Dealer Techs-Never Know What You Will Get...
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 228
Likes: 1
From: Katy, TX
Dealer Techs-Never Know What You Will Get...
I just changed all three fluids on my 2012 FLHX. I allowed the dealer to to the 1,000 mile service, and then planned to service the bike for the rest of my ownership myself. As a backdrop, I am extremely **** retentive, and service all of my own vehicles. Anyway, I found some things that were both wierd and counter to what one normally finds when servicing a vehicle after a dealer has serviced it. To begin, all three plugs had a sort of "pipe dope" on them. I'd understand pipe dope if I was screwing together galvanized plumbing, but what the heck is this on drain plugs? I cleaned all three "whistle clean", put on new "o" rings and installed after draining each respective fluid. What was also weird is that all three were just past "hand tight". Normally, techs way overtighten things in my experience. These were so lightly tightened, I would have thought they would leak...but I guess not with that pipe dope stuff. Anyway, I'm glad I have my preferred fluids in the bike now. Has anyone seen this pipe dope stuff used on any kind of drain plug? I've rebuilt two engines, and have done all of my own service for 30+ years; this is a new one on me...
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 5,477
Likes: 5
From: New Braunfels, Texas
If you are **** retentive then you will never bring your bike to anyone again. Everytime I got it back from harley I was so mad I wanted to hurt someone. (and that was only twice...one for free service and once for warranty)
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 228
Likes: 1
From: Katy, TX
Absolutely true, I won't take it anywhere. I let them do the 1,000 mile because it was free and I also had them do the dyno with my Stage 1 at the time.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 330
Likes: 16
From: Colorado
I am with ya there. I had an '09 I picked up used so first thing I do is change all fluids, etc. I had the same pipe dope crap on mine. I was looking at the drain plugs just sayin WTF??? Ha! Same as you, cleaned them up, new o rings, torqued to spec and all good ever since.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
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The pipe dope is a good idea when you install different metals together. The engine is aluminum, and the plug is a steel alloy. The dope will keep the two from having a chemical reaction with each other seizing them together
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 228
Likes: 1
From: Katy, TX
Is this the same pipe dope that I have used on plumbing? Please tell me that it isn't and that it is some automotive-specific stuff that I haven't (surprisingly-if it exists) seen.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
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Yes, it's an automotive specific compound. Mine is made by permatex.
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