pinched O ring - reuse fluid?
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 938
Likes: 22
pinched O ring - reuse fluid?
I changed my fluids today but when I was cleaning the bike after, I noticed that I have pinched out the O ring on the Primary drain plug.
No big deal to put a new O ring on but I was wondering can I reuse the Amsoil I just put in if I drain it into a clean container and measure that I have the proper amount to put back in.
No big deal to put a new O ring on but I was wondering can I reuse the Amsoil I just put in if I drain it into a clean container and measure that I have the proper amount to put back in.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,437
Likes: 15
I changed my fluids today but when I was cleaning the bike after, I noticed that I have pinched out the O ring on the Primary drain plug.
No big deal to put a new O ring on but I was wondering can I reuse the Amsoil I just put in if I drain it into a clean container and measure that I have the proper amount to put back in.
No big deal to put a new O ring on but I was wondering can I reuse the Amsoil I just put in if I drain it into a clean container and measure that I have the proper amount to put back in.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 545
Likes: 5
From: California
I had the same problem with my first, 1000 mile, service. I just tightened the bolt and the leak stopped.
I noticed at the time I took the bolt out that the factory does not rely on the O ring. They use a sealant of some sort. So, I used some teflon tape. Right? Wrong? I do not know. But if the facory does not rely on the O ring I figured I should not, also.
I have to wonder why we can't just use a copper washer like other engines.
I noticed at the time I took the bolt out that the factory does not rely on the O ring. They use a sealant of some sort. So, I used some teflon tape. Right? Wrong? I do not know. But if the facory does not rely on the O ring I figured I should not, also.
I have to wonder why we can't just use a copper washer like other engines.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 19,982
Likes: 6,110
From: Florida
I would use ssome clean oil for the following reasons:
1. Psychologically, it would bother me even though I just changed it, to re-use oil
2. Think of it as flushing out your primary case. When I buy a new or used bike, I always do 2 oil changes,with a few miles in between, to flush out the previous owner's crap, just in case.
3. 1 quart of oil is cheap, and just think--your contribution helps to feed the families of the poor oil company executives.
BTW Teflon tape is a PITA. Gotta clean it off after every change. The rubber washer is just fine. Never trusted copper washers, although they seem to work for cars.
1. Psychologically, it would bother me even though I just changed it, to re-use oil
2. Think of it as flushing out your primary case. When I buy a new or used bike, I always do 2 oil changes,with a few miles in between, to flush out the previous owner's crap, just in case.
3. 1 quart of oil is cheap, and just think--your contribution helps to feed the families of the poor oil company executives.
BTW Teflon tape is a PITA. Gotta clean it off after every change. The rubber washer is just fine. Never trusted copper washers, although they seem to work for cars.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,437
Likes: 15
I would use ssome clean oil for the following reasons:
1. Psychologically, it would bother me even though I just changed it, to re-use oil
2. Think of it as flushing out your primary case. When I buy a new or used bike, I always do 2 oil changes,with a few miles in between, to flush out the previous owner's crap, just in case.
3. 1 quart of oil is cheap, and just think--your contribution helps to feed the families of the poor oil company executives.
BTW Teflon tape is a PITA. Gotta clean it off after every change. The rubber washer is just fine. Never trusted copper washers, although they seem to work for cars.
1. Psychologically, it would bother me even though I just changed it, to re-use oil
2. Think of it as flushing out your primary case. When I buy a new or used bike, I always do 2 oil changes,with a few miles in between, to flush out the previous owner's crap, just in case.
3. 1 quart of oil is cheap, and just think--your contribution helps to feed the families of the poor oil company executives.
BTW Teflon tape is a PITA. Gotta clean it off after every change. The rubber washer is just fine. Never trusted copper washers, although they seem to work for cars.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 415
From: Southern Maryland
cleanliness
If you clean around the drain plug with a toothbrush to ensure that ALL the dirt is gone, and the container is brand spanking clean, like an empty milk jug, then I agree that the oil can be changed.
Another method is to use a clean container, clean around the plug with a tooth brush, remove the plug and put your finger over the hole to keep the oil from coming out. Pass the plug to wife, have her install another O ring, and wrap with teflon tape if you prefer, and then reinstall the plug with a new gasket. Measure the amount lost into the clean container, and replenish. Or just remove the cover and add until it comes up to the desired level per the manual.
Just saying.
Another method is to use a clean container, clean around the plug with a tooth brush, remove the plug and put your finger over the hole to keep the oil from coming out. Pass the plug to wife, have her install another O ring, and wrap with teflon tape if you prefer, and then reinstall the plug with a new gasket. Measure the amount lost into the clean container, and replenish. Or just remove the cover and add until it comes up to the desired level per the manual.
Just saying.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,979
Likes: 4
From: Central IL
If you clean around the drain plug with a toothbrush to ensure that ALL the dirt is gone, and the container is brand spanking clean, like an empty milk jug, then I agree that the oil can be changed.
Another method is to use a clean container, clean around the plug with a tooth brush, remove the plug and put your finger over the hole to keep the oil from coming out. Pass the plug to wife, have her install another O ring, and wrap with teflon tape if you prefer, and then reinstall the plug with a new gasket. Measure the amount lost into the clean container, and replenish. Or just remove the cover and add until it comes up to the desired level per the manual.
Just saying.
Another method is to use a clean container, clean around the plug with a tooth brush, remove the plug and put your finger over the hole to keep the oil from coming out. Pass the plug to wife, have her install another O ring, and wrap with teflon tape if you prefer, and then reinstall the plug with a new gasket. Measure the amount lost into the clean container, and replenish. Or just remove the cover and add until it comes up to the desired level per the manual.
Just saying.
Get someone to assist you and while you put your finger in the dike, they install a new O-ring on the drain plug. You will have minimal loss and, if you don't fumble around re-starting the drain plug, it should take less than a 1/4 quart to replenish.
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 427
Likes: 1
From: Hot Springs, AR
I had the same problem with my first, 1000 mile, service. I just tightened the bolt and the leak stopped.
I noticed at the time I took the bolt out that the factory does not rely on the O ring. They use a sealant of some sort. So, I used some teflon tape. Right? Wrong? I do not know. But if the facory does not rely on the O ring I figured I should not, also.
I have to wonder why we can't just use a copper washer like other engines.
I noticed at the time I took the bolt out that the factory does not rely on the O ring. They use a sealant of some sort. So, I used some teflon tape. Right? Wrong? I do not know. But if the facory does not rely on the O ring I figured I should not, also.
I have to wonder why we can't just use a copper washer like other engines.
