Sportster Models 883, 883 Custom, 1200 Custom, 883L, 1200L, 1200S, 1200 Roadster, XR1200, and the Nightster.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Blue Loctite Question...

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 12, 2007 | 10:34 PM
  #1  
vid's Avatar
vid
Thread Starter
|
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Default Blue Loctite Question...

The HD service manual calls for blue Loctite 243.
Seems pretty easy to find blue Loctite 242 at hardware stores.
But for 243...no dice.
They're both called "blue medium strength".
Only difference I can see is that 243 is called "oil resistant".
Just wondering if it really makes any difference. Is the 242 good enough?
What typeof blue Loctite do y'all use?
GEE TANKS...in advance.

-vid-
 
Reply
Old Jan 12, 2007 | 10:47 PM
  #2  
scttgr8's Avatar
scttgr8
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,219
Likes: 2
From: Indianapolis
Default RE: Blue Loctite Question...

it should be...both are medium stength their website list by color not numbers
 
Reply
Old Jan 12, 2007 | 11:06 PM
  #3  
OldFenderGuy's Avatar
OldFenderGuy
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,641
Likes: 26
From: Ozark Country
Default RE: Blue Loctite Question...

The '243' is suppose to be more resistant to oil and other fluids, and is recommended for use on threads that might be in direct contact with fluid.

On a Sportster a good example would be if you used Loctite on the lower derby cover bolts, which can come in contact with primary/tranny fluid.

That being said, I use the 'regular' 24206 Blue Loctite' on everything, and have never had a problem.



 
Reply
Old Jan 12, 2007 | 11:20 PM
  #4  
diablo666's Avatar
diablo666
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 933
Likes: 1
From:
Default RE: Blue Loctite Question...

Not to split hairs here but regular Loctite is fine as you said OFG.If oil is is contacting the Loctite you have a leak bypassing the seal.That would need repaired with a new seal.The derby cover screws are on the outside of the seal location.This is just an example for everyone.The application comes into play.Some parts just need Loctite so they don't vibrate loose.
 
Reply
Old Jan 12, 2007 | 11:30 PM
  #5  
rbcss's Avatar
rbcss
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 378
Likes: 0
From: Ct
Default RE: Blue Loctite Question...

never even looked at the numbers. I work in a automotive shop and use what ever we have. never had a problem.
 
Reply
Old Jan 12, 2007 | 11:37 PM
  #6  
drum412's Avatar
drum412
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 656
Likes: 2
From:
Default RE: Blue Loctite Question...

just worry about color. both types are equally oil resistant. Blue is medium strentgh, so you can still take bolts out without too much evert. Red is heat resistant, with a stronger hold, Alot more torque is need to crack it loose, or heating it up with a torch helps too.
 
Reply
Old Jan 12, 2007 | 11:41 PM
  #7  
SportyPig's Avatar
SportyPig
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,478
Likes: 12
From: Nashville, TN
Default RE: Blue Loctite Question...

From personal experience, there is a problem using 242 on the derby cover!!!!!!

I haven't had a problem using 243 anywhere else on the bike.

Now, I just have to figure out how to get the screws out of the derby cover that I used 242 on..... I'm sure a dremil or some other aggressive approach is going to be required.
 
Reply
Old Jan 12, 2007 | 11:58 PM
  #8  
rbcss's Avatar
rbcss
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 378
Likes: 0
From: Ct
Default RE: Blue Loctite Question...

actully is not the loctitethat make the bolt stick on the derby cover, it's the torx bolts. the torx bolt shank under the head of the boltsticks to the derby cover. that's why you have a hard time getting the off and so many people break there torx bits. I found by shocking the head of the bolt helps but not all the time. after you drill out the head of the bolt you should be able to turn the part of the bolt left in the case by hand. I normally don't put loctite on the derby bolts. there have been many write up about this problem, here and on other sites. someone told me to try allen head screws, so I have them in there now and wiil find out soon if that works.
 
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jan 13, 2007 | 12:11 AM
  #9  
SportyPig's Avatar
SportyPig
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,478
Likes: 12
From: Nashville, TN
Default RE: Blue Loctite Question...

Yes, I've seen the many write ups about this problem.

UNFORTUNATELY, I did this even before I discovered this forum. [:@]

I'm not sure I understand what you mean by "shocking" the bolts??
 
Reply
Old Jan 13, 2007 | 12:26 AM
  #10  
rbcss's Avatar
rbcss
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 378
Likes: 0
From: Ct
Default RE: Blue Loctite Question...

I use a impac driver. it's a hand held with a spring action built in to it. you put your torx bit on and hit the back of the driver while twisting in the direction you want it to go. you can buy them pretty much where tools are sold. I belevie I bought one at sears years ago.they work well.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:12 PM.

story-0
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-5
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-6
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE