Fluid changes - Almost learned the hard way.

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Nov 7, 2010 | 07:13 AM

SoFla

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Joined: May 2009

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From: South Florida

Fluid changes - Almost learned the hard way.

Late yesterday I started changing the 3 fluids getting ready for the rally. First I loosened the oil filler cap, then drained the oil. Next, I moved on to the primary and drained that. But I did not take the cover off where I add the oil.... BIG mistake. I went to remove the 5 bolts holding the cover on, and I round the last one and the more I try to remove it, the rounder I get it.

Lying on the garage floor pissed off at myself for not "trying" to remove the access cover first. Without fluid in the primary, I know I can not ride it to HD to have them do it. Trying to come up with next steps I think of having it towed to HD. No idea how long that would have taken. Then I remember masterblaster trying to bang a socket on another bolt I had rounded (before he cut it off). SUCCESS, the bastard finally turned !

From now on, I open all fill areas FIRST. Would have sucked to miss the rally for something so stupid.

Nov 7, 2010 | 07:27 AM

PoorBoy

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Joined: Mar 2007

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From: North Georgia

Welcome to the club. Glad to hear you got it resolved. Lots of folks get their chance to wrestle with those five screws.

I have had to drill into one or two before, and then use an EZ-out to finish the removal. Most HD parts guys have the stock number memorized for these, or know exactly which bin holds them in the back. LOL

Suggestion- pick up some spare screws for the Derby cover, maybe an extra gasket. HD actually has an oil change kit that has all this ready to go.

Nov 7, 2010 | 07:33 AM

2010IRON883

Tourer

Joined: Oct 2009

Posts: 265

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From: GALAX

Shoo !!!! Boy i know how you feel exactly. Your laying there mad and the adrenaline is pumpin too. I get pretty upset when something goes wrong especially on these new expensive bikes !!! Glad you got it taken care of shoo again !!!!

Nov 7, 2010 | 08:07 AM

big_al

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Joined: Oct 2007

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From: South Florida

Glad to read that it all worked out for you, I have dealt with stubborn bolts before I have learned to walk away cool off then go back at it again and the SOB comes off.

Nov 7, 2010 | 10:41 AM

cHarley

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Joined: Feb 2007

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From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh

You can save yourself a lot of future grief by replacing those T27 torx screws with stainless steel hex (allen) screws.

Nov 7, 2010 | 12:31 PM

Just Dave

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Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 6,593

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From: Spring Hill, Fl

A # 2 square drive tip hammers right in those and then just replace them with allens like cHarley said. I use a cordless impact driver to take those out so it has never been a problem on this bike although I have been there before. Glad you got it fixed so quick...

Last edited by Just Dave; Nov 8, 2010 at 07:12 AM. Reason: spelling

Nov 7, 2010 | 12:44 PM

Sefferdog

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Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 3,471

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From: Ocala, FL

Great advice from Charlie and everyone else, and I would like to add one obvious thing. Get a torque wrench and torque them to spec, instead of just tightening by feel!