Can't get these bolts out of the cylinder head
- Jon99
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Can't get these bolts out of the cylinder head
22 Sep 2022 16:07 - 22 Sep 2022 16:19
Two of them are stripped. The other two aren't, but they won't budge no matter what. Any advise for getting them out?
I attached a picture- the other two are the same ones but on the other side
I attached a picture- the other two are the same ones but on the other side
Last edit: 22 Sep 2022 16:19 by Street Fighter LTD.
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- gd4now
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Re: Can't get these bolts out of the cylinder head
22 Sep 2022 16:59
I am not sure just what you are working on. Since I do not know it is rather hard to know if the bolts in question are head bolts or valve cover bolts. Does the round flange to the right of the bolts in question need to be removed before those bolts will come out?
1977 KZ650 B1
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- Irish Yobbo
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Re: Can't get these bolts out of the cylinder head
22 Sep 2022 17:44
Those aren't the stock cover bolts, but look like they've been there a while. Hopefully they're the right thread and length. Looks like a later kz400 valve cover?
My usual go-to method is to soak them in a penetrating oil overnight, then get a pair of vise grips/locking pliers onto them as tight as you can and turn them out. It looks like you should have enough access to do that.
Also note that everything should be metric so be sure to use metric tools, that could be why two are already stripped. They're aftermarket bolts, but (hopefully!) they will be metric replacements. If they're not you'll have bigger problems.
My usual go-to method is to soak them in a penetrating oil overnight, then get a pair of vise grips/locking pliers onto them as tight as you can and turn them out. It looks like you should have enough access to do that.
Also note that everything should be metric so be sure to use metric tools, that could be why two are already stripped. They're aftermarket bolts, but (hopefully!) they will be metric replacements. If they're not you'll have bigger problems.
1981 KZ750 LTD
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- Nerdy
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Re: Can't get these bolts out of the cylinder head
22 Sep 2022 19:14
In addition to the other suggestions...
Heat. Get a torch on them and get them good and warm - being careful of excessive heat, of course. (Probably want to do this one before the penetrating fluid.)
Get a center punch down in the middle of the Allen bolt holes. Hit it multiple times with a heavy hammer (2-4lb).
Heat. Get a torch on them and get them good and warm - being careful of excessive heat, of course. (Probably want to do this one before the penetrating fluid.)
Get a center punch down in the middle of the Allen bolt holes. Hit it multiple times with a heavy hammer (2-4lb).
1967 Yamaha YCS1 Bonanza
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1981 Yamaha XT250H
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1981 GPz550
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- zedordead
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Re: Can't get these bolts out of the cylinder head
23 Sep 2022 10:58
Heat, penetrating oil/spray, repeat usually works for me but the molegrips and center punch ideas sound worth a try too. Take as long as you need with it which is sometimes the hardest part.
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- Scirocco
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Re: Can't get these bolts out of the cylinder head
23 Sep 2022 12:13
A good hit on the allen head with a copper/brass rod after heading up the area do shocking and breaking the internal corrosion come loose!
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- Nerdy
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Re: Can't get these bolts out of the cylinder head
23 Sep 2022 14:06A good hit on the allen head with a copper/brass rod after heading up the area do shocking and breaking the internal corrosion come loose!
Genau! That is the idea behind the center punch technique: to knock the corrosion loose.

I have also read that when a fastener is tightened, the threaded part stretches a bit. The center punch is supposed to reduce the tension in the fastener, basically by pushing the bottom of the screw head down toward the threads. I have no real way to verify that but have had good success in freeing stuck Philips/JIS screws with a center punch; the Allen screws look like they would fall into the same category.
It won't work as well (or at all) on hex head bolts because there is a lot of metal between the top surface of the bolt and the threaded bit (and it will be much harder to deform).
1967 Yamaha YCS1 Bonanza
1980 KZ440B
1981 Yamaha XT250H
1981 KZ440 LTD project bike
1981 GPz550
2013 Yamaha FZ6R
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- Jon99
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Re: Can't get these bolts out of the cylinder head
24 Sep 2022 08:14
Thanks for the suggestions.
Yes, this is a KZ400 from 78. Technically a Z400, since I am in Europe.
Yes, this is a KZ400 from 78. Technically a Z400, since I am in Europe.
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