Transmission drain plug...
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 206
Likes: 5
Thanks for all the responses. I removed all three plugs--tranny, primary, and oil, and again... ALL three NOT tight. I barely moved the socket, and basically after that all were what I would call hand tight. Ugh. Alll three, so I know it was done on purpose that way, and all three o rings chewed up and broken! Weird.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 395
Likes: 28
From: Dallas, TX
Thanks for all the responses. I removed all three plugs--tranny, primary, and oil, and again... ALL three NOT tight. I barely moved the socket, and basically after that all were what I would call hand tight. Ugh. Alll three, so I know it was done on purpose that way, and all three o rings chewed up and broken! Weird.
I just don't see this as weird.
The O-ring provides a seal - O-rings are designed as "one and done." I can't remember off-hand what the torque spec for the drain plugs is, but it's NOT tight and one can easily over-tighten by hand.
IIRC the threads are NPT and thus between the pipe-fitting and o-ring, it doesn't require much to hold it together.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,858
Likes: 217
From: Puyallup Wa.
Actually I don't think they put that stuff on the oil plugs for leaks. I think it's put on there originally because the threads are going into dry metal I think it's more like a lubricant type sealant. Once the bikes operational and has fluids in it the threads are always lubricated.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 433
From: Menifee, CA
Torque spec for my 2016 FLHTCU is 28.5 n-m for all three plugs. That is a lot more than "finger tight" for sure. I doubt finger tight would keep these plugs in their holes for long.
As for the o-rings, the manual sez replace at oil change "if necessary" (as I recall) and my experience is that, if the bolt is tight to 29 nm then the o-ring comes back out in 5k miles in perfect condition and can be re-used. I know because I have already reused a set without trouble.
I do take care to clean out the seating area and put a small daub of motor oil on the o-ring before installing.
As for the o-rings, the manual sez replace at oil change "if necessary" (as I recall) and my experience is that, if the bolt is tight to 29 nm then the o-ring comes back out in 5k miles in perfect condition and can be re-used. I know because I have already reused a set without trouble.
I do take care to clean out the seating area and put a small daub of motor oil on the o-ring before installing.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 714
Likes: 53
Similar situation to KrustyKush,
2016 FLTRU. I Allowed dealer to do 1k service, when I removed engine oil plug myself at 6k found plug not tight, white sealer on threads, o-ring chewed up. I complained to service manager, he apologized and gave me voucher for free oil change. I let them do it again at 11k (for free), when I removed plug myself at 16k.....same situation! So I drained oil, cleaned everything, put new o-ring on plug, light grease coat, no sealer then torqued to spec. I then removed the plug and the o-ring was chewed up!?! I am thinking perhaps the o-ring groove surfaces on the plug, the pan, or both might be out of spec. (they looked ok) Or maybe the dealer gave me the wrong size o-ring. I have had two other Harleys and never had this problem. In fact I have re-used drain plug o-rings multiple times with no damage. I have not had a single drop of oil leak out in any of the situations so maybe it is a non-issue. I just don't think sealer should be necessary in a properly torqued o-ring fitting. Especially when minimal pressure is present.
2016 FLTRU. I Allowed dealer to do 1k service, when I removed engine oil plug myself at 6k found plug not tight, white sealer on threads, o-ring chewed up. I complained to service manager, he apologized and gave me voucher for free oil change. I let them do it again at 11k (for free), when I removed plug myself at 16k.....same situation! So I drained oil, cleaned everything, put new o-ring on plug, light grease coat, no sealer then torqued to spec. I then removed the plug and the o-ring was chewed up!?! I am thinking perhaps the o-ring groove surfaces on the plug, the pan, or both might be out of spec. (they looked ok) Or maybe the dealer gave me the wrong size o-ring. I have had two other Harleys and never had this problem. In fact I have re-used drain plug o-rings multiple times with no damage. I have not had a single drop of oil leak out in any of the situations so maybe it is a non-issue. I just don't think sealer should be necessary in a properly torqued o-ring fitting. Especially when minimal pressure is present.
Plug was loose
o ring was tore up
I bought some 013 Vitriol Orings from Fastenal
they are supposed to be bulletproof
we shall see
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,395
Likes: 266
From: Southern California
Yea! And those are the expensive ones!
Also 28.5 nm is 21 lb/ft of torque, and I think the range is 14-21 lb/ft. So in real world terms that'd be snug but not tight! You're not trying to fasten two parts together that want to fly apart. You just want a good seal and snug enough that the plug won't fall out. Just beyond finger tight . . . probably works just fine.
Also 28.5 nm is 21 lb/ft of torque, and I think the range is 14-21 lb/ft. So in real world terms that'd be snug but not tight! You're not trying to fasten two parts together that want to fly apart. You just want a good seal and snug enough that the plug won't fall out. Just beyond finger tight . . . probably works just fine.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 1,071
Likes: 561
From: Kerrville, Texas
yep, thats where i bought my bulk bag of o-ringsas well.
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Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 21,759
Likes: 22,951
From: North Carolina
Thread sealant is a good thing. I always use it and have found that the HD dealer I go to uses it also.
What does bother me is everytime I remove a drain plug the o-ring is trash. I assume that the seat design is not the best or there has to be sharp edges.
But four bikes and well over 100k miles and no issues.
What does bother me is everytime I remove a drain plug the o-ring is trash. I assume that the seat design is not the best or there has to be sharp edges.
But four bikes and well over 100k miles and no issues.