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I recently got a new primary cover for the dyna and I do not want to ruin the drain threads. Just curious if you have experienced this or have an opinion for me. From the start its hard to get the bolt in so before I go any further I was thinking about using a thread chaser or is the plug already far enough in? Ive never got a new primary cover before. The old plug can screw to far, it never stops and can screw all the way into the cover. I would not like to do that with the new cover.
That's NPT (National Pipe Tapered Threads )
Don't try to tap it deeper. Appears to have too much tape.
Teflon tape is a sealer but really too much of a lubricant especially with steel in aluminum. Steel in cast iron is better suited for it.
On my phone but it appeared to be Allen head. Just get you a long ball end Allen wrench. Don't put but two turns of tape on it. However, liquid pipe dope is better Carefully turn it till it starts and goes snug. Then about a 1/4 to 3/8 turn tight
That's what is in my 04 TC cover.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Jun 6, 2023 at 12:40 PM.
Unlike all the other drain plugs with an o-ring and a hex head bolt, those do not have a torque spec for tightening. In your service manual, you will have a spec for how far the plug should protrude form the the cover on the outside.
I don't know for sure, but I suspect it's the same spec for all those plugs. In my '01 & '03 Factory Softail Service manuals, it says to tighten that primary plug until it projects .160-.180" or 4.0-4.5mm from the primary cover.
Thats the OEM plug from Harley they come like that. If I try to use my previously used one that had no pipe thread on it it is still hard to screw in and do not want to try to go any further.
I don't know for sure, but I suspect it's the same spec for all those plugs. In my '01 & '03 Factory Softail Service manuals, it says to tighten that primary plug until it projects .160-.180" or 4.0-4.5mm from the primary cover.
Hope that helps...
this is what I was thinking. What my problem is, I have a brand new OEM plug and cover. Yet it is very difficult to screw the plug in. One with tap or without. I wasnt sure if I should try to tighten further or not. Or maybe I need to try to use a thread chaser first. Curious if anyone else has experienced this.
I would never go by a depth or how much it sticks out. Too many variables for that with NPT. It's gaged to a NPT gage with a flat on it. It can be one turn proud or one turn in past the flat. That's 2 turn tolerance and no telling what they made that plug overall length to.
However, the ring gage if fit similar. One turn proud or one turn in past flush.
There is a torque in the older manuals. However what I describe in my first post works. Especially with Harley's recommend non harding sealer.
PS.
Welcome Brent
Hope you enjoy your ride here.
Only as a suggestion, create a signature
line for your bike, year, model, and all the
code letters.
You can add a bike photo to the signature too.
Ad also as a suggestion, make your next new post over in the new member welcome area to say hello.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Jun 6, 2023 at 01:38 PM.
this is what I was thinking. What my problem is, I have a brand new OEM plug and cover. Yet it is very difficult to screw the plug in. One with tap or without. I wasn’t sure if I should try to tighten further or not. Or maybe I need to try to use a thread chaser first. Curious if anyone else has experienced this.
I don't use teflon tape, which can cause it to be really tight.
I use LocTite 545 thread sealant and go until snug, or the recommended depth, whichever happens first...
Last edited by hattitude; Jun 6, 2023 at 01:27 PM.
Unlike all the other drain plugs with an o-ring and a hex head bolt, those do not have a torque spec for tightening. In your service manual, you will have a spec for how far the plug should protrude form the the cover on the outside.
I don't know for sure, but I suspect it's the same spec for all those plugs. In my '01 & '03 Factory Softail Service manuals, it says to tighten that primary plug until it projects .160-.180" or 4.0-4.5mm from the primary cover.
Hope that helps...
Not me . May apply to you but that's a disaster looking for a place.
So you guys think Ill be fine like this? Should I test for leaks like this or attempt screw further? It is extremely tight already. On previous bike I could go a lot deeper before it would be tight.
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97 dyna FXDS CON drain plug
