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Chrome nuts

  • commotoed
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29 Nov 2024 18:12 #906497 by commotoed
Chrome nuts was created by commotoed
I recently purchased a 1980 KZ750E that has lived mostly in a garage. Most of the chrome is slightly tarnished with very light rust, which cleans up nicely. 
My head bolts are lightly coated with the red/brown stuff and I'm thinking about removing one bolt at a time for polishing and re-torquing, any thoughts from the gallery? 

Looking for 1980 KZ750E parts...

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29 Nov 2024 22:51 - 29 Nov 2024 22:53 #906502 by Stereordinary
Replied by Stereordinary on topic Chrome nuts
I see no reason why you can’t do that, so I say go for it. My only word of advice is to say that I have had those nuts fall off on me before, so I use medium (blue) thread locker on them now. 

Edit: I reread your post and realized you’re talking about different bolts than I thought you were. I thought you meant the exhaust header flange nuts. 

A breeze from the west.
‘90 ZR550 Zephyr
Last edit: 29 Nov 2024 22:53 by Stereordinary.

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  • hardrockminer
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30 Nov 2024 04:19 #906504 by hardrockminer
Replied by hardrockminer on topic Chrome nuts
The head nuts are usually installed in a certain order.  You should be able to remove them all and then re-install in the correct order.  That's what I would do.

Once you're torqued them to the correct value and run the bike a bit you should check them all to ensure they are still all good.

I have several restored bikes along with a 2006 Goldwing with a sidecar. My wife has a 2019 Suzuki DR 650 for on and off road.
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30 Nov 2024 04:42 #906506 by Nessism
Replied by Nessism on topic Chrome nuts
I may be off here, but I would not remove the head nuts, out of fear of creating a leak.  One at a time...maybe, but I'd try cleaning around them first.

And BTW, torquing the nuts is a good idea.  Back off the nut until it just starts to move, then quickly, switch directions and tighten.

BTW2, these small wire wheels are good to get into small places... www.amazon.com/Brushes-Rocaris-Wheels-Ac...Dremel/dp/B07PKS819T
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30 Nov 2024 05:10 - 30 Nov 2024 07:52 #906508 by commotoed
Replied by commotoed on topic Chrome nuts
[img]4530ea643661ab98f0362fccf9cf08c0[/img]   


Looking for 1980 KZ750E parts...
Last edit: 30 Nov 2024 07:52 by commotoed. Reason: photos

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30 Nov 2024 06:28 - 30 Nov 2024 06:30 #906513 by H1Vindicator
Replied by H1Vindicator on topic Chrome nuts

BTW2, these small wire wheels are good to get into small places... www.amazon.com/Brushes-Rocaris-Wheels-Ac...Dremel/dp/B07PKS819T

those wire wheels also come in brass which should be less abrasive than steel. since brass is lower on the mohs scale. some sellers on ebbay sell both together. I use the brass but the steel probably would be preferable in some cases.
Last edit: 30 Nov 2024 06:30 by H1Vindicator.
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  • slmjim+Z1BEBE
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30 Nov 2024 07:08 #906514 by slmjim+Z1BEBE
Replied by slmjim+Z1BEBE on topic Chrome nuts
   We'd suggest one at a time, in order of tightening as spec's in the manual.  If all the nuts are removed it completely unloads the base gasket, which can induce weeps.
   If copper crush washers are under the nuts, suggest to use new ones (ideally) or, anneal the used washers prior to re-installation.
  Once everything is done & tight, warm up the motor completely to operation temp once, allow to cool for 12 ~ 24 hrs., then re-torque.

Good Ridin'
slmjim & Z1BEBE

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1974 Z1-A x2
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01 Dec 2024 10:27 #906537 by Wookie58
Replied by Wookie58 on topic Chrome nuts
I would agree that if you remove all the nuts at the same time you will very likely have leaks on both the head gasket and base gasket (if you could remove all the nuts at the same time then head gaskets would be "re-usable" which obviously they're not !!!)

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01 Dec 2024 20:07 #906561 by hardrockminer
Replied by hardrockminer on topic Chrome nuts
As long as the barrels and head don't move there is no issue with removing all the nuts.  I've done it.  No issues.  As for the gaskets themselves, they are not being re-used.  That implies the head and barrels have been removed, which is not the case if you are simply de-torquing the nuts.  Here is a question for those who think it's very likely....have you ever tried it?  Or do you know anyone who did it and had a leak?  I don't.

All that said, removing one at a time is probably a better procedure.

I have several restored bikes along with a 2006 Goldwing with a sidecar. My wife has a 2019 Suzuki DR 650 for on and off road.
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02 Dec 2024 01:27 #906566 by Wookie58
Replied by Wookie58 on topic Chrome nuts

As long as the barrels and head don't move there is no issue with removing all the nuts.  I've done it.  No issues.  As for the gaskets themselves, they are not being re-used.  That implies the head and barrels have been removed, which is not the case if you are simply de-torquing the nuts.  Here is a question for those who think it's very likely....have you ever tried it?  Or do you know anyone who did it and had a leak?  I don't.

All that said, removing one at a time is probably a better procedure.
HRM, in answer to your question - no I haven't tried it. I have always been of the belief that a "single use" gasket once compressed will not re-seal effectively therefore I wouldn't invite potential problems. This is of course only my opinion. I think over the years we have all "got away with things" that probably weren't the best way of approaching the issue.,

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02 Dec 2024 03:22 #906567 by asphalt900
Replied by asphalt900 on topic Chrome nuts
Those nuts are chrome plated as you've found out. You can clean all you want, in place or out, that rust is going to come back. The sacrificial coating of chrome has already been compromised already. You really only see the outside 4 anyway, just buy 4 new ones. Only like 7bucks a piece, use for the "appearance" outer ends. These 4 outers i believe are live on the 750. Meaning there's oil pressure under these 4 outer ones. Reuse the copper, just rub some, i like Hylomar, on both sides of that copper washer before reinstalling. And Yes, one at a time, nothings going to warp/crack. 

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02 Dec 2024 04:27 #906568 by hardrockminer
Replied by hardrockminer on topic Chrome nuts
Wookie, in order to re-seal, the gaskets need to "un-seal".  If the head and barrels remain in place they don't unseal.  They may relax a bit at worst.

I think the nuts are nickel alloy, not chrome plated.  I've cleaned many of them in the. past with good results.

I have several restored bikes along with a 2006 Goldwing with a sidecar. My wife has a 2019 Suzuki DR 650 for on and off road.
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