Posts
23
Joined
8/15/2018
Location
Monroe Township, NJ
US
Dan_Linke
9/12/2021 5:58pm
9/12/2021 5:58pm
Edited Date/Time
9/15/2021 2:22pm
I got a 21 fc 450. Recently came across the issue that the bleeder screw doesn’t tighten down all the way. It just spins after it’s threaded in all the way, i get some oil come out when i ride. I tried another screw and same issue. So i’m assuming the internal threads got messed up. What are my options to fix this?
Something like:
https://www.amazon.com/Heli-Coil-Helicoil-5546-6-Metric-Coarse/dp/B0002…
You might consider gently removing the current bleeder screw and replacing it with a fork push-button bleeder that you apply sealant to prior to install and gently thread it in and stop just before you would expect it to spin again (versus torque up). Don't apply sealant on the initial threads to ensure no debris ends up in the fork, but apply sealant liberally on the upper threads and screw base. Then wipe away excess upon install, Yamabond 6B is likely an excellent product for this repair approach:
https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/yamalube-yamabond-6b-p
If the above Band-Aide holds and your press-button bleeder works well, problem solved, if it doesn't, move on to more thorough measures like Heli-Coil.
In the end, you may need a new fork cap, but I honestly don't think so. This sounds salvageable to me.
Anyone who did the spring conversion is also not going to want to disassemble and sell just the cap. Here is a complete air cartridge insert, actually for a 21-Husq (10mm shorter version) and it's $255.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/373707808438?hash=item5702b89eb6:g:nrQAAOSwWMB…
Helicoil sounds like a good approach to me. Need to disassemble the forks to make sure you can properly clean out all the shavings from drilling and tapping. Make sure you use some good loctite or sealant when installing the thread insert and let it dry overnight or else you might end up with air leaking around the threads. Also, be careful not to mess up the countersink that the little o-ring seals into.
The Shop
I once sent a leaking Showa cartridge rod assembly to Craig Decker at Enzo in TX because it was IMPOSSIBLE to fix it appeared, the parts were no longer available, parts were previously only available to suspension companies, yadda, yadda ... but he was willing to check it out, so I was game.
About 2 weeks after Craig received the parts from me, he contacted me excitedly (that's a joke if you know his mega chill temperament) and said "I fixed it. I found the parts needed (some rare source in US) ... and it's on its way back to you."
So there's that. Which was nice.
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