What Happens If I Remove This Bolt?
 

Look at the bolt with the circle around it. I think it goes to the timing chain guide rail. Can I remove it to replace it with something less corroded or will things fall apart internal to the cylinder?

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1280036063.jpg

Thanks,
Jeff

I don't know, but seems like a very poor tradeoff to risk a problem just so you can have a shiny new bolt in place of a (slightly from the picture) corroded one. Pick your battles.

- Mark

i think that bolt is #6 (farthest right) in this picture, i think i pulled that on my R12S without losing anything into the bottom end. how about a little metal polish and a dremel?

http://www.maxbmwmotorcycles.com/fic...png?v=03192010

I would sand it down & touch up w/ some silver paint!

SchnellerSmileWavy

DO NOT REMOVE!!! Repeat, DO NOT REMOVE!!! The guide rails will drop down, and it will likely mean an embarrassing and expensive trip to the dealership if you can't move the guide rails back into place to insert the bolt.

To clean, put masking tape around the bolt and use a dremel and wire brush attachments to clean the bolt. Dremel makes three wire brush attachments, you'll want to use them all. If you don't have a dremel and the wire brush wheels, get one. It's ideal for cleaning bolts, and will cost you less than a dealership visit to have the guide rails put back into place.

Ditto big time.
Because I'm a moron, I removed that bolt in error in 2008 on my R12S. Sweated out a couple of hours using a wire coat hangar hook to lift the guide back up so I could get the bolt back in-DON'T DO IT!

That is exactly why I asked the question. I knew someone here had the answer, so by asking the question before I started unscrewing things, I mitigated the risk.

Thanks for the responses. I have silver paint in hand and am on my way to pick up a Dremel.

-Jeff

of course i should qualify that i pulled mine with the heads off. looks like you have your answer.

jgrm: what part of Texas are you from? I'm in Sherman, near the Okie border and Lake Texoma. You'll be able to use the Dremel a lot on your bike. If you have a cheap tool place in your locale, get a non-Dremel brand there, which is basically a 1/8" shank die grinder. I've used my $19.95 tool for several years, it has 6 speed settings. Go to Home Depot or Lowe's and get all 3 wire brushes -- a regular wheel, a wide-based one, and a thin, round one to go inside an allen head bolt, about $4 each. You might also consider polished stainless steel bolts, about $50 for a complete set. I've replaced every visible bolt (except for the guide rail bolt and a couple of other ones) front to back on my '03 BCP with high-strength stainless. Am I anal? Yes, I even bought a set of R1200C chrome valve cover bolts & washers, and had my headers ceramic coated.http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1280096496.jpg

Header pipes look good! Wave rotors look good!

Isn't anal short for anal retentive --- meaning uhh --

constipated thru mind over matter?

Wish high appearance mindedness had another name..

I might get that ceramic done on my pipes..

It looks like I'm about 140-miles southeast of you in Tyler, TX, between Dallas and Shreveport. I work in Palestine, TX. I moved up here from Houston in February.

Thanks for the tips. My 'S was in the same condition as yours in when she was sold in 2007. I got her back last month. She's been neglected over the past three years and I'm working to get her back in shape.

-Jeff

A silver metallic "Sharpie chisel tip marking pen " makes touch up fast and easy.

Or you can get a can of this and do it right. This is a perfect match.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1280200321.jpg

Thanks, Nail. Excellent suggestion. I have used Testers Model Paint in the past to touch up the flat black fairing fasteners and was going to use their silver on the plated bolts. I'll see if I can find this Wurth stuff. Where did you buy it?

-Jeff

Bubba THAT IS A PERFECT MATCH FOR YOUR HAIR!!

Bubba you need to cut those finger nails before you hurt someone.;)

I got mine from Touring Sport in Greenville, SC; but, I think you can google it and find a dealer near you.

How do you expect me to pick my nose?:eek:

oh! lol