Stripped rocker cover thread, normal ?

[millard]

My bike's extended warranty which was bought by the previous owner ran out and it was due a major service, so as I'm a tight fisted git an I enjoy doing my own servicing I reckoned an anual service was a good way to get a wee bit more familiar wi this bike I've been teararsing around for some months now.
But this happened when I was replacing the rocker cover after checking the valve clearances.
Stripped the thread on the upper rear cover bolt hole on the offside.

Why? I'm not ham fisted, I use good quality torque wrenches, shit i've even got a collection of the bloody things. I know my way around engines although I'm not a mechanic, and the bike has been serviced by pro's untill now - full service history until I did this.
No big problem coz within twenty minutes it was helocoiled and all sorted.

But is this a common problem?
Happened to anyone else?

 

[FOGGY]

thread

yep seen this one a few times. usually the handy work of an over enthusiastic diy'er. easy fix wi a helicoil.

 

[RickG]

I found THREE threads stripped on the same cylinder a few weeks after it had been dealer serviced - the cover had become loose and was leaking oil. Ain't helicoils wonderfull..

I reckon the torque setting used was ' up to strip, then back off half a turn'

 

[cookie]

probably caused by blindly following given torque settings instead of experience.

 

[millard]

probably caused by blindly following given torque settings instead of experience.

Probably some wisdom in that comment. I am sometimes surprised by torque settings given by manufacturers in their handbooks, on the smaller thread sizes mostly.

 

[karnevil]

Thats not how ya use the insert tool

 

[birdseye]

probably caused by blindly following given torque settings instead of experience.

more likely its this sort of attitude from an old mechanic that caused the problem. "I know better than any of them fancy torque wrench when its tight enough, lad !"

 

[Comfy Old Boots]

yep seen this one a few times. usually the handy work of an over enthusiastic diy'er. easy fix wi a helicoil.

Yeah, that sum's me up.

Front two of my left rocker cover bolts have been borderline for a while. Anyway, i did the valves earlier and the threads have finally given up...unlike the oil leak thats in full flow!

What size are the bolts? I can't seem to find the info anywhere. Anyone know what size they are so I can order the correct helicoil kit?

 

[Steptoe]

Yeah, that sum's me up.

Front two of my left rocker cover bolts have been borderline for a while. Anyway, i did the valves earlier and the threads have finally given up...unlike the oil leak thats in full flow!

What size are the bolts? I can't seem to find the info anywhere. Anyone know what size they are so I can order the correct helicoil kit?

May i suggest taking one out and measuring it ??

 

[Deleted account 190920001]

Don't use a torque wrench. They are small bolts and don't need to be that tight. Use a key instead of a ratchet and all will be well.

 

[Dennis the Menace]

Could not agree more, right size key, do not swing on it, do not put an extension piece on it,( thats why there are made the length they are)