Outer Primary Cover Drain Plug 'spinning'
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: PERTH
Outer Primary Cover Drain Plug 'spinning'
Hi all
I was changing oils in my 05 Softail and got to the primary cover. Drain plug just keeps spinning around. Can't tighten it, can't loosen it, funny thing is, it doesn't leak.
Have done some research and appears it has been an issue to some owners before.
Scavenged oil with a hand vacuum pump. Harley typically suggested a new cover.
My questions are;
Can I get the drain plug out without taking the cover off and;
What fixes are there, if any? Keep in mind, being in Australia we don't have access to all the fix it stuff you guys have in the States.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Cheers
Darren
I was changing oils in my 05 Softail and got to the primary cover. Drain plug just keeps spinning around. Can't tighten it, can't loosen it, funny thing is, it doesn't leak.
Have done some research and appears it has been an issue to some owners before.
Scavenged oil with a hand vacuum pump. Harley typically suggested a new cover.
My questions are;
Can I get the drain plug out without taking the cover off and;
What fixes are there, if any? Keep in mind, being in Australia we don't have access to all the fix it stuff you guys have in the States.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Cheers
Darren
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,593
Likes: 11
From: Mass/NH
That is strange...but, since the primary fluid is only about one quart of oil and is usually changed once per year, i might be tempted to just use your vacuum method...
As long as its not leaking...hope it works out.
Ride safe.
As long as its not leaking...hope it works out.
Ride safe.
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: PERTH
Doubled checked after a long ride today & yesterday, no leaks what so ever!
Damm thing spins right and left without tightening or loosening, has me dumbfounded but I leave it and check for leaks.
Thanks for your reply.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 852
Likes: 54
From: Dallas tx
Well the threads in the primary have been stripped out. It's likely going to be a primary cover replacement to fix it. Sorry. I don't think Harley makes a self-tapping drain plug like you can get for stripped automobile oil pans. You can check and see if they do, but I've not heard of one.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 852
Likes: 54
From: Dallas tx
I thought about that, but using a Helicoil or Keensert would likely destroy the o-ring seat. You'd have to evaluate it to see of that's the case.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
Trending Topics
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,501
Likes: 26
From: Sheboygan,Wi
Most automotive stores sell over sized drain plugs. You can tap out the hole and install one. There are also some self tapping drain plugs avail.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 970
Likes: 19
From: Philippines
Been There Done That! Easy fix. Remove the primary cover, drill out the plug and re-tap the hole. Use and short hex head bolt for the plug. When inserting the plug add a little thread sealer to prevent leaks. If you don't feel confident doing this, take the primary cover to your local machine shop.