Rusting Headbolt Harley Engine Discuss Rusting Headbolt in the Harley Tech & Harley How-to forums; Hey guys What causes one head bolt top to rust while the others do not. These are the visible bolts beside the plugs. One of mine went that way and ...

[03fxst]

Hey guys
What causes one head bolt top to rust while the others do not. These are the visible bolts beside the plugs. One of mine went that way and today I was looking at an 02 883 for my wife and the front bolt is very rusty. The others look fine. Is this a sign of trouble or just the way they go.

03FXST

[shovelmike]

Hello 03 FXST. How have you been? The only thing I can think of is that that one bolt didn't get properly plated. Chances are it is only cosmetic.

That's why Harley sells those nifty decorative head bolt cap sets. To cover up their mistakes. Of course you'll have to pay for them, they don't come as standard equipment.

[03fxst]

Thanks guys. That's probably it.
Having a great season Shovelmike. How about you? The bike runs great with these cams, quick as lightening when passing on the highway. I'm playing in traffic and grinning like a kid....

03FXST

[shovelmike]

I'm having a great season as well and enjoying the TW21G cams I put in the Ultra. Not a hot rod but a nice increase in torque right where you need it on a heavy bike.