Did a lot of searching on quality replacement drain plug O-rings and thought I'd share what I found.

In case it wasn't clear, I'm talking about the drain plugs on engine case, tranny pan and primary case. H-D recommends changing the O-rings every time the plugs are removed. My local dealer wants $.99 each for the O-ring or they sell a "service pac" for $5.99 that includes 3 O-rings and a derby cover O-ring/gasket. I've had trouble with my O-rings tearing and have needed to change them almost every time. Seems ridiculous that they should cost a buck each at the stealer, so I went on a search for the proper size and type. Consensus said they are size 013 soft O-rings. I like ordering from McMaster-Carr (used them for years for industrial fabrication projects) and found the correct o-rings on their site (Soft Buna-N O-Ring AS568A Dash Number 013, packs of 90 for $9.60)
http://api.viglink.com/api/click?for...13481548644262

I used these on my last oil change, torqued the plugs to 20 ft lb and they work perfectly with no leaks. Price wise, they work out to be about $.11 each. So H-D has 900% mark up on these.....

 

Thanks for taking the time to share this info. Looks like I'll being buying the 90 pack myself!

 

Do we know if that same size o-ring gos for the tranny dip stick as well?

 

No, tranny dip stick is a lot bigger and fatter.

At least that's what she said....

 

Thanks, bought 90, that's a lot of oils changes!

 

Glad yal found the info useful

 

Dang. 90 pack? How often do you change your oil?

If you want to sell my like 5 of them let me know.

 

PM me your address. I'll send ya some no charge...

Or just spend 10 bucks and order a bag. Share some with your friends. Hell keep some on the bike and give'm out to other H-D riders when you meet....

 

Good info for those who feel compelled to replace the o-rings at every oil change but........... I have two bikes, one with near 80,000 that has had the oil changed at 2,500 miles intervals since new, the other with 33,000 miles and change intervals of 5,000, and I can't remember ever replacing a drain plug o-ring.

To the OP - If you have trouble tearing o-rings and NEED to replace them everytime, you have some other problem, i.e., a machining defect or some other nick/burr in the seat or the plug itself, or you are not properly lubricating the o-ring at installation.

 

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.