Collateral damage

[pro-crastinator]

1956 Big twin. model 25924, 30hp.
Exhaust cover removed, cleaned (not bad at all) and replaced - using 12 brand new carbon steel fillister head bolts 10-24, 3/4 in long. Looks great.

Removing the lower cowl was the task that had a learning curve built into it. One of the bolts that I removed (that didnt need to be removed) was one of the power head bolts.
See pic # 1 below. The bolt "sheared" so clean that I didnt even notice it broke until I tried to put it back in..
DO not want to try the drill - tap without a drill press - and that aint happenin till the powerhead is sitting on the table.
I just did the drill tap task on one of the exh cover bolts. Its done now. It was not fun.

The bolts location is pic #2.
My plan is to pretend it didnt break and run the motor - while keeping an eye on the gasket surface affected.

Well guys, I know its not optimal but can I get away with it?


-Bennett

 

[boobie]

This call is strictly yours, but IMO I'd fix it.

 

[F_R]

If it doesn't leak and it doesn't bother you, it certainly doesn't bother me. Even if it does leak, it probably won't be a big deal. But I agree, the call is yours.

 

[pro-crastinator]

Thanks guys.
Yes - I know it needs to be fixed - but it can wait - and so it will wait.
Will keep and eye on it.

If the bolt location was on a corner - I would be more inclined to tear into it right now.
BUT seeing that its on the back, plenty visibility, with a 60 inch lb bolt, - we're gonna wait on this one.

Will keep you posted

 

[dazk14]

Thanks guys.
Yes - I know it needs to be fixed - but it can wait - and so it will wait.
Will keep and eye on it.

If the bolt location was on a corner - I would be more inclined to tear into it right now.
BUT seeing that its on the back, plenty visibility, with a 60 inch lb bolt, - we're gonna wait on this one.

Will keep you posted

+1 - Good common sense on a 60 year old motor.