Hi All As per pictures, is it normal for this bolt to be TIGHT! I'm wondering how much force to put behind it or if it requires a few days of penetrating oil. No idea when it last, if ever, came off. TIA
bolt will prob have welded itself to the eyelet a sharp tap with punch to brake the corrosion then leave it to soak in with fluid overnoight then try it
yep punch in middle of hole so as not to damage head, or from bottom if you can get to the bolt. you just need to try and break the corrosion a bit WD40 might be enough but plus gas or similar is what you really want you want to tray be as patient as you can with it. as the engine case metal is soft and its easy to trash the threads. also the both is likely made form ducati cheese
The bolt has a large surface area under that big head, so lots of grip on that earth terminal and it will be difficult for fluid to penetrate fully. You will need to use a socket set type Allen key on that to loosen it or preferably hammer a torx or star type "socket" into it for real grip. If you want to source a small blow torch to apply localised heat, try looking in a kitchen gadget shop.
The thread on these bolts is quite deep so a (very) decent allen headed bit of the correct size and a decent rachet with good leverage should shift it. It's one of those jobs where it's a lot easier to do with the engine out, for obvius reasons. But if you use some decent penetrating oil and a bit of heat plus the above it should shift. The important part is to use a good tight fitting bit and make sure it is deep inside the bolt, I have never failed to get one out yet but it has come close a few times as it's possible to round off the bit or the inside of the bolt, so some care is needed. There is a replacement stainless steel bolt that is available that replicates the original including the large head size. I had to buy mine as a minimum of 10 though.
