HELP!!! Stripped thread on the crankcase

[Simone17]

Hello everyone!
Something really bad happened. Months ago, while I was driving, the engine practically opened up with oil leakage, and I almost crashed. It's a Multistrada 2014, with about 35k km.

After months of emails, the mechanic opened up the engine and found that the threads on the crankcase were damaged.
The bike is basically ready for the trash bin because the estimate they gave me to fix it is more than buying a new one, unless I can prove that the previous work that the shop did is the cause of the damage they opened it up to replace the valves).

The question here is not "Can I fix it" or "How can I fix it".
Rather, "What could have caused this damage?"

Is it realistic for me to claim that the previous work done by the shop caused it?
I should add that the mechanics who did the work made one mistake after another for months, and they were both fired.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[BP PanigaleV4S]

It's very realistic and very likely that the damage was caused when it was over-torqued when putting the head back on. Is it possible to source a used engine?

From looking at the pics, I'm not sure what is damaged. In your first pic, image011.jpeg, the spacer/collar between the green o-ring and flat washer doesn't look to be part of the crankcase. It looks broken, but that's an easy fix. The threads in the crankcase look bad, but it's hard to see since they're dirty.

Dealer mechanics tend to throw a ton of parts at every problem. I'm not convinced the crankcase is a total loss just by your pictures.

 

[Simone17]

It's very realistic and very likely that the damage was caused when it was over-torqued when putting the head back on. Is it possible to source a used engine?

From looking at the pics, I'm not sure what is damaged. In your first pic, image011.jpeg, the spacer/collar between the green o-ring and flat washer doesn't look to be part of the crankcase. It looks broken, but that's an easy fix. The threads in the crankcase look bad, but it's hard to see since they're dirty.

Dealer mechanics tend to throw a ton of parts at every problem. I'm not convinced the crankcase is a total loss just by your pictures.

That is correct! The main damage is the crankcase.
The shop would say it was overheating causing the damage, but this would not be the first time that they do not take responsibility.

I am not considering repairing the part at the moment; I just want to understand if it was bad luck, or if the mechanics are responsible for the damage.
Thank you very much for your help.

 

[BP PanigaleV4S]

If there was enough heat to cause that, there would be discoloring in the metal I would think.

 

[Alkhater]

If thread damage is all it’s is then it’s an easy fix for a competent shop.

Worst case would be to weld and retap the thread.

 

[Paul G]

I am not sure you could weld and retap but in any case the work required would be prohibitive and a new engine case would be cheaper. Helicoils are the way to go for a quicker and cheaper DIY fix but I would be pressing for a new replacement. BTW heat does not cause threads to strip, they are bulshitting you.

 

[SuperDomestique]

First make the shop aware that you know Vietnam’s consumer protection law and that they may have violated this law with their shoddy work. Do you have documentation that there have been problems since they worked on you bike? Contact your consumer protection agency to see how they can help you navigate resolving this issue

Vietnamese Law On Consumer Protection - Manufacturers, Importers And Sellers* Must Pay Attention To Their Customers - - Vietnam

The Law on Consumer Protection ("LoCP"), which took effect on July 1, 2011 and replaced the Ordinance on Consumer Protection ("Ordinance"), has a good track record of providing consumers with greater protection.

www.mondaq.com

 

[BP PanigaleV4S]

Helicoils are the way to go for a quicker and cheaper DIY fix but I would be pressing for a new replacement.

I was thinking a Time Sert installed with a high heat primerless locktite. I'd do that, reassemble, and forget about it.

 

[Lindsay Morton]

Use Time Sert's although a lot more expensive than Heli coils, they will last & are much stronger.
also, you can get different lengths. Time Sert's to suit what you require.
They have been over torqued and pulled the threads.