Oil drain threads striped ........ Heli Coil?
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Copperopolis, CA
Oil drain threads striped ........ Heli Coil?
Did the first oil change on a 2004 Super Glide (just bought 2 months ago). Oil drain plug wasn't very snug. When I replaced the drain plug and went to torque, that uh-oh feeling of it's not getting tight was experienced. Was careful not to cross thread.....removed and had threads come out with it.
I hate finding these kind of surprises............
Any one heli coil one of these oil drains?
I hate finding these kind of surprises............
Any one heli coil one of these oil drains?
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 593
Likes: 4
From:
It's been done, I have never had to do it fortunately, but it has been done. Mixed results. For a quick fix this will work, and it may even work long term. I have heard that you can re tap it and use a sportster oil plug which is larger. I'm sure others will come in here and give some suggestions.
You can try a time-sert as well. Or if all else fails, a new oil pan.
You can try a time-sert as well. Or if all else fails, a new oil pan.
Last edited by VTwinJaxFL; Jun 17, 2012 at 10:19 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, NY
Well it's not the end of the world. I've actually done that and fixed with helicoil. Its been a few months of hard riding and it doesn't leak. Biggest pain in the *** is the drilling part. The hole to drill is on the inner primary and there isnt a lot of space between the sprocket and the hole so be careful when drilling.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 46
From: East Hartford, CT
New O rings and snug it.
I used a torque wrench at first but you can develop a feel without it.
It's only aluminum and strips very easy.
I like the idea of going to a bigger Sportster plug.
I used a torque wrench at first but you can develop a feel without it.
It's only aluminum and strips very easy.
I like the idea of going to a bigger Sportster plug.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 9
From: North Carolina
Go to a bigger plug, helicoils not a good choice for something that gets removed regularly
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Copperopolis, CA
Trending Topics
I'd tap it to the next size plug. I use a new o-ring every time (they are dirt-cheap) and some thread-sealant too. SM for my engine sez 14-21ftlbs torque and that is plenty tight.
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: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 9
From: North Carolina
It's a common issue on anything of the like that gets serviced regularly, not just Harley's. Add on someone who doesn't know how to judge torque with a ratchet = disaster every time eventually.
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: BEARDSTOWN,IL
MY 95 dyna low done same thing at first oil change, I drilled it and went to a brass pipe plug. I flushed of out with 5 or 6 quarts of oil and use teflon tape every time being careful not to overtighten. Just feeling inside and It didn't feel very thick so be careful.