Top plate fuel leak
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 310
Likes: 0
From: Des Moines, IA
Top plate fuel leak
I finally got my tank put back together and on the bike last night, took it for a spin and filled the tank. It's leaking a little bit from the top plate when it's on the side stand.
My fault, of course, because I don't own an inch-pound torque wrench and really have no concept of exactly how much torque 20 in-lbs feels like, so I'm guessing the plate isn't on there perfectly.
I'm having trouble locating an inch-pound torque wrench, and my online searches typically show them at $200. Anybody tighten their top plate w/o one successfully? 20 in-lbs sounds like very little force to me. I didn't replace the gasket or screws (maybe that's my problem) but the bike is less than a year old and they look brand new.
My fault, of course, because I don't own an inch-pound torque wrench and really have no concept of exactly how much torque 20 in-lbs feels like, so I'm guessing the plate isn't on there perfectly.
I'm having trouble locating an inch-pound torque wrench, and my online searches typically show them at $200. Anybody tighten their top plate w/o one successfully? 20 in-lbs sounds like very little force to me. I didn't replace the gasket or screws (maybe that's my problem) but the bike is less than a year old and they look brand new.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 11,483
Likes: 39
From: Passaic County, NJ
What do you mean "top plate"? Are you talking about the cover that fits underneath the dash, with the rubber gasket and 12 screws?
Are you sure it's not foot/lbs? I just reassembled my tank including that cover. I snugged those screws down by hand. It's not leaking, especially after a 300mi ride I did last weekend.
Also, you can get torque wrenches at Harbor Freight for about $20. I got an inch/lb wrench for $18, and a foot/lbs for $15.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...Itemnumber=807
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=2696
Im not sure what brand you were looking at that was $200 but Sears / Kobalt (lowes) is usually around $100. Snap-on is like $300+. Some people believe you get what you pay for. If you're like me...need the tools but can't afford the large price tags, check out the HF wrenches I listed. I have them and they seem just fine, plus if they break you just bring them back to HF for a replacement.
Are you sure it's not foot/lbs? I just reassembled my tank including that cover. I snugged those screws down by hand. It's not leaking, especially after a 300mi ride I did last weekend.
Also, you can get torque wrenches at Harbor Freight for about $20. I got an inch/lb wrench for $18, and a foot/lbs for $15.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...Itemnumber=807
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=2696
Im not sure what brand you were looking at that was $200 but Sears / Kobalt (lowes) is usually around $100. Snap-on is like $300+. Some people believe you get what you pay for. If you're like me...need the tools but can't afford the large price tags, check out the HF wrenches I listed. I have them and they seem just fine, plus if they break you just bring them back to HF for a replacement.
Last edited by SC-Longhair; Apr 15, 2010 at 11:24 AM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,579
Likes: 10
From: S.E. MO
I got my inch lb torque wrench at sears for around $90 I think.
No problems from when I did mine but I bought a new gasket and screws. I snugged all the screws up in the proper sequence then torqed them down in sequence.
No problems from when I did mine but I bought a new gasket and screws. I snugged all the screws up in the proper sequence then torqed them down in sequence.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 11,483
Likes: 39
From: Passaic County, NJ
One thing you should know about the sears torque wrenches. Their warranty doesn't cover torque wrenches. I tried to get them to recalibrate mine and they wanted me to pay, $40 or so +s&h. I even discussed with a manager. He said the warranty doesn't cover those wrenches but couldn't explain why. He did show me the small print in the warranty.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 916
Likes: 3
From: Mauldin, SC
Harbor Freight has a 1/4" drive inch pound wrench for $20 if you have a store near you. 20 in-lb is 1.66 ft-lb, so imagine 1.66 pounds of force applied to a 12" long wrench. Not much. New gasket and screws would be a good idea.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 11,483
Likes: 39
From: Passaic County, NJ
Gasket and screws not necessary. I reused mine..and it didn't leak in 300miles. Trust me, SC roads suck so if it was going to leak would have already done so.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 310
Likes: 0
From: Des Moines, IA
I went home over lunch and re-tightened them by hand, and a few of them were noticeably loose. I think I didn't go over the previously-tightened screws enough times, and every time I tightened the next set it would loosen the last set a little bit as the gasket compressed.
It doesn't appear to be leaking now but I didn't have time to test it much. I'll buy or borrow an in-lb torque wrench as soon as I can, and make sure it's nice and even.
With any luck, my next post will be of my new paint...
It doesn't appear to be leaking now but I didn't have time to test it much. I'll buy or borrow an in-lb torque wrench as soon as I can, and make sure it's nice and even.
With any luck, my next post will be of my new paint...
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,707
Likes: 4
From: Newtown, PA
Top plate on my gas tank leaked also. The screws are one-time use only and cost $1.00 each. Get a new gasket and the 12 screws. I snugged them down nice and firm without a torque wrench and they have not leaked again in 12,000 miles. Of course if the bike is under warranty, take it to the dealer.
Supporter
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,419
Likes: 90
From: Vermont
One thing you should know about the sears torque wrenches. Their warranty doesn't cover torque wrenches. I tried to get them to recalibrate mine and they wanted me to pay, $40 or so +s&h. I even discussed with a manager. He said the warranty doesn't cover those wrenches but couldn't explain why. He did show me the small print in the warranty.