Drain plug O-ring size
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 676
Likes: 2
From: Glendale, AZ
OldTyme, got ur pm and I'll send some ur way.
2black, I hear ya. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. All 3 o-rings get buggered up when I torque the plugs. So I don't think it's a machining problem. I also lube them with fresh oil too. They all had thread sealant on them from the factory so I've been adding some on reinstall. I read that could cause my o-ring trouble. Next change, I'll clean all that crap off and trust just the o-rings. See what happens.
2black, I hear ya. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. All 3 o-rings get buggered up when I torque the plugs. So I don't think it's a machining problem. I also lube them with fresh oil too. They all had thread sealant on them from the factory so I've been adding some on reinstall. I read that could cause my o-ring trouble. Next change, I'll clean all that crap off and trust just the o-rings. See what happens.
I think that is more like a thread lock compound and not a sealer. Keeps the plugs from vibrating loose... Of course some thread locks also seal.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
OldTyme, got ur pm and I'll send some ur way.
2black, I hear ya. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. All 3 o-rings get buggered up when I torque the plugs. So I don't think it's a machining problem. I also lube them with fresh oil too. They all had thread sealant on them from the factory so I've been adding some on reinstall. I read that could cause my o-ring trouble. Next change, I'll clean all that crap off and trust just the o-rings. See what happens.
2black, I hear ya. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. All 3 o-rings get buggered up when I torque the plugs. So I don't think it's a machining problem. I also lube them with fresh oil too. They all had thread sealant on them from the factory so I've been adding some on reinstall. I read that could cause my o-ring trouble. Next change, I'll clean all that crap off and trust just the o-rings. See what happens.
I for the life of me can't understand why sealant is recommended on those straight-thread drain plugs.
Last edited by 2black1s; Sep 20, 2012 at 04:30 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas
First, thanks for sharing the info. I bought my bike used and had an indy do the fluids (it was in for stage 1 anyway). After that I decided to do my own fluid changes. When I removed the plugs (after the indy change) all of the O-rings were torn and the threads were coated with the gray paste. Anyhow, I’ve done the changes twice and haven’t had any torn O-rings. I never put any of the paste back on and haven’t had any leaks. Even @ .99c a pop it doesn’t seem like an expensive investment to change them every time and @ .11c a pop it’s a no brainer…
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,900
Likes: 12
I rarely change my o-rings. Just inspect them really well. I have never had a leak, and they have not ripped.
I rarely change the orange derby gasket either. I think I have twice in 26,000 miles. I didn't need to make the change, and I have never had a leak.
Yes, it is cheap insurance, I guess, but it is also not needed unless you are having leaks.
I have never used lock-tite on any of the drain plugs either. And the drain plugs are always as tight I they were when I put them on.
Thank you for the info. It is always good to have spares if ever needed... I like to have small nick knack tools and parts lying around.
I rarely change the orange derby gasket either. I think I have twice in 26,000 miles. I didn't need to make the change, and I have never had a leak.
Yes, it is cheap insurance, I guess, but it is also not needed unless you are having leaks.
I have never used lock-tite on any of the drain plugs either. And the drain plugs are always as tight I they were when I put them on.
Thank you for the info. It is always good to have spares if ever needed... I like to have small nick knack tools and parts lying around.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 7,138
Likes: 26
From: Southern Oregon
How accurate is your torque wrench. 20 ft.lb. is the upper limit. If youve been experiencing problems with tearing I'd back off 5 ft. lb. I always tighten at the mid torque range (spec is 14-21 ft lb.) & oil O ring & treads, no dope. Never had any leaks or deformation.