Stuck idler bolt

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MikeNTexas
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Stuck idler bolt

#1

Post by MikeNTexas »

I’m changing the belts on the 76 and one of the bolts that holds the idler on is seized in the block. It turned about a 1/4 of a turn then got tighter. I fee that if I keep going it’s going to break. Any suggestions on how to free it up?
Last edited by MikeNTexas on Tue Sep 14, 2021 2:41 pm, edited 1 time in total.
1975 GL1000 Restored (sold)
1983 GL1100 Custom (sold)
1976 GL1000 Project (finished and sold)
Another1976 GL1000 Project (finished and sold)
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Sidecar Bob
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Re: Stuck idler bolt

#2

Post by Sidecar Bob »

Spray some PB Blaster on it, let it sit for a while to work its way in and then work the bolt back & forth within that 1/4 turn to work the penetrant between the threads farther until it moves more.
Mr. Honda ('83 GL1100/Dnepr) summer How a motorcycle evolves thread
The Famous Eccles ('84 CX650EI/VeloUral) winter Never Ending Build (CX500forum)
Click: Colour schematics for all GL1000 & GL1100 and GL1200 standard models plus instructions on how to download the full size version
"A guy with two sidecars can't be all bad." - Cookie
Another guy with two sidecars..... Hmmmm... must be something to that....
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salukispeed
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Re: Stuck idler bolt

#3

Post by salukispeed »

Lots of patience and PB and back and forth. some like other rust busty stuff but PB is usually a reasonable choice. If you have not tried anything yet I and some like Kroil even better but time and patience, Once you force it in frustration it is broken and then you are in a real pickle.
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MikeNTexas
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Re: Stuck idler bolt

#4

Post by MikeNTexas »

thanks guys That did the trick. Got it out without pulling any threads. Cleaned up the corroded bolt and ran a tap in the hole and it runs in freely now.
1975 GL1000 Restored (sold)
1983 GL1100 Custom (sold)
1976 GL1000 Project (finished and sold)
Another1976 GL1000 Project (finished and sold)
User avatar
Sidecar Bob
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Re: Stuck idler bolt

#5

Post by Sidecar Bob »

If the bolt's threads were rusty that means that the sacrificial zinc coating is used up and it is time to replace the bolt so it doesn't happen again.
Mr. Honda ('83 GL1100/Dnepr) summer How a motorcycle evolves thread
The Famous Eccles ('84 CX650EI/VeloUral) winter Never Ending Build (CX500forum)
Click: Colour schematics for all GL1000 & GL1100 and GL1200 standard models plus instructions on how to download the full size version
"A guy with two sidecars can't be all bad." - Cookie
Another guy with two sidecars..... Hmmmm... must be something to that....
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flyin900
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Re: Stuck idler bolt

#6

Post by flyin900 »

It is also a best practice to use an anti seize on any bolts while you have them out, as the galvanic corrosion between the aluminum and steel/zinc plating on the threads, which is usually long gone now. I find many bolts and JIS screws threads are covered with a white gunk along with rust from 40+ years of age.
Current Bikes:

1966 CL77 - Honda 305cc - Dual purpose - "Gentleman's Scrambler" was a period moniker.
1967 CL175K0 - Low production number with #802 engine serial- winter 2019/2020 full restoration.
1972 CB350F - Baby Four with low mileage - Cosmetic refresh to the next level 2021/2022.
1978 CB550K - Very original bike with only 7499 Km. from new - light cleanup and refresh done.
1983 CB1100F - Canadian model - DOHC Supersport in pristine low kilometre condition from new.
1984 GL1200 - Standard model in showroom condition - two owner bike from new.
1984 CX650E - Restored summer 2017 - a rare Eurosport model - excellent one owner bike.
MikeNTexas
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Re: Stuck idler bolt

#7

Post by MikeNTexas »

I use anti seize on all steel bolts that screw into aluminum.
1975 GL1000 Restored (sold)
1983 GL1100 Custom (sold)
1976 GL1000 Project (finished and sold)
Another1976 GL1000 Project (finished and sold)
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Sidecar Bob
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Re: Stuck idler bolt

#8

Post by Sidecar Bob »

That's nice but it won't protect like a layer of zinc.
Mr. Honda ('83 GL1100/Dnepr) summer How a motorcycle evolves thread
The Famous Eccles ('84 CX650EI/VeloUral) winter Never Ending Build (CX500forum)
Click: Colour schematics for all GL1000 & GL1100 and GL1200 standard models plus instructions on how to download the full size version
"A guy with two sidecars can't be all bad." - Cookie
Another guy with two sidecars..... Hmmmm... must be something to that....
Kingpin06
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Re: Stuck idler bolt

#9

Post by Kingpin06 »

I use the spray on zinc, and anti seize.
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Sidecar Bob
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Re: Stuck idler bolt

#10

Post by Sidecar Bob »

As long as it is something like this and not a zinc bearing primer
https://www.3mcanada.ca/3M/en_CA/p/d/v000159473/
Mr. Honda ('83 GL1100/Dnepr) summer How a motorcycle evolves thread
The Famous Eccles ('84 CX650EI/VeloUral) winter Never Ending Build (CX500forum)
Click: Colour schematics for all GL1000 & GL1100 and GL1200 standard models plus instructions on how to download the full size version
"A guy with two sidecars can't be all bad." - Cookie
Another guy with two sidecars..... Hmmmm... must be something to that....
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