Drain plug o-ring popped off!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
Over tightening a drain plug will not damage the o-ring. The o-ring fits in a groove that is dimensioned such that the o-ring will compress to the proper fit regardless of the torque applied to the drain plug (assuming the plug is tightened enough to be fully seated).
Drain plug o-rings should last almost forever. I'd be looking for a burr or some other anomaly with the o-ring groove or the mating sealing surface if I found a cut, nick or tear in any o-ring.
Drain plug o-rings should last almost forever. I'd be looking for a burr or some other anomaly with the o-ring groove or the mating sealing surface if I found a cut, nick or tear in any o-ring.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 100,455
Likes: 19,811
From: Centennial, CO
Over tightening a drain plug will not damage the o-ring. The o-ring fits in a groove that is dimensioned such that the o-ring will compress to the proper fit regardless of the torque applied to the drain plug (assuming the plug is tightened enough to be fully seated).
Drain plug o-rings should last almost forever. I'd be looking for a burr or some other anomaly with the o-ring groove or the mating sealing surface if I found a cut, nick or tear in any o-ring.
Drain plug o-rings should last almost forever. I'd be looking for a burr or some other anomaly with the o-ring groove or the mating sealing surface if I found a cut, nick or tear in any o-ring.
Changed mine several times without replacing o-rings. The ring you "found" may have fit around the plug but was too thick in cross-section, so it didn't fit into the c'bore, flared out and split. H-D is like most OEMs, they get those things custom made to their own specs and maybe sometime you might find one to work, short term.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,286
Likes: 5
From: Arizona
I don't know about the later models but my 2000 Dyna's drain plug does not have a very deep O ring retention groove, making for an easy escape for the O ring if you're not careful or paying attention. Pay attention to the details.
Tech23
What about thread sealant? Anybody use that? I know you don't want to use Loctite, but something like Plumbers Putty? Would Plumbers Putty stand the heat or breakdown and create an even bigger mess?
I've got a leak that I'm chasing right now. I think it's coming from the hex plug that sits next to the oil drain plug, it's the one that the Service Manual says "Do Not Remove." I looks like a pipe fitting plug. Anyone ever take that one out?
Mike
I've got a leak that I'm chasing right now. I think it's coming from the hex plug that sits next to the oil drain plug, it's the one that the Service Manual says "Do Not Remove." I looks like a pipe fitting plug. Anyone ever take that one out?
Mike
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,913
Likes: 2,542
Me too. They used to give them to me for $1 apeice I think it was.
If you have a industrial supply company, or maybe even Motor Parts & Beasring store around, the proper size O ring is a #111. Last batch I bought I think I paid $.17 for them. I prefer Teflon tape on my plugs. 3 wraps in the direction of the threads.
If you have a industrial supply company, or maybe even Motor Parts & Beasring store around, the proper size O ring is a #111. Last batch I bought I think I paid $.17 for them. I prefer Teflon tape on my plugs. 3 wraps in the direction of the threads.
Last edited by xwhyz1959; Jun 17, 2012 at 09:40 AM.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 193
Likes: 1
From: texas
[quote=machinistmate;9949733] H-D is like most OEMs, they get those things custom made to their own specs.../quote]
Uh... no. A bike, or anything for that matter, would costs thousands more if every o'ring, washer, bolt etc. was custom made.
Almost every piece of hardware on the bike is standard sizing.
H-D is like most OEMs, they get those things custom made to their own specs.../quote]Uh... no. A bike, or anything for that matter, would costs thousands more if every o'ring, washer, bolt etc. was custom made.
Almost every piece of hardware on the bike is standard sizing.
Supporter
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,419
Likes: 90
From: Vermont
The dealers sell an oil change gasket kit. For the Touring bikes anyway. I keep a spare on hand at all times for just such an occassion. +1 on doing the swap quickly and keeping a clean container under the bike so that you can just pour what does come out, right back in.
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Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 20,530
Likes: 2,305
From: texas panhandle
They gave me o rings for free. This was just after I purchased an oil filter and four quarts of oil, so the term give is relative. The gave me three, which is the number of motorcycles I have bought from them. I guess this makes us even.