How to seal threads on emblem screws

rbm · 02-18-2013, 07:09 PM

Hi,

I'm going to be modifying my BMW K75 tank to accept /5 tank emblems using screws rather than adhesive. This means drilling and tapping the aluminum. Will I need to use a sealant (such as Locktite 242 or RTV) to seal the threads when installing the badges, so that there is no possibility of fuel leakage later? Or is the rubber gasket between the badge and tank sufficient to stop leakage?

I had also contemplated using slightly longer screws with flanged nuts on the inside of the tank. Bad idea?

BTW, posting in this forum since it's more likely to have someone in the know read this than in another forum, like Road Warriors.

crazydrummerdude · 02-18-2013, 08:04 PM

I have a hard time believing that this idea won't leak regardless of the sealant.

bmweuro · 02-19-2013, 12:34 AM

Weld in an aluminum nutsert. You could also cut the heads off of the screws, JB Weld them in place and use 3M double sided tape to hold the emblems on.

bikerfish · 02-19-2013, 04:03 AM

I second the "fake screw" idea. just glue the heads onto the emblems and use the tape to hold the emblem on, nobody gonna know!

Airhead Wrangler · 02-19-2013, 05:45 AM

I wouldn't penetrate the wall of the tank if I were you. That seems like a losing proposition no matter how you seal it up again. I'd have someone weld or braze a blind threaded insert into the wall of the tank and screw them into that.

EDIT: Considering the difficulty involved in doing the above, the 'fake screw' and adhesive method mentioned earlier is what I would do.

Bill Harris · 02-19-2013, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AW

I'd have someone weld or braze a blind threaded insert into the wall of the tank.

That is how the /5 (and earlier) tanks do it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Euro

cut the heads off of the screws, JB Weld them in place and use 3M double sided tape to hold the emblems on

That is how I would do it.

--Bill

kantuckid · 02-19-2013, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bikerfish

I second the "fake screw" idea. just glue the heads onto the emblems and use the tape to hold the emblem on, nobody gonna know!

plus 1,000,000+!!!!!

Kai Ju · 02-19-2013, 08:05 AM

Most folks here try and seal old tanks that have holes in them, here you want to go and make holes.............

Fake the screws, nobody will know, whereas if you drill the tank and it leaks it will show

rbm · 02-19-2013, 06:53 PM

Well, good I asked. I got consensus on faking the screws and using double-sided tape so that's the way I'll tackle this modification. Thanks to everyone who responded.

bmwhacker · 02-19-2013, 06:54 PM

Go ahead admit it...you want a /5

wmax351 · 02-19-2013, 10:36 PM

If I recall, the K bikes have a double wall tanks. In any case, cut off the heads, and glue it on.

bmweuro · 02-20-2013, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wmax351

If I recall, the K bikes have a double wall tanks. In any case, cut off the heads, and glue it on.

Nope on the double walls.

wmax351 · 02-21-2013, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmweuro

Nope on the double walls.

Good to know. I have a little dent from someone's handlebar I need to pop out.

rbm · 02-21-2013, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmwhacker

Go ahead admit it...you want a /5

Ya. Wouldn't mine in the least!!

02-18-2013, 07:09 PM	#1
rbm ^OP Adventurer Joined: Mar 2011 Location: Toronto, CANADA Oddometer: 32	How to seal threads on emblem screws Hi, I'm going to be modifying my BMW K75 tank to accept /5 tank emblems using screws rather than adhesive. This means drilling and tapping the aluminum. Will I need to use a sealant (such as Locktite 242 or RTV) to seal the threads when installing the badges, so that there is no possibility of fuel leakage later? Or is the rubber gasket between the badge and tank sufficient to stop leakage? I had also contemplated using slightly longer screws with flanged nuts on the inside of the tank. Bad idea? BTW, posting in this forum since it's more likely to have someone in the know read this than in another forum, like Road Warriors. __________________ - Robert

02-18-2013, 08:04 PM	#2
crazydrummerdude Wacky Bongo Boy Joined: Nov 2006 Location: Moore/OKC Oddometer: 6,975	I have a hard time believing that this idea won't leak regardless of the sealant. __________________ 1974 BMW R75/6, 1974 BMW R90/6, 1969 BMW R60/2 hack, 1929 Ford Model A, Metal casting, Part 2/Part 1 among others..

02-19-2013, 12:34 AM	#3
bmweuro Mad Scientist Joined: Nov 2003 Location: Chico, California Oddometer: 3,005	Weld in an aluminum nutsert. You could also cut the heads off of the screws, JB Weld them in place and use 3M double sided tape to hold the emblems on. __________________ BOXER Metal BMW Biker Scum BMW Mad Scientist! VBMWMO #7770, BMW MOA #48694 & Airhead BMW Club #600

02-19-2013, 05:45 AM	#5
Airhead Wrangler More tacos than you Joined: Mar 2008 Location: Manzanillo MX, occasionally Seattle Oddometer: 5,201	I wouldn't penetrate the wall of the tank if I were you. That seems like a losing proposition no matter how you seal it up again. I'd have someone weld or braze a blind threaded insert into the wall of the tank and screw them into that. EDIT: Considering the difficulty involved in doing the above, the 'fake screw' and adhesive method mentioned earlier is what I would do. __________________ R80ST Gets The HPN Treatment Ducati Pantah 500SL Rebuild Seattle to TDF on an airhead WTB R100R Mystic sidestand and mount. Airhead Wrangler screwed with this post 02-19-2013 at 06:43 AM

02-19-2013, 06:53 PM	#9
rbm ^OP Adventurer Joined: Mar 2011 Location: Toronto, CANADA Oddometer: 32	Well, good I asked. I got consensus on faking the screws and using double-sided tape so that's the way I'll tackle this modification. Thanks to everyone who responded. __________________ - Robert

02-19-2013, 04:03 AM	#4
bikerfish flyfishandride Joined: Aug 2010 Location: western pa Oddometer: 993	I second the "fake screw" idea. just glue the heads onto the emblems and use the tape to hold the emblem on, nobody gonna know!

02-19-2013, 08:05 AM	#8
Kai Ju Beastly Adventurer Joined: Jul 2009 Location: So Cal Oddometer: 1,068	Most folks here try and seal old tanks that have holes in them, here you want to go and make holes............. Fake the screws, nobody will know, whereas if you drill the tank and it leaks it will show

02-19-2013, 06:54 PM	#10
bmwhacker Still on 3 wheels Joined: May 2009 Location: MONTANA NATIVE from NATIVE MONTANA Oddometer: 3,470	Go ahead admit it...you want a /5 __________________ http://jupiterhack.blogspot.com Living proof you shouldn't play with matches

02-19-2013, 10:36 PM	#11
wmax351 Studly Adventurer Joined: Mar 2011 Location: Marin County and Berkeley, CA Oddometer: 740	If I recall, the K bikes have a double wall tanks. In any case, cut off the heads, and glue it on.

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