Throttle side mirror - stripped threads on lever body

I have a 1981 XJ 650 Maxim. Threads are stripped on lever body (on throttle side) so my mirror can't screw in.

I've determined that it's m10 x 1.25. Please correct if this is wrong. I bought only one helicoil, as opposed to a kit, hoping that I can use my tap set that I already have.

I have a tap set and someone said to use M12 x 1.5 to create the initial threads. I initially tried to create new threads but it won't go through 'easily' so stopped. but I read online that they have STI taps that are specific for helicoils. Is this true?

been looking at charts and I think I have to drill first. I'm wondering if I should buy a kit so it cames with it's appropriate STI tap.

** I have successfully repaired the thread on my engine block for blown spark plugs using a kit so I have successful experience in doing this. Last time i did this, i didn't have to drill first. This was a thread repair kit that came with it's own tap: http://www.autozone.com/test-scan-a...d-spark-plug-thread-repair-system/141511_0_0/

 

Don't forget right hand side is left hand threads... Are you using a Yamaha mirror?? Yamaha did this for a couple of reasons, first you had to buy a Yamaha mirror and second , if you clipped anything with the mirror It would loosen and maybe not break the mirror and make you crash. Due to its upper mount point being right hand thread you may be able to use other brands of mirror heads

 

What^^^^ he said.. you also have the option of going to ebay and just buy a "new" (used) body.

 

Yep left hand thread. No a M12x1.5 will not work. You would have to buy a left have thread helicoil and tap. Easiest way would be to replace the master cylinder with a used one with good threads. They pop up on EBAY for around 25$ . Rebuilding one is way cheaper then buying taps and heliciols to fix the old one.

 

Wait, can I just use a regular helicoil and do it 'regular thread'? Will the mirror just not screw in at all because it's reverse threaded?

 

You need the helicoil kit.

My '82 Seca does not have left and right hand thread mirror mounts, like most Yamahas do.

 

If you are using any mirror with a left hand thread on the throttle side (like stock yamaha mirrors) using a helicoil will not work because a helicoil is right hand thread. If you are using any mirror with a right hand thread on the throttle side a helicoil fix could work, but would be easier to buy a used assembly from ebay or somewhere and swap it out.

Unsure of how to tell if your throttle side mirror is left hand thread or not? Take off your clutch side mirror and hold the threads next to each other. If they spiral in the opposite direction (like so) then your throttle side is left hand thread.

 

the saying for right hand thread is righty tighty lefty loosey so for a left hand thread its lefty tighty righty loosey.
the mirrors were made to fold in if you hit an object

if you install a right hand thread on right side you will need a right hand threaded mirror for that side.
they do make left hander helicoils
cost wise it may be cheaper to bring it to your local machine shop to have it done

 

I have 3 of those master cylinders if you need a replacement. They came off bikes that stopped so a rebuild should be pretty straight forward. Might be cheaper than getting yours fixed or trying to find mirrors with the right thread that match.

 

My threads were messed up when I got my bike. I changed mine, using an insert, to right hand thread and just bought some universal mirrors. I needed mirrors anyway so that was the cheaper route for me.

 

nevermind.

 

@k-moe did you try to quote my post? I did think it was odd that my XJ didn't have the left and right hand mirrors...I was super frustrated actually because I have been saving a L/R hand set of mirrors from another Yamaha for a few years just for this bike, and when I went to put them on once I got it running they didn't work....grrrrrrr

 

I did, then I remembered that the Seca 650 is a bit of an oddball in some respects.

 

If your Seca does not have original mirror mount as part of the master cyl body that is the exception . All secas sold in Canada did have the right hand mirror with left hand thread and there have been a few holes broke and people have used other mirror mounts or master cyl assemblies.

 

Mine has all the stock control accouterments, never re-threaded or anything. Oddball from most Yamaha models with both mirrors being threaded the same.

 

Very odd
This is what the mirror nuts look like on 99.99% of Yamaha bikes
First pic right mirror with notches on nut to denote lefthand thread
Second is lefthand mirror with smooth nut. Do you have a closeup pic of top of master cyl? I may be able to determine what make it is

 

Very, very odd since the Seca 650 uses the same master cylinder as the Virago 920, which I know has a left handed thread.

 

Also the same as my Xj750x

 

I promise I'm not mistaken. I have two identical 82 650s, and I checked them both. Like I said, they have been stored as projects for about 5 years before I got mine together and running this spring, and I have been saving a set of Yamaha L/R mirrors for a few years to put on it. I was very disappointed when they wouldn't fit, as I prefer the symmetry of two mirrors. So, the master cylinders must be different.

 

I need a pic of mirrors and master cylinders this problem is bothering me. As a former parts manager I NEED to se them !!!

 

This thread saved my butt as I've been restoring a 650 Seca. PB Blaster and throwing it in a vice to try to wrench off the MC mirror slightly rounded the nut.

I turned it the other way and it came loose immediately. Hopefully you can zoom in enough on this to see them. I can confirm the MC side is left-handed as stock!

 

I'll be home in a few hours. No promises I can get you photos tonight, but I will deliver. Trust me- I was plenty baffled, as every Yamaha I have owned has had Left and Right mirrors (and I've owned a few!).

 

I'm not saying that you are wrong. It's just weird, and not how they were supposed to come out of the factory.

 

OMIGOSH. Thank god I asked you guys first. At first, I thought my right mirror (throttle side) was LEFT hand thread but it's actually right hand thread as per the smooth nut as opposed to NOTCHED nut on the left/clutch side. Also noted the threads.

if you look at the pic, my left mirror (clutch side) is left hand thread and my right mirror is 'right hand thread'. Also inspected the threads itself but please confirm for me that it's NORMAL/RIGHT hand thread so I can now easily source the helicoil.

the one not attached to the bike is the throttle side mirror that I need to retap on the lever body.

 

Omg if you take off the left mirror I will bet the farm that prev owner mashed the mirrors in the wrong holes.
The telltale is the vice grip marks in the mirror shafts on both sides !!!!!!
Please do yourself a favour and try the the other way around

 

I found a heli coil kit for $112.64 plus shipping since I only need one is anyone interested in the set once I fix mine. There will be 5 inserts left so maybe a couple of guys can use it. Any suggestions?

 

Slather epoxy on the mirror threads and jam it into the hole.

Better yet, buy a used replacement master cylinder. It's cheaper than the insert kit.

 

Tap it for M10-1.25. They sell mirrors with 10mm threads.

 

What bike? I have some spare 650 original ones. You could powdercoat and rebuild it for less that that.