Broken Cylinder Cover Bolt (V30)

[Kirk Dillen]

Can I get the cylinder cover off without taking the engine out of the frame?  I put a wrench on one of the front cover bolts and broke it (*#@*).  If anybody has any ideas I would be greatfull.

[trapper]

Kirk,

Are you asking about taking the valve covers off or the cylinder head itself?  I had to replace the valve cover gaskets in my V45 recently, and it wasn't as bad as I thought.  I pulled the tank, (you don't HAVE to, but I recommend), removed the coils, disconnected fuel line, etc to get them out of the way and dropped the radiator out.  Pretty simple and everything went back together easily.

Trapper

[Kirk Dillen]

Thanks Trapper......I'm pretty sure it's the cylinder head cover.  Anyway I broke one of the bolts (#3) and will have to get into it to get the broken piece out and replace it.  Just was wondering if it can be done in the bike.  I really wish I had just left it alone  

[MagnaMan]

I can't speak for the V30 but on the 3rd gen you can get the cylinder head covers off without pulling the engine. I would bet you can on the V30 as well, otherwise checking and adjusting the valves would mean pulling the engine.

Those particular bolts can break very easily. On the 3rd gen they should only received 9 ft / lbs of torque. If you don't already have a torque wrench I would suggest getting one.

Sears has a dial torque wrench that goes from 0 to 75 lbs in 2.5 lb. increments for about $30. It's well worth saving you from potential headaches.

[silveradocowboy]

Since it is the front one you won't have to pull the engine. Also you could drill a hole in the bolt and use an "EZ out" extractor to get it out.

[trapper]

Kirk,

Forgot to mention...I got all of my replacement parts ar hondaparts-direct.com.  Once you get the bolt out this is the replacement part # for the V30:

90017-425-000

John

[Kirk Dillen]

Thanks for all the help everyone!!!  I feel pretty stupid for doing it but I guess I need to flush the radiator anyway.

Thanks again!

Kirk

[MagnaMan]

You're not the first person to break a bolt or something off when working on their bike so don't feel bad... I won't mention what I did because that was embarassing. LOL