Filth-flarnflarn-filthy rust...

[Scout]

Cant get the bolt that tightens the collar clamp on the header/mid pipe connection to loosen. Rust or dirt is binding it in place. I don't have a torch to heat it or a drill to to drill it out with...so, any other suggestions?

Need to remove exhaust to prep for high temp paint.

Thanks guys.

[Kreylyn]

Wire brush what you can off well. A motorized wire wheel option on like a drill is best. Get it almost shiney clean.

Then lube it with penetrating oil. Squirt a little, wait a bit, do it again, wait a bit. The more it soaks, the more likely when you try to remove it again that it will pop loose and then come right out no problem.

Krey

[Scout]

Wire brush what you can off well. A motorized wire wheel option on like a drill is best. Get it almost shiney clean.

Then lube it with penetrating oil. Squirt a little, wait a bit, do it again, wait a bit. The more it soaks, the more likely when you try to remove it again that it will pop loose and then come right out no problem.

Krey

I guess I should have mentioned that I dont have a wire wheel, penetrating oil and apart from lying on my back, under the bike...how would I get to it, without a lift to put the bike on?

I haven't had the exhaust off since I put it on...2 years ago, maybe?

So there's no "home remedy" short of wire wheeling and penetrating oil? Figures...

[phil823]

pb blaster....$3.55
wire wheel for a drill.....12$
small propane torch.............20$

using anti-seize paste to they just roll out......priceless

[diavolo]

Get a small bottle of Oil of Wintergreen, and place a few drops on the rusted bolt/nut. Allow it to soak in for a few minutes, and then remove the bolt.

[steves]

Er... why torch? Heat the bike up to operating temps, then attempt removal?

[Scout]

I appreciate your help, guys. I'm about to start cursing and kicking the bike. I guess I should have prepared for such a situation, though. Chalk it up to my ignorance, and lack of forethought.

Er... why torch? Heat the bike up to operating temps, then attempt removal?

I didn't think that would get it hot enough to accomplish the seperation, Steve. I'll try it. Anything is better than beating the socket with a pair of pliers. Which I was doing.

[steves]

The exhaust should easily get it up to 200 or 300*F.... I would think... which is about as hot as you are going to get it with a propane torch

[Kreylyn]

Er... why torch? Heat the bike up to operating temps, then attempt removal?

The working method behind a torch on rusted bolts is to create suddent change in size for seperate parts so that they break apart. Rusted together parts are actually stuck to one another, and this helps to break that.

Slowly heating them as the exhaust would do does not make the seperate parts expand fast enough, they all heat up at the same time... and doesn't really free them up so much. Actually can make it more problematic as if all the parts are very hot, then they have all expanded causing a tighter fit...

This is for rusted parts... in cases where you have used locktite or something, the heat actually burns it to descrease it's effectiveness in holding the bolt in place.

Krey

[Scout]

Went out and got PB Blaster, and anti sieze. Also, got 4 packs of 60 grit sandpaper, to start prepping my exhaust. Now...I have to wait for it to cool off, so I can get that bolt out.

[Scout]

Still can't get it out. And, its starting to round off, from trying. Any other suggestions?

[steves]

Aero-Kroil, and a MAPP gas torch?

[Scout]

Fresh out those things, bro...

[steves]

bolt extractor and an impact wrench?

[diavolo]

Oil of Wintergreen and a few minutes time to allow it to soak in.........