Plugs for fluid change 2017 heritage
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,156
Likes: 11,247
From: San Diego, CA
Good advice....
With one caveat...
The early Twin Cam softails up to 2006 use primary drain plugs that only accept an allen head driver. They either use a small pipe plug part #739A, or the small shouldered plug with o-ring that takes an allen head driver part #60391-04.
I can't say what other models they were used on, but I have the pipe plug #739A as the primary drain plug on my 2001 Springer and 2003 Heritage.
I recently did a service on a good friend's 2004 Softail and he had the other allen head driver drain plug with the o-ring, #60391-04.
It looks like this aftermarket version of the #60391-04:
Last edited by hattitude; Jun 17, 2023 at 09:27 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,894
Likes: 11,324
From: NE Ohio
help me with that, Dan.
can't use a wrench on any of my drain plugs.('04 TC)
and allen socket makes it much easier to re-install the plugs too ...in particular, the trans plug
better imHo, to know which plugs are which rather than leaving useful tools in the box
..L.T.A.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 4,798
Likes: 5,889
From: Knoxville
Does anyone know why
Why does Harley continue to use what appears to be asking for trouble? Why not use similar type plug for this?
Also, I cant say enough about items not in a manual should simply be enough to leave things alone? SMDH
Also, I cant say enough about items not in a manual should simply be enough to leave things alone? SMDH
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,173
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From: South Carolina
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Jun 18, 2023 at 08:29 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,156
Likes: 11,247
From: San Diego, CA
"can't use a wrench" I understand as a wrench won't fit, but I chose to use a short 5/8" socket on both the engine oil drain plugs and trans drain plugs on my '01 & '03, as well as my friend's '04 softails....
However, I will never argue against the best advice is to know which plugs are which, before working on anything...
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 2,045
Likes: 1,486
From: Black Hills of SD
Short 5/8" socket with a 4" or 6" extension for the transmission.And after you get oil all over the shocks, you will remember that the previous owner included a special funnel to use to keep that from happening....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,156
Likes: 11,247
From: San Diego, CA
Please... post up a pic of that special funnel.....!
I've been using aluminum foil.. pain in the butt, but it often works.. unless I forget how I formed it the time it worked...
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If you plan to do any type of self service, buy the HD Factory Service Manual. The cost is about the same as 1 hour labor cost at your dealer, and well worth the investment. Don’t even think about buying one of the cheaper knockoff manuals like Clymer…or we’ll bitch slap you.