Decided to change my engine oil today, I've put 1800 miles on this bike so far since the end of July when I got it. The previous bike (first Harley I've owned) I got Memorial Day weekend this year only to be rear ended July 7th, it had 20k on it, this replacement Ultra Classic had 12.4k on it, I didn't remember which owner said they just had it serviced so I decided to just do it. Since I'm going to take a mountain trip, I thought it would be a good idea, slid socket over plug only to see it move with the touch of the socket, it was finger loose, glad I decided to change oil today. That could of been an expensive find.
Now I just saw weather for weekend, 60% chance of rain. Guess no mountain trip. At least oil is changed.

 

Good thing you decided to do that before you left for your trip. You can never trust another person's work unless you watched then do it.

 

2 years ago I was in Daytona and had the local dealer change the oil.
3 months later I am changing the oil and the plug was not only loose it was about to fall out. Wasn't more than 3 or 4 threads holding it.

No more dealers for me.


Tom

 

I think it's because dealers slop pipe dope on the threads and they wont torque properly.

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...lp-me-out.html

 

When my dealer changes oil, 2500 miles later, I can take the plug out by hand and the o-ring is destroyed. When I change the oil, I need my ratchet and it is as tight as the day I put it in and the 0-ring looks new. Difference, I don't put anything on the threads other than clean them.

 

Hell, both bolts holding the shocks on my 2013 were loose.... From the factory! And I mean FINGER TIGHT. $hit happens I guess. That's why we put a wrench on our own motorcycle's.

 

I always put a dab of thread locker on my plug..never loosens.

 

One of the reason I don't do dealer service anymore . Came home after full service and trans drain plug was hand tight went over all three plugs with torque wrench and they were all loose . Guess they don't use one .