damaged screw heads- help!

Nice one.

I've tapped the chainguard with a hammer, but not banged it, thinking exactly the same thing!

Does anyone know, off the top of their head, the size/thread pitch of the choke plunger screws? I may source myself a more stainless replacement then. And hopefully soon and cheaply- my choke is getting desperate for an overhaul.

Also, can the screw be covered in any grease (silicone) to prevent seizing while still being able to tighten adequately?

Sorry- I know- You answer a question and get more back!

[Sid Squid]

Originally Posted by thedonal

Cheers folks- reverse thread screw- GENIUS!

Reverse thread screw = NOT genius.

If the original screw head isn't strong enough, then a screw extractor probably won't be. That's not what they're good at.

Ah. Still a clever idea though. I wouldn't have thought of that.

I didn't!

I guess the molegrips then for the choke screw. Don't know what to do about the chainguard- it's an ongoing puzzle. I've tried penetrating oil (may do that again) and gentle taps with a hammer. Filed the slot deeper last night and still couldn't make any difference. It's not urgent- but it would be nice to be able to completely remove the guard when cleaning the chain.

I just had a hell of a time a couple days ago getting the choke cable removed myself... I basically did a combination of lots of the suggestions you see here:

• Filed a new slot for a flat-bladed screwdriver
• Let some "Liquid Wrench" penetrant soak into it for a while
• Grab the screw head with some vice grips (mole grips for you I think?)
• Tap the screwdriver into your new slot with a hammer (lightly)
• Apply some of that screwhead grippy paste stuff (can't remember the name)
• Then turn the screwdriver and the grips at the same time

It finally cracked free! Good luck.

[johnnyrod]

Good luck getting something as big as moleys on the choke screw. Tap it loose, anticlockwise. It's probably standard M5 from memory, pan head machine screw and probably about 10-15mm but you'll know when it's out.

Just for future ref. if you try tightening the screw a fraction before attempting to remove, and if it tightens slightly, it will glide out easy peasy. Hope that helps!

nb650

[northwind]

Originally Posted by thedonal

Does anyone know, off the top of their head, the size/thread pitch of the choke plunger screws? I may source myself a more stainless replacement then. And hopefully soon and cheaply- my choke is getting desperate for an overhaul.

M5 by either 10 or 12, I think 10. I used mole grips on one of mine, but mostly they come out with impact drivers.

[yorkie_chris]

The choke plunger ones, you can give the plate which holds the plunger in a bit of a tap from side to side, this cracks the screws off nicely.

Originally Posted by johnnyrod

Good luck getting something as big as moleys on the choke screw.

I've got a pair like this that made it a lot easier:


Also... I detached the choke cable from the lever on the handle bars and took the cables off the carbs on the bench, instead of on the bike.

Ahaaaaaa! Got the chainguard screw out. Got some Shock and Unlock from Halfords. That and a huge flat head screwdriver (£6 for a screwdriver for 1 knackered screw!!! Oh well- I'm sure I'll need it again some time!). That particular screw socket does seem a little tight- It may just be all the cr"p that's in it, though.

Just the chokes to sort out now- will order replacement screws and will be onto it next weekendy, methinks. I'm now praying the choke cable is intact...!

I saw a couply of decent looking small molegrips in B&Q (including long nose)- but I've gotta be a little careful on the budget now.