Coil Cover Bolt Torque Value?

[Whistler]

Anybody know what the torque setting is for the three 5/16 hex bolts that are used to attach the chrome ignition coil cover?

I removed mine to check the wiring to the ignition coil. Although I didn't see any sign of "thread lock" being used, I assume it would be a good idea to use "thread lock" when I reattached the coil cover. One of the washers under a 5/16 hex bolt was smashed and broken open. I assume this happened as a result of earlier mechanic work at Strokers Dallas. Another reason to heed Gas Man's thread "Why Pay Someone To .......".

:2thumbs: :2thumbs: :2thumbs:

 

[Gas Man]

Are you talking about the 3 bolts that 2 of them go into the top of the heads?

 

[Gas Man]

http://www.bigdogbiker.com/forums/technical/260-top-motor-mount-coil-cover.html

 

[Whistler]

Correct Gas Man. There are three 3/8 X 1" (this is a correction as I first thought they were 5/16) hex bolts that attach the coil cover. Two connect the cover to the cylinder heads and the center/third bolt attaches to a chrome bracket that connects to the top engine/frame mount. Thanks for the reference to the earlier thread. I too found one of the washers smashed and actually broken open. These metal washers are not lock washers and don't appear to be quiet large enough in outside diameter to fully cover the slot openings. From this earlier thread, the recommended torque setting is 35 lbs.

I'll see if I can get some photos to share my findings. Thanks.

 

[V]

Several members had had the two bolts that go into the head work loose and have gone to a longer bolt. Something you might want to check while you have it apart.

 

[Whistler]

Coil Cover Photos

Here are photos of what I found:

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The two outside hex bolts are 1" long, the center is 7/8". The two outside large washers are fiberglass. Notice the smashed metal washer that fits between the hex bolt and coil cover. No sign of having used "Locktite".

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Notice the hex bolt is approx. 1/2" into the cylinder head. Doesn't appear that I need longer bolts as Raywood reported. May go ahead and get the 1/2" longer bolts anyway. Ace Hardware says they have them.

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Wanted to show the plug wiring recall done by Dallas Strokers last Jan. Don't know what all they did, but did notice the tie wraps were added to keep the plug wires from touching/rubbing against the cylinder head fins. My original wires had almost rubbed through the insulation when I had my first engine failure. Hope these photos help.

 

[Gas Man]

Also consider doing what the earlier thread suggested by Raywood... get longer bolts...

 

[hoat]

get the longer bolts!!!!! its more than a suggestion

 

[Nomad2day]

As Raywood, Chris and Hoat said, longer is better..go there..

 

[Slow Vince]

My '07 Service Manual says 25 lbs/ft.

When I took mine apart, the washers were seriously bent out of shape, to the point that the cover was being indented. I used stainless metric washers (8mm?), they're thicker than flat or AN washers - had to open'em up a bit with Dremel.

Also accumulated longer chrome bolts (only need 2).

Re-torqueing, I reached my "comfort level" 20 lbs/ft. Did use a dab of locktite. We'll see how it holds up.

PtNo for the fiberglass spacer washers is BDM240-00431

Hope this helps...

 

[Whistler]

Slow Vince. I bought 1 1/4" chrome bolts, torqued to 20 ft-lbs., and used a dab of blue Loctite. 20 ft-lbs "felt good" to me. I didn't want to stress the aluminum heads more. We'll see how this holds up. Thanks. It's important that we all keep the info. flowing so we can keep the Big Dogs rolling. From what I've seen on this forum, Big Dog "engineering" needs some help and feedback from us owners.

 

[dogvet]

BDM has tested some oval washers to back up the bolts. Those stupid fiber washers don't do shit and you should just pitch them. They were installed to keep heat from transferring to the coil cover! I've dont thermal testing in both configutations and it doesn't make anydifferenct if the washers are there or not. Heat still transfers through the bolts and due to the proximity of the coil cover to the cylinders and the coil cover will heat up when you stop the bike just from radiant heat.