Drain Plug Torque
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,979
Likes: 2
From: Northern Colorado
It must not be that big of a problem if the service manual doesn't say to use it. I think the only reason new bikes have it is to ensure they don't leak on the showroom floor... it's bad for business!
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Supporter
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,419
Likes: 90
From: Vermont
For all the torque nay sayers, I as well as many others I know have had lots of trouble with master cylinder cover leaks. Dot 4 can be pretty nasty when it splatters little hard to see droplets all over sheet metal when dispersed by the wind. I tried new gaskets different tightening procedures light on the touch a little more etc. Went with the new 6 inch pound factory spec, which is different than the repair manual. Harley upgraded this spec from 12 Inch Pounds. Still leaked. Then I decided to buy an inch pound torque screw driver. It wasn't cheap either. I was surprised at how much different, (tighter) 6 inch pounds actually was from my many different guesses. Snug, to just seeing the gasket move slightly. All the tricks but none worked. When I finally used a proper torque screwdriver and tightened to 6 inch pound, no more leaks since. Did my buddys, no more leaks. To each his own but I believe in torqueing things correctly! This tiny little thing reinforced that.
Last edited by Rickr01; Oct 10, 2014 at 04:06 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 824
Likes: 2
From: O'fallon IL
Well, you blew my comment way out of proportion. Yes, torque wrenches are needed for many applications but if you are using one for every single fastener then that's over-kill. When it comes to very light torque, less than 25 in pounds, I trust my feel of how tight it is over the torque wrench.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 2
From: Coral Springs, Florida
Well, you blew my comment way out of proportion. Yes, torque wrenches are needed for many applications but if you are using one for every single fastener then that's over-kill. When it comes to very light torque, less than 25 in pounds, I trust my feel of how tight it is over the torque wrench.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 824
Likes: 2
From: O'fallon IL
I read it. Again, I've never used a torque wrench on a master cylinder cover either. And, I've never had one leak. Guess I'm just extremely lucky.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 2
From: Coral Springs, Florida
It's not about the master cylinder cover. The point he is making is that only amateurs don't use torque wrenches.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,675
Likes: 95
From: Billings,Mt.
I have a calibrated 3/8 drive foot lb. Proto.I think it starts at 5 lbs.
When I torque the drain plug to spec,it feels too tight but then it clicks.
No problems.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 7,138
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From: Southern Oregon
I always go for the middle of the reccomended torque range and ensure the treads are clean and in good shape before tightening anything. Word of the wise: never mix up ft. Lbs with inch lbs. I dig out the torque wrench a lot more on aluminum vs steel
Last edited by ynots; Oct 10, 2014 at 08:41 PM.
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