Oil Plug Question
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: Union City
Oil Plug Question
Hello Everyone,
I changed my oil this last week and I admit I got lazy. Instead of using a torque wrench I just used a ratchet and went to what I felt was tight enough. Next morning I noticed a little oil dripping so I tightened it some more, it appeared loose. Went for a decent ride on Saturday and last night (sunday) I noticed a pretty good size leak going on. I raised the bike and torqued it. Seemed like it was still loose. This morning there was not any oil leaking, but by issue is when I torqued it last night, I noticed some of the rubber O ring came off. Is this an issue? If its not leaking anymore should I not worry or does everyone suggest I got and drain it and get a new O ring.
Thanks for the help!
I changed my oil this last week and I admit I got lazy. Instead of using a torque wrench I just used a ratchet and went to what I felt was tight enough. Next morning I noticed a little oil dripping so I tightened it some more, it appeared loose. Went for a decent ride on Saturday and last night (sunday) I noticed a pretty good size leak going on. I raised the bike and torqued it. Seemed like it was still loose. This morning there was not any oil leaking, but by issue is when I torqued it last night, I noticed some of the rubber O ring came off. Is this an issue? If its not leaking anymore should I not worry or does everyone suggest I got and drain it and get a new O ring.
Thanks for the help!
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
I am afraid that you may have damaged the threads or even cracked the oil pan.
if damaged threads, it can be fixed.
I would STRONGLY suggest that you take it to a pro.
this may save you alot of money later
not every owner is meant to be a tech...know your limitations...every procedure is properly laid out in the owners or service manual.
and many are demonstrated on youtube ( grain of salt with some of those)
a 'simple" oil change shows up as an ordeal once a week on the forums.
in many cases working on a motorcycle a steel bolt is turning into softer aluminum...easy to blow it
Mike
if damaged threads, it can be fixed.
I would STRONGLY suggest that you take it to a pro.
this may save you alot of money later
not every owner is meant to be a tech...know your limitations...every procedure is properly laid out in the owners or service manual.
and many are demonstrated on youtube ( grain of salt with some of those)
a 'simple" oil change shows up as an ordeal once a week on the forums.
in many cases working on a motorcycle a steel bolt is turning into softer aluminum...easy to blow it
Mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Jul 22, 2013 at 11:14 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,432
Likes: 290
From: FL
I've read multiple threads of guys cracking their oil return pans because of over tightening their drain plug. You need to examine it thoroughly and if in doubt, take it to your INDY or the dealer.
The manual says you should replace your o-ring every oil change. I change mine about once a year and I only hand tighten my drain plug. In the 60,000 miles on a harley, I do all of my own oil changes and I've never had a problem.
The manual says you should replace your o-ring every oil change. I change mine about once a year and I only hand tighten my drain plug. In the 60,000 miles on a harley, I do all of my own oil changes and I've never had a problem.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,432
Likes: 290
From: FL
Something else you should look for, forgot to mention this. The fasteners on the bottom of the oil return pan have come loose once on mine before. The oil would seep from the top of the oil return and ooze down the side and form a drop on the drain plug. Check those out too, might be your problem.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: Union City
Thanks everyone for the tips and suggestions. I honestly don't think I cracked anything because I really never cranked it down. My only concern is if I got the leak to stop with the last tightening using the torque wrench but lost some rubber from the O ring. Should I still think about draining oil and replacing ring?
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,432
Likes: 290
From: FL
If it's not leaking anymore, I'd wait. Just monitor it. If no one ever told you this, Harley's don't leak oil ... they just mark their territory. 
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,692
Likes: 22
From: Denham Springs, La
I'd let it go and keep an eye on it. I use motor oil to coat the o ring and the surfaces that the o ring mates to when tightened. I feel this keeps the o ring from "grabbing" while it's being tightened. Mine used to tear and squish out before I started doing this.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
Here's my two-cents...
What is the purpose of the drain plug/o-ring? It's purpose is to keep the oil from leaking. Nothing more, nothing less.
With that in mind, if you do not have a leak, then why in the world would you consider replacing it?
Let it be for now. If you develop another leak then address it when the time comes.
What is the purpose of the drain plug/o-ring? It's purpose is to keep the oil from leaking. Nothing more, nothing less.
With that in mind, if you do not have a leak, then why in the world would you consider replacing it?
Let it be for now. If you develop another leak then address it when the time comes.
