[jammer45u]

All of the 6 screws are stuck. One was butchered by the owner(s) before me and I have butchered one with my efforts. Not going to butcher them all. I'm exercising patience because right now the bike can still be ridden. The moment I drill the head off I'm committed and will not be able to shift the bike without a trailer. Still pondering my next move.

I thought it was just one. All being stuck does lead to thinking red loctite was used.

It's not a big deal to pull the cover. When you're ready to commit time for the fix I'd suggest pulling it and following Therms advice. If that doesn't work then your only recourse is to drill as TT suggests.

Edit - as TT says, Left handed bit and press if available, that last ditch effort just may pull what remains of the fastener.

 

[jammer45u]

Did you get the little bastards out?

 

[009jim]

Did you get the little bastards out?

My brother owns a HD workshop and has a good mechanic with a lot of experience with these screws, so I'm gonna drop it to him when I get some time. Am considering replacing with black steel Allen head cap-screws and never-seize on threads. Will ask him to keep the old screws so I can draw conclusions about there being loctited or not.

 

[009jim]

Did you get the little bastards out?

Asked my brother to look at it last week. They said they were not difficult to remove. No drilling necessary. Used an impact driver just like mine. I am totally confused as to why I couldn't get them out.

Some of you are probably going to suggest that I had the impact driver wrong way, but that's not it because you can see from the deformation of the bit that I was doing it right.

Anyway, at least the problem is solved.

I have put the OEM standard screws back in but I want to replace with hex-socket-head-cap-screws (not button heads). Can anyone give me a link to where I can get them online as I have no suitable supplier near me.

 

[Alan S]

You don't have a big box hardware? That's where I get mine.

I'm just here for the beer.

 

[hillcat]

Asked my brother to look at it last week. They said they were not difficult to remove. No drilling necessary. Used an impact driver just like mine. I am totally confused as to why I couldn't get them out.

It's all in the technique with an impact driver. If that was your first time using one...
Maybe the penetrating oil had time to do its work and helped also.
So it was just corrosion, not Loctite?
(HaHa! frickin' spellcheck wants to spell it Lactate every time)

 

[tall terry]

I'm with hillcat,,, my guess would be you don't have the experience with the impact driver, to use it effectively..
it must be inserted squarely, and firmly preloaded in the direction of loosening,,, if not,, the tool won't work as designed..
congrats on no drilling

 

[Thermodyne]

They need a big hammer too. A little 10oz ballpeen isn't going to do it.

 

[Malx]

Have a 16lb maul for the stubborn ones if needed..

 

[009jim]

I have put the OEM standard screws back in but I want to replace with hex-socket-head-cap-screws (not button heads). Can anyone give me a link to where I can get them online as I have no suitable supplier near me.

Edit: - Harley part #3594 is it. Maybe I can get from the dealer.

 

[Alan S]

I get mine from the local big box hardware store. I order on line and they'll have them bagged when I get there.

You can also order online and have them delivered.

I'm just here for the beer.

 

[BOUTYM]

Asked my brother to look at it last week. They said they were not difficult to remove. No drilling necessary. Used an impact driver just like mine. I am totally confused as to why I couldn't get them out.

I'm betting it was the way he was holding his mouth when he got them out. I'm also betting you loosened them for him. Yea, you should go with that.

 

[Alan S]

I'm betting it was the way he was holding his mouth when he got them out.

The choice of vocabulary is also important.


I'm just here for the beer.

 

[Jake707SBFMC]

The choice of vocabulary is also important.


I'm just here for the beer.

Sometimes more important..... haha