Motorcycle Repair: drive collar screw, locking pliers, screw extractor

Question
Am doing some work on starter on an 1100 Virago and the head on the drive collar screw is stripped out.  Was a hex-head screw.  Have tried impact and it didn't budge.  How do I get it out without having to drill it or weld another head to it?

Answer
Trish,

Best scenario if you can't get to the head with a pair of locking pliers is to apply heat.  Since you stripped out the socket head you'll need to drill a hole straight down the middle of the bolt, about 1/4" deep.  The bit should be considerably smaller that the bolt diam.  Purchase the correct size "easy out" bit/screw extractor.  Use this with a rachet, not an impact gun.  You must then heat the area with acetylene.  If you don't have access to an oxy-acety. torch, use MAPP gas from a hardware store (yellow canister) w/ a standard plumber's torch attach.  The standard blue propane canisters won't do it, they won't get hot enough.  Heat the area till the bolt glows red then quickly insert the easy out with alot of down force and back out.  Be careful, don't slip and burn your self.  Keep the wrench w/ easy out cool before using it.

Hope this helps,
Mike