oil change
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6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 12
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oil change
I just got done changing all the oil on the Bob and went to tighten up all the drain plugs, checked the manual for the torque values and it looks like the engine oil plug is 14-21ft-lbs while the other 2 are only 3 to 5 ft-lbs, is this right? All three plugs look to be the same? Is this tight enough?
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
RE: oil change
Follow the manual....do not over tighten. I use the NM measure and pick a value between the high & low number so I don't get confused between inch lbs and ft lbs. Never an issue. If you are concerned (in the future) get some white loctite with teflon (autozone) and put a little on the threads. Some guys use a little teflon tape but I like the loctite because it is a mild threadlocker and teflon sealant.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,231
Likes: 106
RE: oil change
ORIGINAL: mantrap
I just got done changing all the oil on the Bob and went to tighten up all the drain plugs, checked the manual for the torque values and it looks like the engine oil plug is 14-21ft-lbs while the other 2 are only 3 to 5 ft-lbs, is this right? All three plugs look to be the same? Is this tight enough?
I just got done changing all the oil on the Bob and went to tighten up all the drain plugs, checked the manual for the torque values and it looks like the engine oil plug is 14-21ft-lbs while the other 2 are only 3 to 5 ft-lbs, is this right? All three plugs look to be the same? Is this tight enough?
Which manual. Owners or service. I would believe the service manual.
On my Low Rider the engine and trans is 14~21 in lbs. The Primary is 36~60 in lbs. This is the same in both manuals.
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Club Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 14,564
Likes: 9,225
From: the 50s & the 60s
RE: oil change
ORIGINAL: mantrap
I just got done changing all the oil on the Bob and went to tighten up all the drain plugs,
checked the manual for the torque values and it looks like the engine oil plug is 14-21ft-lbs
while the other 2 are only 3 to 5 ft-lbs, is this right?
All three plugs look to be the same? Is this tight enough?
I just got done changing all the oil on the Bob and went to tighten up all the drain plugs,
checked the manual for the torque values and it looks like the engine oil plug is 14-21ft-lbs
while the other 2 are only 3 to 5 ft-lbs, is this right?
All three plugs look to be the same? Is this tight enough?
Image below is scanned from my 06 Dyna Service Manual.
14-21 FOOT lbs, in all three cases.
Personally, I do not even bother. Snug it then another 1/8 turn or so with a 3/8 breaker bar.
In days gone by, I could do 14 ft lbs with my thumb and index finger.
Point being, 14-21 is not all that damn tight.
You certainly do not want to get too violent and strip it. Bad juju.
mud
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 449
Likes: 1
From: Ventura, CA (So Cal)
RE: oil change
I torque and loctite everything on my bike, except when it comes to my drain plugs and my derby cover. I just go by feel, and i havent had any problems. Keep an extra set of drain plug o-rings, junt in case, if you tighten them too much, or just after time the rings get buggered up and will leak if you dont replace them.