Hi guys,

Having a few problems with a new Softail oil tank I bought. The fittings I have, 1/8NPT don't screw in, they become v tight on the second turn.

This is the tank I have -

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Harley-David...-/281933891965

The vendor is no use in helping to id the oil line fittings and the manufacturer, Kraft Tech, denighed knowledge of ever making them! I am struggling, can anyone advise? Is there a smaller thread? Maybe they fitted metric sizes?

Any help appreciated!

Cheers

Steve in the UK (well, actually I am in France)

 

Maybe try a metric bolt?

Could be the chrome has covered the threads too thickly.

Once you figure out what size thread, try a thread chaser?

 

Thanks axis, I tried the fitting in the other two oil line holes, one it won't go in at all and the other only 1/2 a turn!
Have ordered a 1/8 npt tap so will see how I get on. It shouldn't be chrome as it is stainless steel tank and I presume fittings welded in before polishing.
Looks like I will have to carefully tap it out with plenty of lube until they go in to a decent depth and look right as well as not leak.

Ta

Steve

 

Go to your local hardware store and buy a thread gauge.

Also the add states it was made for an Indian m/c. Why not contact them and ask what type of fitting is used.

And lastly, why are there two bottom holes? On HD tanks there is only one and that acts as the feed line.

 

The two holes at the bottom are, oil feed take off and drain plug hole. the two holes in the side are returns to the tank. Identical to softail tanks. I have asked an Indian reseller who said to tap it out.... lol


In France, its not so easy to find thread gauges in French hardware stores especially us sizes....but I will see if I can get something online.


Cheers


steve

 

Try some metric sizes that are close.

 

Also, don't forget British Standard Pipe Tapered. Toyota's use that for the oil pressure gauge or idiot light.

 

Yeah, could be bsp 1/8 if it's smaller than npt. China uses bsp a lot, and I assume these tanks will have been made there...

 

I'm sure they are from China. Seems like 90% of the stuff on ebay is. That's a nice looking tank. I'd pick one up if it wouldn't take me 2 days to install that on my chopper.

If I recall, 1/8" BSPT is almost the same size as 1/8" NPT. It is close enough that you have to measure to tell them apart. Tapped for the wrong thread could by why they are cheap and on eBay.

An inexpensive Chinese tap and die set goes for about five of your quid over here and comes with a thread pitch gauge. Very handy for cleaning up threads.

 

Yep, looks like I have to tap it out. Bugger. Not so much a problem tapping it, more the hassle of getting the swarf out after! Grr!

Steve