I've got a screw loose

[phreak]

The battery bolt holding the negative connection & the ground phor my TFI keeps backing out. When that happens the symptoms are the bike hesitating while underway, or when I start it, the starter clicks, then the whole system resets.


My question; Can I use Loctite on the bolt? Should I use red or blue?

[SafetyMan]

Gray is handsome.










Did you try a lock washer or a star washer?


(I don't know if you can or can not use Locktite)

[stoney]

I have red loctite on mine - no problems so far, and I've been using it for 5 years.

[thrasher]

Originally Posted by phreak

The battery bolt holding the negative connection & the ground phor my TFI keeps backing out. When that happens the symptoms are the bike hesitating while underway, or when I start it, the starter clicks, then the whole system resets.


My question; Can I use Loctite on the bolt? Should I use red or blue?

Be more specific. The battery bolt as in the bolt going into the lead terminal of the battery or the bolt attaching the ground cable to the frame???

I would NOT put loctite on any bolt going into lead. I have used blue loctite on bolts going into aluminum, and of course steel (red or blue) with no issues.

[Q-Dog]

B.F.H.

[phreak]

Originally Posted by thrasher

Be more specific. The battery bolt as in the bolt going into the lead terminal of the battery or the bolt attaching the ground cable to the frame???

I would NOT put loctite on any bolt going into lead. I have used blue loctite on bolts going into aluminum, and of course steel (red or blue) with no issues.

the one that actually goes into the battery.

[thrasher]

Originally Posted by phreak

the one that actually goes into the battery.

I would try a star lockwasher like SafetyMan suggested and torque to spec.

The downside of using loctite on a battery bolt going into the lead terminal is that if you ever want to (or have to) disconnect the battery, it'll probably destroy the threads in the lead terminal. Then you won't be able to reconnect it without using an oversized bolt.

Of course if the battery is old, will be replaced soon, and you don't care about destroying the terminal's threads if you have to back the bolt out,... just use the red loctite!

[Highmiles]

As has been stated, do it correctly and use a star washer.

Whatever you decide to do...don't touch your tongue to it.

[Type O]

if you don't touch your tong to it how do you know its charged

[Kfengler]

I would go with a Star Washer, but if I had to use Loctite it would be the removable type...

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[Sidecar Doug]

Originally Posted by HARLET

if you don't touch your tong to it how do you know its charged

Phreak's issue is with the negative terminal. You won't get an accurate reading doing that. Try the positive terminal text time.

[phreak]

Originally Posted by Sidecar Doug

Phreak's issue is with the negative terminal. You won't get an accurate reading doing that. Try the positive terminal text time.

phreak has lot's of issues..... like refering to himself in the third person.






I think I'll go with a star washer.
Thanx guys

[dzlfitr]

Put a nut on it and be done.

[ridingjerry]

The dumb new batteries don't have the bolt and nut type terminals.
They have a threaded terminal. (bummer)

Do you need to use a longer bolt?
I agree with the star washer fix.

But to be sure that you have proper charge, you must do the tongue test.