Hi all

I was changing oils in my 05 Softail and got to the primary cover. Drain plug just keeps spinning around. Can't tighten it, can't loosen it, funny thing is, it doesn't leak.

Have done some research and appears it has been an issue to some owners before.

Scavenged oil with a hand vacuum pump. Harley typically suggested a new cover.

My questions are;

Can I get the drain plug out without taking the cover off and;

What fixes are there, if any? Keep in mind, being in Australia we don't have access to all the fix it stuff you guys have in the States.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Cheers

Darren

 

That is strange...but, since the primary fluid is only about one quart of oil and is usually changed once per year, i might be tempted to just use your vacuum method...
As long as its not leaking...hope it works out.
Ride safe.

 

Yeah that's what I figured. If I start pulling things apart it will no doubt lead to leaks.

Doubled checked after a long ride today & yesterday, no leaks what so ever!

Damm thing spins right and left without tightening or loosening, has me dumbfounded but I leave it and check for leaks.

Thanks for your reply.

 

Well the threads in the primary have been stripped out. It's likely going to be a primary cover replacement to fix it. Sorry. I don't think Harley makes a self-tapping drain plug like you can get for stripped automobile oil pans. You can check and see if they do, but I've not heard of one.

 

You could always Heli-coil it (or similar) but it would have to be pulled apart.....

 

I thought about that, but using a Helicoil or Keensert would likely destroy the o-ring seat. You'd have to evaluate it to see of that's the case.

 

If it comes out you can Heli coil it pretty easily.

 

Most automotive stores sell over sized drain plugs. You can tap out the hole and install one. There are also some self tapping drain plugs avail.

 

Or, drill it and tap it for the next size up. It's a simple plug and you don't really need an o-ring. The older primaries didn't have them. I used to just use thread tape.

 

Been There Done That! Easy fix. Remove the primary cover, drill out the plug and re-tap the hole. Use and short hex head bolt for the plug. When inserting the plug add a little thread sealer to prevent leaks. If you don't feel confident doing this, take the primary cover to your local machine shop.