anybody ever use teflon tape on the threads? Im sure its not cross threaded and I used a new o ring the last time I changed it. I noticed a small drop of fluid on the garage floor,jacked up the bike and sure enough the plug was a little loose. so I tightened it down,cleaned up everything and went for a ride. well a week later there was another drop,same deal loose plug. I think that I may have damaged the o ring upon installation. anyway Im gonna remove the plug,use another new o ring and put teflon on the threads. What ya think?

 

Is there a possibility that you over torqued it when you put it back in? New O ring sounds like the simplest thing to check. I have never experienced my tranny plugs getting loose or dripping and have done numerous tranny oil changes. It sounds like the plug threads are not holding properly.

 

Use teflon thread paste instead of teflon tape.

 

thanks for the sugestion on the teflon paste,is that the same as pipe dope plumbers use? and Im pretty sure that I didnt over tighten. I am very careful due to the aluminum case, which might be the problem (not tightening enough). anyway just dont want to stick anything on the plug that I shouldnt. Thanks

 

No.no,no, no, it is not pipe dope! I got mine at Home Depot, in the plumbing section, it says "Teflon Paste" on the tube. Go the dealer, ask the service manager, it is what HD tells the techs to use on the plugs.

 

Thanks tlb.

 

If you torque it to proper torque it shouldnt leak,sounds like you are not using a torque wrench and tightning it to proper torque

 

no I dont use a torque wrench on things such as this. been workin on cars and bikes for years and always have just snugged good n tight without gettin all gorilla on it. dont misunderstand,I do own a torque wrench and use it,just not for things such as this. I spoke with the service manager today and he said to use the liquid teflon.Its what they use and should solve the problem.

 

Just a friendly suggestion, use your torque wrench on the drain plugs. Harley gives you the specs. Mine is 14-21 ft-lbs. I set mine at 18ft-lbs. I don't use the liquid teflon but I would if I ever experienced a leak. I own 4 torque wrenches and I do use them on things like this. How tight the plug is determines how much the o-ring is compressed. Do what you want man, but remember, yours leaks, mine doesn't!

 

I have used teflon tape on all my drain plugs for years. Never had any leaks and no problems with the tape.