hey guys, first post here, been reading for a while, really appreciate everyone's help!

I blew a rear head gasket on my 95 RK, so I'm going through the top-end. The cylinders and heads are at the machinist, so now I've got nothing to do but stare at 8 cylinder studs. I bought a new set, intending to replace them, but then I dug up an old receipt (came with the bike) showing that one stud has already been helicoiled (front cylinder).

knowing that one stud has already been stripped makes me really nervous to start disturbing anything else...

if I tap the studs, they all ring at close to the same pitch, except for the helicoiled stud, which rings at a lower pitch.

I've never helicoiled anything--what are the rules? can I remove that stud without destroying the helicoil? can I re-torque the helicoiled stud?

any recommendations? fear is making me lean towards "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

thanks for helping with my newbie questions.

david.

 

Did someone use red Loctite on it?

 

not sure...bought it used, this is the first time I've had it apart.

 

actually, I think I misunderstood you. do you mean on the top threads (head bolt threads)? in that case, no. doesn't look like loctite was used.

thanks,
David

 

Was Loctite used on the stud ends that go in the case?

 

I haven't pulled the studs, so I have no clue.

 

Dont see any reason why you cant check the torque or remove.The insert will not self destruct.There are locking Helicoils but dont see why one would be used.