Idiot!
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 641
Likes: 30
From: Clovis, CA
Idiot!
So, I'm doing a Trans, Primary and engine oil change.
I finish the primary, move on to the engine oil. As I'm cleaning the oil drain plug and putting a fresh o-ring on, I realize I didn't put a drop of thread locker on my primary drain plug. I torqued it correctly and the HD service manual says nothing about thread locker on either of these drain plugs. But each one had thread locker on them from the factory.
Is everybody putting thread locker on their drain plugs? Should I redo the primary, or am I being overly safety conscious. I am riding two up in a couple of weeks for a couple thousand miles and losing that drain plug would really suck.
Or am I being a complete puss?
I finish the primary, move on to the engine oil. As I'm cleaning the oil drain plug and putting a fresh o-ring on, I realize I didn't put a drop of thread locker on my primary drain plug. I torqued it correctly and the HD service manual says nothing about thread locker on either of these drain plugs. But each one had thread locker on them from the factory.
Is everybody putting thread locker on their drain plugs? Should I redo the primary, or am I being overly safety conscious. I am riding two up in a couple of weeks for a couple thousand miles and losing that drain plug would really suck.
Or am I being a complete puss?
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,301
Likes: 24
From: Minden LA
So, I'm doing a Trans, Primary and engine oil change.
I finish the primary, move on to the engine oil. As I'm cleaning the oil drain plug and putting a fresh o-ring on, I realize I didn't put a drop of thread locker on my primary drain plug. I torqued it correctly and the HD service manual says nothing about thread locker on either of these drain plugs. But each one had thread locker on them from the factory.
Is everybody putting thread locker on their drain plugs? Should I redo the primary, or am I being overly safety conscious. I am riding two up in a couple of weeks for a couple thousand miles and losing that drain plug would really suck.
Or am I being a complete puss?
I finish the primary, move on to the engine oil. As I'm cleaning the oil drain plug and putting a fresh o-ring on, I realize I didn't put a drop of thread locker on my primary drain plug. I torqued it correctly and the HD service manual says nothing about thread locker on either of these drain plugs. But each one had thread locker on them from the factory.
Is everybody putting thread locker on their drain plugs? Should I redo the primary, or am I being overly safety conscious. I am riding two up in a couple of weeks for a couple thousand miles and losing that drain plug would really suck.
Or am I being a complete puss?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,807
Likes: 1,488
From: SW Washington State
All you need is the o-ring, say no to tape or Loctite. The o-ring will seal and prevent any vibration that may loosen the plug.
The use of Teflon tape on pretty much anything that uses a plug will void the manufactures warranty.
The use of Teflon tape on pretty much anything that uses a plug will void the manufactures warranty.
Last edited by sixguns; Oct 29, 2015 at 11:50 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,452
Likes: 23
From: Michigan
No, I do not use thread locker. Like other post said no leaks and the o ring will prevent the plug from vibrating loose. Just make sure you use the recommended touqe specs and check for leaks after.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
3500 miles so far on a primary oil change. No thread lock or tape. Just a new o ring. Not a drop.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,967
Likes: 18
From: Florida
All I have ever done was change the 'o' rings - never put any thread sealant and never a problem.....to each his own!
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,187
Likes: 11
From: Ladera Ranch, CA
I use just a new O ring and never a leak. If you want to ensure it, maybe some teflon paste, but no thread locker. There's nothing wrong with a little extra effort in sealing it up.
