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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Any disadvanages to "bolt heads?"
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Message started by BouleTard on 06/03/09 at 21:25:14

Title: Any disadvanages to "bolt heads?"
Post by BouleTard on 06/03/09 at 21:25:14

I am wondering what those things do, other than cover up some bolts. Apparently many bikes do just fine without them, but:

are there any fragile parts they protect?
do they function as a heat sink or extra cooling fins?
do they channel air in any way that affects cooling of the engine or heat on other parts?
can you tell any difference in the way the heat blows off when riding?

Just curious what the consequences might be if I yank those suckers..

Title: Re: Any disadvanages to "bolt heads?"
Post by verslagen1 on 06/03/09 at 21:52:42

I assume you are talking about the chrome head covers.

Naw, take 'm off.

Title: Re: Any disadvanages to "bolt heads?"
Post by diamond jim on 06/04/09 at 05:30:36

I left mine off after torquing the head bolts. I figure they keep cool air from passing effectively over the head cover. I've thought about tooling them to have both the look and better airflow.

Title: Re: Any disadvanages to "bolt heads?"
Post by BouleTard on 06/04/09 at 07:18:58

Thanks guys. I'll see how it looks with the covers on and off, and decide by looks and weight. May also see if I can modify them to make a better air channel.

Title: Re: Any disadvanages to "bolt heads?"
Post by Phelonius on 06/04/09 at 09:26:56

564552534C4147454E11200 wrote:

I assume you are talking about the chrome head covers.

Naw, take 'm off.

But they look so purty. Besides the one on the left helps keep dirt and gravel from collecting down in the spark plug well.

Phelonius

Title: Re: Any disadvanages to "bolt heads?"
Post by BouleTard on 06/04/09 at 09:39:01

59616C656667607C7A090 wrote:

..the one on the left helps keep dirt and gravel from collecting down in the spark plug well.

Good point, I had not considered debris getting lodged in there. hmm.

No problem, I'll just stuff the spark plug well full of aluminum foil! ;D jk

Title: Re: Any disadvanages to "bolt heads?"
Post by Phelonius on 06/04/09 at 13:00:51

3A372D343D2C392A3C580 wrote:

[quote author=59616C656667607C7A090 link=1244089514/0#4 date=1244132816] ..the one on the left helps keep dirt and gravel from collecting down in the spark plug well.

Good point, I had not considered debris getting lodged in there. hmm.

No problem, I'll just stuff the spark plug well full of aluminum foil! ;D jk
[/quote]

That might cause arcing down the outside of the plug and subsequent misfiring.
BTW Before I pull a plug, I always use the compressed air to blow the pocket clean. The pocket is like a funnel and any debris will go down into the cylinder where it may cause damage.

Phelonius