PTFE thread sealant for drain plug?
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Joined: Sep 2022
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From: NA
PTFE thread sealant for drain plug?
My engine oil drain plug has a slow leak.
Tried new drain plug, new o-ring. Leak still present.
I know that it is not recommended to use PTFE tape.
Would a thread sealant like this be ok for use on oil drain plug?
https://www.grainger.com/product/HER...al-Tuff-20CM12
I happen to have this in my office.
Tried new drain plug, new o-ring. Leak still present.
I know that it is not recommended to use PTFE tape.
Would a thread sealant like this be ok for use on oil drain plug?
https://www.grainger.com/product/HER...al-Tuff-20CM12
I happen to have this in my office.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 8,466
Likes: 19,160
From: The Republic of Texas
I don't think it will hurt to use it. A better place for this question would have been over in the "Tech and Mechanical" forum.
This is basically the same product and can be found at your local auto parts store, for less money. Permatex 59214 Permatex High-Temperature Thread Sealant | Summit Racing
Keep in mind that some residual oil remains in the bottom of the case while the bike is resting in the jiffy stand, Secure the bike upright if possible, to drain the oil. If time allows let the oil drain overnight. I like to clean the oil drain hole threads with alcohol (or degreaser) and a paper towel prior to reinstalling the plug.
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This is basically the same product and can be found at your local auto parts store, for less money. Permatex 59214 Permatex High-Temperature Thread Sealant | Summit Racing
Keep in mind that some residual oil remains in the bottom of the case while the bike is resting in the jiffy stand, Secure the bike upright if possible, to drain the oil. If time allows let the oil drain overnight. I like to clean the oil drain hole threads with alcohol (or degreaser) and a paper towel prior to reinstalling the plug.
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Last edited by benscratchin; Apr 14, 2024 at 07:38 AM. Reason: typo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,144
Likes: 11,219
From: San Diego, CA
My engine oil drain plug has a slow leak.
Tried new drain plug, new o-ring. Leak still present.
I know that it is not recommended to use PTFE tape.
Would a thread sealant like this be ok for use on oil drain plug?
https://www.grainger.com/product/HER...al-Tuff-20CM12
I happen to have this in my office.
If the Standard HD oil drain plug w/o-ring is leaking, it is usually an issue with either the o-ring (wrong size) or the machined face the o-ring seats against (like a bur). Sometimes, if you don't put a little oil on the o-ring, during install it may "catch" and get twisted or torn, especially if there is a bur on the mating service.
A properly installed O-ring drain plug, with the proper size o-ring, should not leak...
Having said that, Harley used to have a pipe plug style primary drain plug.
They are not tightened to a torque value, but are given a depth value. The service manual stipulates how much it should protrude from the bottom of primary case. I have two early twin cams with those pipe plugs in their primaries, and I always use a thread sealant on those.
I use Loctite 545 thread sealant on those primary plugs.
Would it hurt to use the 545 Sealant on an o-ring style drain plug.....?
No, but it would bug me why the proper plug isn't doing it's job....
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Stellar HDF Member
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From: Massachusetts
Or Joey Overtorque tighened the snot out of 'The Plug" and possibly cracked the pan/primary case, or wherever said plug is!
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Pennsylvania
My engine oil drain plug has a slow leak.
https://www.grainger.com/product/HER...al-Tuff-20CM12
I happen to have this in my office.
https://www.grainger.com/product/HER...al-Tuff-20CM12
I happen to have this in my office.
I would again say it is the drain plug that drains the engine oil and not the primary or transmission oil plugs
What year and model bike???
