterCarr
http://www.mcmaster.com/#jis-(japanese-industrial-standard)-screwdrivers/=2rxnz7

order item #53325A41 $15
It's a set of 4 drivers size #1,#2,#3 and #4

They really do work and don't cam out.