Stripped oil sump screw during oil change, options?

[JimmyTheDriver]

Fellas,

Despite my best attempts... penetration spray, patience, good tools, I still managed to strip one of (out of 4) the soft metal bolts holding on the sump cover on my 2007 S4R.  It was partially stripped from the dealer that did the last oil change.  They should have used a new screw but didn't.  What options do I have?  I had a few ideas, but wanted to run it by the experts first.

Thoughts?

1) Craftsman screw-out damaged screw remover (http://www.epinions.com/review/Craftsman_3_pc_Screw_Out_Damaged_Screw_Remover_Set_52154/content_120395959940)
2) Notch screw with Dremel and pray a flathead screwdriver gets it out
3) Drill it out.  This scares me as I have never done it on such a critical part.  Is it as easy as finding a bit that fits the hole and drill?
4) Leave the screen alone and have next oil change done at dealer with first valve adjust.  Essentially let a dealer deal with it.  I have 4600 miles on the bike, so it would be another 3k more without touching the screen.

Thanks!
Jimmy

[ducpainter]

If it's an allen head screw you can hammer a larger torx bit in and usually that will remove it.

I'd avoid drilling for now.

If you can't get it with non-destructive methods leave it to the dealer.

[JimmyTheDriver]

Sounds good Ill try the torx bit.

Would it be harmful to not clean the screen for another 3k miles until the next scheduled oil change?

Thanks,
Jim

[Heath]

It is supposed to be cleaned out every other oil change so you should be OK.

[extra330]

Mine did the same thing however it happened when I did the first oil change. I just used a dremel tool to cut a slot in the head for a flat screwdriver. Use a stubby screwdriver and give it a few good taps with a mallet before you try to back out the screw. The OEM screws that I bought for replacements came with red locktite already applied to the threads. If use OEM replacement screws I suggest that you clean off the loctite before using them. Also make sure you don't over tighten the screws, the torque spec is very light on them.



cheers
Mike

[Howie]

If I remember correctly the superbikes with the deep sumps use screws with better heads.