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-

 

it should be...both are medium stength their website list by color not numbers

 

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.

 

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.

 

never even looked at the numbers. I work in a automotive shop and use what ever we have. never had a problem.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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??

 

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.