Primary Drain Plug
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,114
Likes: 28
From: Kokomo, IN
Primary Drain Plug
2000 Fatboy, had it many years. Changed the primary fluid like I have many times. Now the plug is dripping pretty good.
It actually started a small drip before I changed the fluids. My plug does not have an o-ring on it, it appears to be a friction fit.
Do the plugs wear out over time? Maybe some teflon tape on it?
Appreciate some feedback. Been so long since I've had any issues at all, lol
It actually started a small drip before I changed the fluids. My plug does not have an o-ring on it, it appears to be a friction fit.
Do the plugs wear out over time? Maybe some teflon tape on it?
Appreciate some feedback. Been so long since I've had any issues at all, lol
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 193
Likes: 22
From: California
Hmm, I have a 2004 fatboy and it has a drain plug o-ring. 2000 does not show an o-ring but both have the same exact outer primary part number. Maybe see if you can fit an oring on it, don't cost much to try it.
Novice
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 24
Likes: 5
From: Saratoga Springs, NY
Primary Drain Plugs Have Changed
Doing some research it appears that the softail primary drain plugs have changed over the years. At one time they were tapered and then changed to a drain plug with an o-ring. The plugs were a T40 Torx at one time, changed to a 3/16 hex and then in 2007 changed to match the engine oil and transmission drain plugs. If you replace the drain plug it is probably year specific. Good luck and let us know how you make out.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,129
Likes: 12,691
From: South Carolina
Any time there is a leak either from the transmission or the primary, it seems like the fluid runs right to that drain plug then drips off...
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,143
Likes: 11,211
From: San Diego, CA
You have to be careful with that plug... prior to switching the primary plug to the same plug as engine/trans with o-ring and machined surface for it to seal... they just used pipe plugs...
You CAN drive it in too far and cause damage... the service manual will tell you to "tighten until it projects .160-.180" from case." That's from my notes, so be sure to double check your service manual...
I use Locktite 545 on that plug rather than teflon tape.... I haven't had it leak in many years since switching to 545 sealant....
As mentioned above, make sure the leak is from that plug... it could just be the spot where several other leaks show up...
You CAN drive it in too far and cause damage... the service manual will tell you to "tighten until it projects .160-.180" from case." That's from my notes, so be sure to double check your service manual...
I use Locktite 545 on that plug rather than teflon tape.... I haven't had it leak in many years since switching to 545 sealant....
As mentioned above, make sure the leak is from that plug... it could just be the spot where several other leaks show up...
Last edited by hattitude; Aug 5, 2020 at 06:32 PM.
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 366
Likes: 239
From: WI
My '05 Deluxe had a bit of oil on the plug after I changed fluids a couple days earlier. Wiped it off and found oil again after the next long ride. Did some checking and found that the shifter shaft oil seal is leaking down the backside of the inner primary to that point and dripping off. Bought a gasket kit and seal to fix the leak in the future.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,114
Likes: 28
From: Kokomo, IN
Thanks guys for all the pointers. I checked and it is the plug, not the inner seals. I was concerned about driving it in too far. I think I will get some Loctite 545 and go that route.
Happy riding!
Happy riding!
Last edited by kkiley; Aug 5, 2020 at 09:38 PM.