2018+ Softail Models Breakout

Gas tank bottom bolts

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Old Jan 14, 2024 | 01:32 PM
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Default Gas tank bottom bolts

It's probably a simple answer but I couldn't find it. What is the purpose of the3 torx bolts on the bottom of the gas tank? 2023 lowrider st
 
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Old Jan 14, 2024 | 02:23 PM
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Ref:13
10500167
SCREW,CUST,ECOAT DRAIN PLUG
Price: $1.91
3 EA

https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/e...7da954d4b5b8/y



 

Last edited by CoolBreeze3646; Jan 14, 2024 at 02:25 PM.
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Old Jan 14, 2024 | 03:24 PM
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Thanks, drain bolts were the only thing I could think of.
 
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Old Jan 15, 2024 | 01:18 AM
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Some where to hold it while painting?
 
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Old Jan 15, 2024 | 06:15 AM
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Originally Posted by Chasingdrakes
Some where to hold it while painting?
I was musing that myself. Drain bolts is odd, especially three of them.
 
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Old Jan 15, 2024 | 06:40 AM
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They may be used for mounting the tank on a fixture while it goes through the paint process, then plugged. Although I think the tank mounting tabs would serve the same function.

Must be specific to year and model as my 2019 Trike tank does not show them.
 
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Old Jan 15, 2024 | 11:06 AM
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take one out see what you find then tell us
 
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Old Jan 15, 2024 | 12:26 PM
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Originally Posted by chief08
take one out see what you find then tell us
"oh ****, they really ARE drain bolts" lol
 
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Old Jan 15, 2024 | 12:32 PM
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Oh I don't doubt that they are drains. Just seems very odd for them to exist. Especially three of them. What purpose is there for three drains?

Their use as mounts for painting on the production line seems plausible.

Love to hear if anyone has watched tanks being painted at the factory. Were they in fact mounted on a jig using these holes.
 
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Old Jan 15, 2024 | 12:55 PM
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When I did the York Factory Tour, the painting of tanks used the front and rear tank mounting tabs on the movable fixture.

These drain plugs seem to be specific to that year and model of motorcycle as other tank parts diagrams do not show them.

 
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