Drain Plug Torque
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 14,670
Likes: 139
From: East of the Sun, West of the Moon
14-21 is correct. aside from wheel and actual engine component bolts/nuts, I always split the difference on HD TQ specs. so 14 - 22 is 8 so 22 - 4 = 18ft lbs. has worked for me for many a years.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 824
Likes: 2
From: O'fallon IL
I as always say, it's not rocket surgery. Most of these torque settings are made for idiots that have no experience turning a wrench. I've never used a torque wrench on any drain plug and in 30+ years of doing my own wrenching I've never had a problem. Other than critical fasteners they should just give a "snug" rating, which means you tighten it until it stops and then another 1/4 turn...approximately.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,807
Likes: 1,488
From: SW Washington State
I recently sent my torques in for calibration, had to purchase one new one, one was ok and one needed calibration. I would send yours in, the manual is correct and like you I torque everything and I wrench for a living. Just read the above post, guess I'm an idiot too.
Last edited by sixguns; Oct 9, 2014 at 06:53 PM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 14,670
Likes: 139
From: East of the Sun, West of the Moon
I as always say, it's not rocket surgery. Most of these torque settings are made for idiots that have no experience turning a wrench. I've never used a torque wrench on any drain plug and in 30+ years of doing my own wrenching I've never had a problem. Other than critical fasteners they should just give a "snug" rating, which means you tighten it until it stops and then another 1/4 turn...approximately.
Good to know experienced people using TQ wrenches are considered idiots in you world.... And by the way, we very much appreciate and value you input...
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
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,532
Likes: 132
From: SoCal
If we have gotten to the point where we have to break out the tq wrench for every little job then yes we have become idiots!!!!!!!! Why do you think combination wrenches are the length they are, coincidence? LOL
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 5,105
Likes: 16
From: Blaine, WA
If we've gotten to the point where we think the factory publishes torque specs just for kicks, THEN we are idiots. Not calling anyone that but I have three snap on TW's from 40 inch-lbs to 250ft-lbs and use them for most things - I figure they put them in the book for a reason.