Transmission Drain Stripped
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 324
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio TX
Transmission Drain Stripped
I did my first Harley oil change and ran in to a problem with the tranny drain. The transmission drain is stripped out. I tried running a 1/2-20 tap in to it to clean the threads and it did not help. I also ran a 1/2-20 die over the drain bolt as those threads were a little boogered, still no go.Any thoughts? Helicoil? Am I using the wrong size tap & die?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,344
Likes: 67
From: Hooterville, Fl.
RE: Transmission Drain Stripped
I stripped my engine oil drain on my 98 dyna and went to NAPA and bought an oversized 1/2" 20 tpi oversize drain plug. Used a small amount of JBWELD to attach a small magnet on the end and haven't had any problems since. Make sure the JBWELD is hardened and not on your threads before you install it in the pan.
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 324
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio TX
RE: Transmission Drain Stripped
Thanks Wide Glide,
I ran the 1/2-20 tap back through and it screws in by hand without a problem. I tried another drain bolt (from the engine) and it snugged up. I'm going to stop by the dealer tomorrow and pick up a new drain plug and I will have all my fingers crossed.
HOWEVER, just in case, if there are any helicoil experts out there, answer me this. Do I need to drill to the next size larger since I ran a good tap with the original size? Can I just install a helicoil in the 1/2-20 to ensure a good set of thread?
Thanks,
Rick
I ran the 1/2-20 tap back through and it screws in by hand without a problem. I tried another drain bolt (from the engine) and it snugged up. I'm going to stop by the dealer tomorrow and pick up a new drain plug and I will have all my fingers crossed.
HOWEVER, just in case, if there are any helicoil experts out there, answer me this. Do I need to drill to the next size larger since I ran a good tap with the original size? Can I just install a helicoil in the 1/2-20 to ensure a good set of thread?
Thanks,
Rick
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2005
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From:
RE: Transmission Drain Stripped
You will have to drill a bigger size for the Helicoil and you can buy the Helicoil set that comes with the Drill bit,Helicoils and the tool to install them.
We have alot of stuff at work that uses aluminum threads that get pulled out alot,just make sure if you do try it,keep the drill straight and take your time and dont get in a hurry.
We have alot of stuff at work that uses aluminum threads that get pulled out alot,just make sure if you do try it,keep the drill straight and take your time and dont get in a hurry.
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 324
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio TX
RE: Transmission Drain Stripped
Okay, I've got all my fingers and other assorted appendages crossed, I believe I have it fixed.
As I said earlier, I was able to run the right size tap through the drain hole but the old boogered plugs would not tighten.
I installed a new drain plug with a little teflon tape on the threads and got a good 15ft lbs torque on it. I pushed it a little further and it tightened some more with no problem. I'm going to leave it like that and keep a very close eye on it.
I'll probably drain the tranny after a few miles to make sure there are no metal shavings in there. If it acts up again, I'm taking it to a machine shop for the helicoil. If Mud is reading, probably to Robby on Eisenhauer.
Thoughts?
Rick
As I said earlier, I was able to run the right size tap through the drain hole but the old boogered plugs would not tighten.
I installed a new drain plug with a little teflon tape on the threads and got a good 15ft lbs torque on it. I pushed it a little further and it tightened some more with no problem. I'm going to leave it like that and keep a very close eye on it.
I'll probably drain the tranny after a few miles to make sure there are no metal shavings in there. If it acts up again, I'm taking it to a machine shop for the helicoil. If Mud is reading, probably to Robby on Eisenhauer.
Thoughts?
Rick
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
RE: Transmission Drain Stripped
I did the same thing during my first oil change. I was following the manual exactly, but the torque wrench never "clicked" and the next thing I knew, I was free spinning. Crap!
I also used an oversized, self tapping plug from an auto parts store. (after flushing the pan a few times).
Good Luck!
I also used an oversized, self tapping plug from an auto parts store. (after flushing the pan a few times).
Good Luck!
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 324
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From: San Antonio TX
RE: Transmission Drain Stripped
Halfbuck,
I've found a half dozen posts for folks who have had it happen to them, must be something with the way HD cuts the tranny drain.
On your self-tapping plug, do you remember where you got it? Did it have an o-ring, how about the magnet? How's it working now? Can you remove and reinstall with no problems?
Big Thanks,
Interested Rick
I've found a half dozen posts for folks who have had it happen to them, must be something with the way HD cuts the tranny drain.
On your self-tapping plug, do you remember where you got it? Did it have an o-ring, how about the magnet? How's it working now? Can you remove and reinstall with no problems?
Big Thanks,
Interested Rick
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