Vance&Hines - Help

[Kavonbor]

Am trying to remove the end cap from a V&H Carbon Fiber Oval

4 Allen Screws Hold it on

The Allen wrench just twists out of the screw head when I try to turn it.
I tried some WD40 with no luck.

I am thinking I will have to drill the screws out.

Any tips/tricks?

Thanks.

[sussi]

Drill the skrew. Sorry it´s the omly way.

[derstuka]

So are you saying that you have rounded the allen hole(s)? If this is so, I am curious as to why you are using WD-40, unless you were trying to penetrate the threads beforehand.

Last ditch efforts:

1.Try heating up the screws with a propane torch to try and break the threadlocker and/or corrosion.

2. Put the allen head in the screw, and then make some quick sharp hits to the allen wrench to hammer it into the screwhole, and try and loosen up the threads. If the allen screwhead is mostly stripped from turning to the left, try and turn it slightly to the right to try and break the threadlocker and then back to the left all the while pushing in hard as you turn.

3. Combination of 1 then 2.

4. I am assuming the allens screws are countersunk in the end cap, however, if they are not, you might be able to get some vise grips on the head, maybe.

5. Maybe an easy-out drill bit? Ya know, the kind you drill in, and then screw both out together.

6. You can drill it out of course, however I would only do this if you have tried everything you could OVER AND OVER first. Because then you have to retap it, and so on.

I used method number 2 and after mettling with it for awhile, I finally got a stripped allen screw out.

[Vlad Impaler]

I agree with the above with one thing to do first....

Forget WD40; it's not good at what you are trying to accomplish. Get a good penetrating oil like PB Blaster (or Liquid Wrench). Spray, wait, repeat. Spray, wait, repeat. Spray, set the can down so the oil will run down the threads if it has a chance. Go to sleep, try again in the morning. Trust me, if you get frustrated, and you're like me, you'll start tearing up every one of them trying to accomplish something.

When you finally get everything appart, and repaired as needed (drill out and tap to larger size?), put new screws in. Keep in mind that steel and aluminum will gall on eachother so choose your materials wisely. Coat the screws with Neverseize, and not the gray kind. Splurge on the high temperature, high copper content stuff. Screw removal nirvana will be yours the next go-around.

[Kavonbor]

Originally Posted by derstuka

So are you saying that you have rounded the allen hole(s)? If this is so, I am curious as to why you are using WD-40, unless you were trying to penetrate the threads beforehand.

Last ditch efforts:

1.Try heating up the screws with a propane torch to try and break the threadlocker and/or corrosion.

2. Put the allen head in the screw, and then make some quick sharp hits to the allen wrench to hammer it into the screwhole, and try and loosen up the threads. If the allen screwhead is mostly stripped from turning to the left, try and turn it slightly to the right to try and break the threadlocker and then back to the left all the while pushing in hard as you turn.

3. Combination of 1 then 2.

4. I am assuming the allens screws are countersunk in the end cap, however, if they are not, you might be able to get some vise grips on the head, maybe.

5. Maybe an easy-out drill bit? Ya know, the kind you drill in, and then screw both out together.

6. You can drill it out of course, however I would only do this if you have tried everything you could OVER AND OVER first. Because then you have to retap it, and so on.

I used method number 2 and after mettling with it for awhile, I finally got a stripped allen screw out.

I used WD40 first, as a penetrator.
I only messed up one of the screws. I don't think the head is completely stripped, but it is a little mangled.

I will try what you suggested. Thanks for the reply.

[Rev]

If it's a button head you could cut a slot in it with a hacksaw and use a slotted screwdriver to get it out.

[tafterburner]

try heating the pipes up first. start your bike and let the exhaust get hot then try it. you might want to wear gloves so you dont get burnt. good luck.

[HondaDavidson1090]

You might be able to hammer a torx bit in the rounded allen head, this provides enough grip sometimes. If that doesnt work..do what Rev said, grind a groove in the bolt then use a standard screw driver to remove the bolt. When I have to do this I use a cut off wheel to make the groove.

[terdog]

Be careful with the torch near your CF can. Maybe use a heat gun instead.
I would try to slot the head 1st.