Oil Change, removed wrong plug
Road Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 899
Likes: 10
I make it a rule to never use any type of Loctite or Teflon tape on anything having to do with oil. The problem comes the next time you remove or replace the plug, oil bung, or whatever. You can clean the threads on the plug end but what about the threads in the hole? Bits of old Loctite or Teflon tape can get pushed into the motor (whilst re-installing the plug) and wind up where? In your oil passages at best and maybe even in your oil pump at worst.
As for torque values some things on a motorcycle just call for an "educated elbow" so that's a good skill to work on. Only problem is you only develop that skill by breaking ****, LOL!
As for torque values some things on a motorcycle just call for an "educated elbow" so that's a good skill to work on. Only problem is you only develop that skill by breaking ****, LOL!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,445
Likes: 2,809
From: Oklahoma
I believe the same diagram in the shop manual which labels the plugs is also in the OWNER'S manual. How many of those are still in the factory plastic wrap? Many people seem to make their own "luck".
Even at the 50,000 point, and having done all of my own service, I still get out the picture to make sure about what is what, but that is just self defense for an aging brain.
Even at the 50,000 point, and having done all of my own service, I still get out the picture to make sure about what is what, but that is just self defense for an aging brain.
Last edited by btsom; Apr 4, 2013 at 07:24 AM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,721
Likes: 372
From: Tonopah Az
I make it a rule to never use any type of Loctite or Teflon tape on anything having to do with oil. The problem comes the next time you remove or replace the plug, oil bung, or whatever. You can clean the threads on the plug end but what about the threads in the hole? Bits of old Loctite or Teflon tape can get pushed into the motor (whilst re-installing the plug) and wind up where? In your oil passages at best and maybe even in your oil pump at worst.
As for torque values some things on a motorcycle just call for an "educated elbow" so that's a good skill to work on. Only problem is you only develop that skill by breaking ****, LOL!
As for torque values some things on a motorcycle just call for an "educated elbow" so that's a good skill to work on. Only problem is you only develop that skill by breaking ****, LOL!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,492
Likes: 19
From: Illinois
TUCCI, I have the scavenger too but I use the flush method from the return oil line to the oil tank. The flush method also allows me to flush out the oil in my cooler too. I didn't know there was another way to use it, can you explain? Also, if that thread is so delicate in the case wouldn't you want to leave that alone and use the flush method too? I don't know? Like I said, I didn't know it could be used any other way.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 345
Likes: 10
From: Monrovia, Ca
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 349
Likes: 1
From: Central Florida
Wow, we're getting a lot of these "wrong plug" posts lately. As soon as I finished the purchase paperwork on my bike I walked directly to the parts counter and ordered both the Service & the Parts manual. Suggest more guys buy more manuals and fewer t-shirts.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 11,198
Likes: 3,028
From: St.Louis Mo.
i agree!