Drain Plug Torque
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,510
Likes: 23
From: Connecticut
I'll reckon one of the most common results of guys using a torque wrench on their drain bolts is..... stripped threads.
No torque wrench is needed. You're better off NOT using one on these bolts.
I don't even use a ratchet to put them back in -- I use the ratchet only to "break the bolt" loose before draining.
I don't use any pipe sealer, no loctite either.
Just a 1/4" allen wrench for the drain bolt -- that's what the center depression on the bolt is for.
Thread it in by hand, use a little L-shaped wrench to tighten it. You won't over-torque, you'd have to be really ham-handed to do that.
Never have had one come out this way.
Never stripped one, either.
No torque wrench is needed. You're better off NOT using one on these bolts.
I don't even use a ratchet to put them back in -- I use the ratchet only to "break the bolt" loose before draining.
I don't use any pipe sealer, no loctite either.
Just a 1/4" allen wrench for the drain bolt -- that's what the center depression on the bolt is for.
Thread it in by hand, use a little L-shaped wrench to tighten it. You won't over-torque, you'd have to be really ham-handed to do that.
Never have had one come out this way.
Never stripped one, either.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 988
Likes: 1
From: Ashevegas
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.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 14,731
Likes: 2,535
From: Mountain Top, Alabama
This thread has been enlightening.
I think I'll go check the torque on my gas cap clicker now.
I forgot how many clicks it went yesterday, this thread has got me concerned.
I think I'll go check the torque on my gas cap clicker now.
I forgot how many clicks it went yesterday, this thread has got me concerned.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 2
From: Coral Springs, Florida
Don't remember where I read this, but I always abide by it.
"Only amateurs don't use torque wrenches".
I always use a Craftsman torque wrench on the drain plugs (using specs in the owners manual) and have never had an issue. When my local indy works on my bike I always see him reaching for his SnapOn torque wrench when reassembling.
"Only amateurs don't use torque wrenches".
I always use a Craftsman torque wrench on the drain plugs (using specs in the owners manual) and have never had an issue. When my local indy works on my bike I always see him reaching for his SnapOn torque wrench when reassembling.
Last edited by xcelr8; Oct 10, 2014 at 09:46 AM.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 196
Likes: 17
From: Central Coast California
Absolutely correct!
Also a note to those who condemn H-D's use of "pipe dope" on the threads. I'm quite certain that it is not intended to 'seal' anything. Since it has Teflon in it . . . it is being used as an 'anti-seize' compound. Using an anti-seize product on aluminum threads is often a good idea.
If you are having problems with the use of a similar pipe dope product you are probably using too much. It only takes a hint of color on the threads to be effective.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,979
Likes: 2
From: Northern Colorado
Absolutely correct!
Also a note to those who condemn H-D's use of "pipe dope" on the threads. I'm quite certain that it is not intended to 'seal' anything. Since it has Teflon in it . . . it is being used as an 'anti-seize' compound. Using an anti-seize product on aluminum threads is often a good idea.
If you are having problems with the use of a similar pipe dope product you are probably using too much. It only takes a hint of color on the threads to be effective.
Also a note to those who condemn H-D's use of "pipe dope" on the threads. I'm quite certain that it is not intended to 'seal' anything. Since it has Teflon in it . . . it is being used as an 'anti-seize' compound. Using an anti-seize product on aluminum threads is often a good idea.
If you are having problems with the use of a similar pipe dope product you are probably using too much. It only takes a hint of color on the threads to be effective.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,916
Likes: 31
From: earth
No, they use thread tape and pipe dope for insulation to prevent electrolysis corrosion on the drain plug.