Drain Plug Torque
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,532
Likes: 132
From: SoCal
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.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,807
Likes: 1,488
From: SW Washington State
there is no plausible reason to not use a torque wrench. After all if you have to grab a wrench,why not just grab the right one. Especially With all the different grade fasteners and alloys you find on today's motorcycles.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,307
Likes: 2,443
From: Eastern NE
Actually, I break out the air wrench and hit her with 120psi until she stops...getting prepped for NASCAR tire swaps as well...
JK, personally NEVER use torque wrench on any fluid drain plug...I've got the feel, after 50-yrs of practice.
JK, personally NEVER use torque wrench on any fluid drain plug...I've got the feel, after 50-yrs of practice.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 358
Likes: 2
From: Swansea,SC
This is funny. I can't believe there are this many replies to "Drain Plug Torque". Glad I could pad one more on. Lol
I just tightened it snug and a little more bout 1/4 to 1/2 turn. I have never had an issue. If you crush the oring you could possibly develop a leak. Also, I have torque wrenches to. They hardly get used. I only use them when they are on critical pieces, ie head bolts, or some other gasket type connection. I don't consider the oring a gasket.
I just tightened it snug and a little more bout 1/4 to 1/2 turn. I have never had an issue. If you crush the oring you could possibly develop a leak. Also, I have torque wrenches to. They hardly get used. I only use them when they are on critical pieces, ie head bolts, or some other gasket type connection. I don't consider the oring a gasket.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 876
Likes: 4
From: Waskom, TX
This is funny. I can't believe there are this many replies to "Drain Plug Torque". Glad I could pad one more on. Lol
I just tightened it snug and a little more bout 1/4 to 1/2 turn. I have never had an issue. If you crush the oring you could possibly develop a leak. Also, I have torque wrenches to. They hardly get used. I only use them when they are on critical pieces, ie head bolts, or some other gasket type connection. I don't consider the oring a gasket.
I just tightened it snug and a little more bout 1/4 to 1/2 turn. I have never had an issue. If you crush the oring you could possibly develop a leak. Also, I have torque wrenches to. They hardly get used. I only use them when they are on critical pieces, ie head bolts, or some other gasket type connection. I don't consider the oring a gasket.
I've thoroughly enjoyed this thread as well. It's a drain plug, with an O ring. Snug is good. Don't over think it!
David
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,979
Likes: 2
From: Northern Colorado
They give a torque range for liability reasons. 14 and 21 ft-lbs. are the "safe" limits. If you choose to torque outside that range or not use a torque wrench at all, then you do so at your own risk!
Last edited by NoCoLoco; Oct 9, 2014 at 09:34 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 167
Likes: 13
From: Albemarle, NC
This is funny. I can't believe there are this many replies to "Drain Plug Torque". Glad I could pad one more on. Lol
I just tightened it snug and a little more bout 1/4 to 1/2 turn. I have never had an issue. If you crush the oring you could possibly develop a leak. Also, I have torque wrenches to. They hardly get used. I only use them when they are on critical pieces, ie head bolts, or some other gasket type connection. I don't consider the oring a gasket.
I just tightened it snug and a little more bout 1/4 to 1/2 turn. I have never had an issue. If you crush the oring you could possibly develop a leak. Also, I have torque wrenches to. They hardly get used. I only use them when they are on critical pieces, ie head bolts, or some other gasket type connection. I don't consider the oring a gasket.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,307
Likes: 2,443
From: Eastern NE
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 843
Likes: 43
From: Louisiana
Don't understand that at all. All the drain plug o-rings seat against a counter sunk chamfer in the case when tightened. You can torque a drain plug until the veins in your next bulge and the o-ring won't compress any more. That's providing you have a right o-ring. Now some big fat o-ring from the local hardware store is a different story. It takes very little torque for the drain plug o-ring to actually seal. Beyond that snug enough to keep it from coming loose is all you need. Harleys torque number is likely an standard torque based on the size and material make up.