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Leak from Chaincase Drain Plug

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Old Mar 19, 2011 | 02:58 PM
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Default Leak from Chaincase Drain Plug

The last time I had my 07 Street Bob serviced at the dealer, I soon noticed a small leak from the chaincase drain plug. I tightened it slightly, and it stopped the leak for a while.

I recently serviced the bike myself, bought a new 0-ring and applied teflon tape. It's now leaking again.

Any ideas? Silicone? Two o-rings? Make a rubber gasket?
 
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Old Mar 19, 2011 | 03:16 PM
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teflon tape AND an o-ring together and still leaking.... hmmmmm.

I assume you are tightening it to the correct torque spec, over tigtening an o-ring is just as bad as being too loose. If either is not the case I would be looking at ALL the threads (the plug and the hole) for defects, and also look for any cracks or flaws in the casting of the primary cover, particularly around the drain hole that could spread open when torque pressures are applied.

Good luck and hope that helps!
 

Last edited by Stomper-63; Mar 19, 2011 at 03:18 PM.
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Old Mar 19, 2011 | 03:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Stomper-63
teflon tape AND an o-ring together and still leaking.... hmmmmm.

I assume you are tightening it to the correct torque spec, over tigtening an o-ring is just as bad as being too loose. If either is not the case I would be looking at ALL the threads (the plug and the hole) for defects, and also look for any cracks or flaws in the casting of the primary cover, particularly around the drain hole that could spread open when torque pressures are applied.

Good luck and hope that helps!
Thanks, Stomper. It was tightened to the correct torque... until it leaked, then I tightened it more. There are no cracks in the casting. I'm a machinist by trade, so I can tell that the threads of the plug look good. I haven't inspected the threads in the hole.
 
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Old Mar 19, 2011 | 03:35 PM
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So it was leaking at the correct torque and had to over-torque it, or do you mean you had to retighten it to the proper torque when it started leaking? Another thought... does the plug feel sloppy when screwing it into the hole? You may have an out of spec plug or bad tapping in the hole.

Just trying to shake the tree and see if an epiphany arises....
 
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Old Mar 19, 2011 | 03:46 PM
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Originally Posted by Stomper-63
So it was leaking at the correct torque and had to over-torque it, or do you mean you had to retighten it to the proper torque when it started leaking? Another thought... does the plug feel sloppy when screwing it into the hole? You may have an out of spec plug or bad tapping in the hole.

Just trying to shake the tree and see if an epiphany arises....
Yeah, it was leaking at the correct torque. Out of desperation, I tightened it a little more. Not smart, I know, but the thing was already leaking anyway, ever since the last time the dealer touched it.

The plug didn't feel sloppy, but it doesn't seem to tighten up much before bottoming out. Maybe I should try a new plug and o-ring. I certainly hope and pray it isn't the hole.
 
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Old Mar 19, 2011 | 03:54 PM
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Being a machinist you could possibly turn a new plug for yourself and put a slight taper on the threads so it will seal up a bit better instead of soley relying on the o-ring... as a last ditch hail-mary.
 
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Old Mar 19, 2011 | 04:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Stomper-63
Being a machinist you could possibly turn a new plug for yourself and put a slight taper on the threads so it will seal up a bit better instead of soley relying on the o-ring... as a last ditch hail-mary.
Yep. This has crossed my mind, and it should work. I was looking for less labor intensive options first. lol.
 
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Old Mar 19, 2011 | 04:06 PM
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On a totally unrelated note, how in the world do you get your signature pic to show up without having to add it as a thumbnail?
 
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Old Mar 19, 2011 | 04:13 PM
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Are you sure it's leaking from the drain hole????? I ask because I had a sporty that was leaking from the "drain hole" - until I replaced the crankcase gasket. It's just the way the oil leaked and gravity made it flow towards the drain hole.

Like another poster said, just shaking the tree....
 
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Old Mar 19, 2011 | 04:50 PM
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Originally Posted by HD Street Bob
Are you sure it's leaking from the drain hole????? I ask because I had a sporty that was leaking from the "drain hole" - until I replaced the crankcase gasket. It's just the way the oil leaked and gravity made it flow towards the drain hole.

Like another poster said, just shaking the tree....
I went out and did a closer inspection. You're right. It's leaking from somewhere up above the drain plug and running down. Great.
 
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