Triumphrat

Kev_England · 05-19-2009, 08:40 PM

Hi all,

As I strip down various parts of my 68 Bonnie and replace bolts or get new bolts for parts that did not have bolts when i acquired the bike, sometimes Im feeling that "scrunching" sound as I wrench in the new bolts to bolt housings on the frame/engine unit etc.

Ive read in other threads one should air blast the housings and then run a tap thru them. Well, I have an air compressor so can do that bit, but I really dont fancy investing in a set of whitworth taps.

Whats the alternative? I started spraying wd-40 in the bolt holes and then using several Q-Tips (UK readers--can't remember what they are called there--cotton bud sticks?) to clean out the wd-40 along with the dirt. Works pretty well, but I dont like using wd-40 since im wondering if it will facilitate the bolts vibrating out once the bike is running.

Anyone else have any techniques theyd like to share?

Cheers. Kevin.

72TIGER-X · 05-20-2009, 12:35 AM

if you clean out the wd-40 with say water based degreaser and your compressed air it should be ok. you could use loctite on the bolts there is one to stop vibration loosening ( i can't remember the number 222 i think)

jimballard · 05-20-2009, 01:22 PM

Clean them out with WD-40 and/or any good solvent, even Gumout, and then wash that out with something like brake cleaner which will take all the oil out of the threads. Just be careful around the paint...it may not do any harm, but it pays to be wary.

Just do it in a well ventilated area: Jim

Snakeoil · 05-21-2009, 11:18 PM

Kev,

Go to a gun shop (I realize as a displaced Brit this might be a scarey place for you ;-P) and get .22 cal, .30 cal and .38 cal bore brushes in bronze, not plastic. Mount them in your electric drill and put the drill in reverse. Push the brush into the threaded hole and turn on the drill. The brush will spin out the crud from the threads and push it out of the hole. A little WD-40 as previously mentioned by others will help soften the crud and lubricate it exits out of the threads. You can use the plastic brushes, but if you use a solvent like brakeclean or acetone, it will probably eat the bristles.
regards,
Rob