QuestionI need to replace the exhaust pipes on my '84 Honda VT700C Shadow. The studs and nuts are corroded and rusted out and need to be replaced. How can I remove and replace the pipe studs?
AnswerTim, 22 year old motorcycle studs in a cylinder head can be a real nightmare to remove and it is hard to say what the outcome will be.
Get something like KROIL or SEAFOAM and soak the area a few times, before attempting anything.
One trick that is suppose to be pretty effective is to heat the stud with a propane torch, then apply candle wax down into the threaded areas, then use a stud removal tool.
Actual removal of the stud can be accomplished with either a commercial stud removal tool from an auto parts store or tool truck or depending on the quality of the the threads left on the stud, you can double nut the stud and try to wrench it out that way. If the threads are gone, then you will have to the other options.
Machine shops can sometimes center and drill out broken off studs, then rethread the holes or put TIME-SERTS or Heli-Coils in place, to anchor new studs. Worse case scenario is that you may have to have a shop use an EDM machine to burn out the studs electrically, if they break off at the surface of the head.
I think you may want to do the candle wax trick first, then penetrating oils, with a stud removal tool if the studs are as rusty as you infer....
Good luck with this one!
Bill Silver
