Primary Lube Change?

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Jul 10, 2009 | 03:23 PM

fendrix

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 244

Likes: 1

From: NW Ohio

Primary Lube Change?

This is probably the wrong forum but I figure I'll get a quicker response in here...

I'm changing my primary lube, but didn't get a new O-ring or gasket. Is this critical to replace or should the old ones be okay? I figure it'll leak if it's not okay, but I'd rather not do the job twice. Thanks

Jul 10, 2009 | 03:25 PM

bberck

Elite HDF Member

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 4,579

Likes: 10

From: S.E. MO

I always replace the O-rings but the rubber Derby cover gasket can be reused if in good shape (dont think I would reuse the pancake style gasket).

Jul 10, 2009 | 05:48 PM

TMace

Cruiser

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 124

Likes: 0

From: South Carolina

I also replace the o-ring each time. I think it's only about .25 cents. If you have the o-ring on the derby cover I would keep using it until it looks bad. I have the gasket as I have an aftermarket derby cover. I just keep re-using it. Have changed my primary oil every 3000 miles and have 25000 miles on the bike and never had it leak yet.

Jul 10, 2009 | 05:48 PM

SuperFastGlide

Road Warrior

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 1,955

Likes: 6

From: Little Rock

Quote:

Originally Posted by bberck

I always replace the O-rings but the rubber Derby cover gasket can be reused if in good shape (dont think I would reuse the pancake style gasket).

ive succesfully used mine (pancake)over 10 times and still no leaks..lol

if your o-ring isint ripped or anything youll be ok... but pick up a bunch for next time when your at a dealer..

Jul 10, 2009 | 06:03 PM

bberck

Elite HDF Member

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 4,579

Likes: 10

From: S.E. MO

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperFastGlide

ive succesfully used mine (pancake)over 10 times and still no leaks..lol

if your o-ring isint ripped or anything youll be ok... but pick up a bunch for next time when your at a dealer..

Last oil change was the first time I used the pancake style so wasnt sure what it was going to look like on the next change.

Jul 10, 2009 | 06:05 PM

maddghost

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 5,384

Likes: 12

From: Out on Deranged

My local HDealer never changes the orings,leaves them just more than finger tight and uses heat resistant threadlock on them! I bought a bag of ten and pinned them in my work area! 10$ And i change them the second they look iffy.

Jul 10, 2009 | 06:49 PM

moosh

Road Captain

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 631

Likes: 0

From: MA

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperFastGlide

ive succesfully used mine (pancake)over 10 times and still no leaks..lol

if your o-ring isint ripped or anything youll be ok... but pick up a bunch for next time when your at a dealer..

+1
must have been in and out of my primary at least 10 times and haven't replaced mine as well

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Jul 10, 2009 | 10:23 PM

Ky Windage

Cruiser

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 193

Likes: 0

From: Florence

Hope you have better luck getting your primary drain plug to seal than I have.
Did my 10,000 over a month ago and so far can't get it to stop leaking.
Just a drip every now an then but when I'm riding, it keeps splashing back on the rear rim, then the road dirt sticks to it. Looks nasty after several rides.

I didn't have any problems with my 5,000. No leaks at all.
This one is REALLY trying my patience. I've used new O-rings, tried with teflon pipe sealer, combination of pipe sealer and teflon thread tape... nada.
Tried ATV silicone sealer, still no seal.

By damn, tonight, I'm on my fifth try to seal the leak.
I've always felt the HD O-rings were a little thin, so I went to Lowes and bought several sizes to find what might work better.
This time I'm using a #8 O-ring... it's a bit beefier and fits tighter around the neck of the plug where it is undercut. Won't know if I'm sucessful until I can get out and ride it tomorrow. That is if the friggin rain holds off.

Also they were cheaper at Lowes. Bought 4 from HD and they charged two bucks, got a pack of what looks like 10 for the same ammount.
Guess I'll find out tomorrow.

Btw, I think Maddghost may be right about the tightening. I may have been going too far on the previous attempts. Mine isn't finger tight this time, but I went to about 14 inch pounds, which is still not very tight.