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[guppytrash]

I looked at the diagram, but are these bolts visible without removing the cover or anything?

Yes...they are the bottom 2 bolts that hold the L bracket that your header attaches too.
I had to remove my exhaust to get the bolts out.  Lock tite and torqued back to spec with no further issues.

[North Star]

Thanks Guppy and thanks Greg- I'll jack her up tomorrow and take a look.

[JoeSDE]

Modified ( as in shortened ) the short side of a hex wrench. Was able to access both bolts without removing the headers. Only removed the heat shield.    JoeS

[CVOThunder]

Remove the bolts, clean the male and female threads, apply some blue Loctite, and torque the bolts to spec.  If Harley had used thread locker in the first place you probably wouldn't have this problem now.  If you don't have faith in Loctite, drill the heads of the bolts and safety wire them.  Racers and aircraft guys can tell you all about safety wired fasteners.


Jerry

BINGO!!! I was thinking the same thing. Drill and safety wire. Some .032" safety wire should do the trick. 

[Ironhorse]

Do they make bolts with the heads predrilled?

[cahdbiker]

Ironhorse, X2 on your Evo comment I have taken a few 4000 mile trips on my 95 before I got my 09 SEUC and things do tend to come loose.

Having dealt with Bartels I feel for you Greg. Transmission side cover bolts are not considered critical fasteners, however, if the MoCo knows about it, then there is no excuse for the service department from not checking it. But at least know we know to check them ourselves now.

Long ago, back when I had an Evo Softail, I learned to tighten down EVERY bolt and nut I could access before any long trips. And then check them sometime in the middle of the trip. You will be surprised how many need a quarter or half turn of the wrench. It's a good habit to get into especially after getting the bike back from dealer servicing.

Mark

[Phantom309]

No leaks here, but now I'll keep a good eye on it. After installing headpipes last winter I got out the service book & torque wrench ... glad I did, every screw/bolt took a little tweak. Ask me how I stripped out the clutch release cover.    I couldn't forget that side door bolt hiding behind the clutch cable & broke the end off inside the cover. Had to get a new cable & cover, at least it was only around $130 for both ... live n learn.

I never loctited the 2 ur talking about so I'll keep my fingers crossed for now.

[sadunbar]

Do they make bolts with the heads predrilled?

Yep...lots of places...

Because there is a Fastenal store near me, I usually patronize them...   

http://www.fastenal.com/content/product_specifications/SHCS.DH.ALLOY.BO.pdf

[hdaliaconis]

Been riding HDs for more years than I'll admit to: Harley's have always been prone to loose bots/nuts and parts falling off.  Not as bad to day as in the past especially since Loctite has been around.  A good practice is, while cleaning, check any and all fasteners you can see or access.  It's just part of riding a motorcycle.  They are not like cars.  Things seem to come loose.  Anytime I remove a bolt/nut I apply blue Loctite when re-installing.  I fortunately came under the wing of a dealer in Donora, PA who was legend and he taught me to check all fasteners.  Enjoy the ride!   

[cahdbiker]

hdaliaconis, I think locktite also makes a product to clean the male and female threads before you put the locktitle on in case any grease or oil got on them. I imagine some of the FEMALE threads would be hard to get at. Of course we all know that. CAHDBIKER

Been riding HDs for more years than I'll admit to: Harley's have always been prone to loose bots/nuts and parts falling off.  Not as bad to day as in the past especially since Loctite has been around.  A good practice is, while cleaning, check any and all fasteners you can see or access.  It's just part of riding a motorcycle.  They are not like cars.  Things seem to come loose.  Anytime I remove a bolt/nut I apply blue Loctite when re-installing.  I fortunately came under the wing of a dealer in Donora, PA who was legend and he taught me to check all fasteners.  Enjoy the ride!   

[hdaliaconis]

hdaliaconis, I think locktite also makes a product to clean the male and female threads before you put the locktitle on in case any grease or oil got on them. I imagine some of the FEMALE threads would be hard to get at. Of course we all know that. CAHDBIKER

Right on that about the female threads.  Need to practice some technique as always! 

[screem]

my 2000 SERG had the same two allen bolts come loose, causeing a small leak. I pulled them out, cleaned the threads with a small shot of brake clean, shot some brake into female threads on tranny door, gave a shot of air to dry em,  applied blue locktite, 30,000 miles later, have never had them come loose  again.

[petewerner]

Funny, I found both to be loose, no loctite on threads. I was changing covers on the tranny(to black) and when I got to the point where I could see them, they were both backed off and a crack right through the "X" on my V&H Power Duals... 1 New exhaust system, covered by warranty by V&H even though they were 2 years old!!!! My Dealer, High Desert HD, was the one to talk to the manufacturer, I didn't have to do squat.
So now the exhaust is great and bolts are cleaned and locked. Yee Haw.

[aclass]

I've replaced the majority of the fasteners with the chrome replacements and was amazed at how "not" tight a lot of them were.

Thanks for the info Greg.

[hdaliaconis]

worth the effort and good results.