Sooooo....I restoring this 72 FLH. Ever have one of those days you just have to walk away from it for a while? Popped the primary return oil line off to have access to the brake line that runs under trans to replace that, which got chewed up by chain. First comes the water followed by about a quart of oil: both bad. Can't wait to get the primary off now.

So the dripping was bothering me so I popped the drain plug, which is lower than the oil line, so the drip would stop. Felt really snarky coming out. Plug was tight all the way to the last turn. Upon re installation, it bottomed and just kept turning. I know I shouldn't have impacted it on! Just joking. Used a 3/8 drive ratchet. Anyway...it's stripped and now it won't come out. Anyone know the thread size so I can get a helicoil before I tear into it?

Inner primary is coming off anyway to fix major mainshaft leak. How do I get that plug out? Turn the hex head counter clockwise while I push on the inside? Air hammer? Dynamite? What's the thread size?

 

Oil tank is a 5/8-18 drain plug. Primary drain is 1/2-20. Measure the diameter of the drain plug to be sure. Colony has oversized taps & drain plugs for both sizes. Try J&P or Dennis Kirk. Best bet, get a HARLEY SERVICE MANUAL. Don't waste you money on a Clymers. Personally, I would go oversized rather than helicoil because I want it not to leak. Good luck.

 

Hey hombre, I live in Shi_ cago suburbs but we are looking at relocating to Texas. Screw this socialist state. Saw a nice one on 50 acres in Emory and another in Cleburne we are considering.

Thanks for the reply.

Yep, got a manual, genuine HD. Yep, Clymer makes for good ***-wipes, that's about it. You'd go oversize, huh? ThInk the helicoil would leak? Well maybe I'm I'm trying for authentic and want a leaky primary! Lol!

If you see a BADASS looking guy with Texas "Don't Tread on Me" plates on a black and HD orange 72 FLH and a leaky primary, say hello, bro!

 

Morning Bill. I left Shitcago in Jan of 09 and love it here in Dallas. My Retirement Project is a 77 XLH1000. Helicoil would be good BUT for "original" an oversized drain plug would look original with less cost and labor. 5/8 to 11/16 is no big deal. The Colony taps & plugs are OEM reproductions. I'm going to be using my tap & plug this morning before I put the primary back together. Have fun. Tom

 

Is that the sporty that came with dual carbs? Those were badass. Always wanted one.

 

No, the dual carb version is an XR 750.

 

That's exactly what they do till it strips again from over tightening trying to stop the leak. Oversized kits work well if you take your time and get it straight.