I was looking at "Fix My Hog" and they suggest you put teflon pipe dope on the drain plugs. Is this really necessary if you replace the o-rings? Getting ready to do my first oil/fluid change and wanted to make sure I have everything.

 

I haven't used it in the past for that, but I guess it wouldn't hurt. Just extra insurance.

 

I've used the paste on my last 4 bikes, on all the fluid plugs. Never had a problem or seeping. I average 12 to 16k a year riding & change fluids ever 5k. I've only replaced the o-ring if they appear damaged.

 

I've worked industrial maintenance for 15 years now, and IMHO teflon tape is better than the paste.

 

I don't see a need for it with an o-ring in good condition. It's only a few cents for the o-ring and then you don't need to deal with getting the old paste or tape off each change. If you have an older bike without the o-ring, then by all means.

Mark

 

Plugs that have an o ring do not require paste, and the o ring should be greased or oiled to keep it from tearing when tightend. Only the pipe thread plugs need paste on the threads. These orings are cheap as dirt if you buy them from any supplier other than the dealer, and should be changed each time.
Ron

 

Same here. Every one of my cars drain plugs too.

Not only does it seal, it also insures that they will never spin loose enough to fall out on the road.

Is it necessary? No.
Is it overkill? Maybe.

But I have been doing it for years and NEVER have a leaky plug, nor a hard to break loose plug. I hardly even pay attention to the o-ring unless it's missing. Really don't need it with the paste, but I'll throw on on if it's gone.

 

IMO, its a little over kill. If you have an O ring in good shape you shouldn't need anything. I never used it on cars or bikes. Like some one posted above, in my work we use Teflon just about daily on piping systems in the engine room. In that enviroment, I will take tape over dope 99% of the time. I would not use tape on an oil plug though

 

Agee. Tape can cause a whole lot of problems in engine applications, no matter how careful you are. First time not much problem but repeated uses could force any previous remnants into the oil causing blockages and what not.
Ron

 

Added note on the paste:

I don't go to the plumbing department at Ace to get mine.
I go to an Automotive place and get one labeled accordingly.
Likely a different compound (I don't know that for a fact).