Allen bolt slot finishers

[cogsman]

Hi All,

Not even sure if I'm calling these by the right name. I'm noticing that my cylinder head cover mounting bolts on the left bank have little metallic-like plugs (plastic I'm assuming) that hide the hex slot. The right bank is missing those. Looking around, there are plenty of other hex slots; some are covered, some are not.

Now that I've noticed this, it's driving me crazy. I guess I just love symmetry!

Where can I get these inserts (preferably without having to mortgage my house in the process)? 'm seeing bolt caps on eBay, mostly for Harleys, but not looking for those anyway. Not sure what I'm supposed to be searching for.

[John Schmidt]

Got mine at Ace Hardware, they usually have a good assortment and not super expensive. Yes, they are plastic, I put a dab of RTV on them to make sure they didn't fall out.

[SteveBC777]

" Now that I've noticed this, it's driving me crazy. I guess I just love symmetry! "

Easiest, and of course the cheapest answer, is remove the ones from the left hand side and put them in your spares drawer.

Job done.......

[cogsman]

Got mine at Ace Hardware, they usually have a good assortment and not super expensive. Yes, they are plastic, I put a dab of RTV on them to make sure they didn't fall out.

Great! What are they properly called?

[BobB]

I believe the OEM plugs in the cylinder head covers were black soft plastic.  I'm lucky that I still have all of mine.  I have covered other Allen head bolts with chrome plated steel hole plugs.  I guess I am also one of those symmetrical dudes.  I have also replaced bolts with chrome bolts.  The source I have used is http://www.chromebolt.com.

[Jess from VA]

Chrome metric allen bolt hole plugs. (I am unsure of size for the valve covers)

Plastic or stainless or chrome plated steel.

https://www.boltdepot.com/Metric_hole_plugs_for_socket_caps_Chrome_plated_steel.aspx

http://www.ebay.com/itm/chrome-bolt-cap-screw-cover-hole-plug-M8-bolt-6mm-allen-key-x6pcs-USA-STOCK-/400813983927

[Dusty]

 I have heard them called snap caps

Dusty

[hubcapsc]

I still have all of mine... but I've wondered about it...

What if you just neatly filled the hole with black RTV?
Would it be much different than a real one after it
sets up?

-Mike

[Bambam650]

Wow, just checked the price of the OEM rubber plugs from HDL and they are $3.80 a piece.  I still have all of mine from when I bought my bike new back in August 1996.

[Bambam650]

What if you just neatly filled the hole with black RTV?
Would it be much different than a real one after it
sets up?

That should work.  You could even wipe a little oil on the inside of the socket before filling it so it would be easier to pull the plug out when you need to.  I actually prefer the contrasting look of the black against the chrome like the OEM plugs.

[Steve K (IA)]

I still have all of mine... but I've wondered about it...

What if you just neatly filled the hole with black RTV?
Would it be much different than a real one after it
sets up?

-Mike

I have had the same thought.  I think I found 3-4 missing.  When I discovered that, I pulled the rest.  Don't remember where I put them.  I am sure while drying the bike after washing, my towel pulled them out.
Maybe I'll get the black RTV out.      

[PharmBoy]

I bought some a few years ago.  They are hard rubber & the OEM part # is 12392-MJ0-000.  Don't have any idea about availability or price...Jim