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[eagle4u13]

I know ths is an old topic but, I recently bought a nearly new 09 SERG and upon changing oil I found what seems to be like plumber putty all over the threads..... on all three drain plugs, I am sure the oil gallies love that gunk floating around!

[grc]

I know ths is an old topic but, I recently bought a nearly new 09 SERG and upon changing oil I found what seems to be like plumber putty all over the threads..... on all three drain plugs, I am sure the oil gallies love that gunk floating around!

Thread compound on a straight plug with O-rings is a little strange, but I think we might find that it isn't really there to seal anything.  It's most likely purpose is to prevent galling at initial installation and corrosion (dissimilar metals) on parts that sit for long periods before being used.  Whatever the reason H-D does it, feel free to clean it off and not reapply anything.  The O-rings do an excellent job of sealing if they aren't torn and the plugs aren't overtightened.


Jerry

[CVODON]

I use teflon tape on all the plugs, car as well. With the threaded alloy pans and the steel plugs it just a small way to stop galling. If wrapped correctly you never do the first thread (worked as a pipe fitter for a while) or the last and you wrap in the direction of the thread so no residue from the tape should ever enter a cavity or show on the outside of the plug. You are protecting threads, no bandageing a wound. I like it, will continue to use it. But still always use a new o-ring and remove all tape before applying new.

[Limited Lou]

I just finished my 15,000 mile service. Had dealer do 5,000 just oil chamge as they had a special going on. But on the drain plug from all I 've done it seemed like pipe dope on the threads, not teflon tape.. does everybody use a torqe wrench ? Could make it better to tighten... Just a thought !!

[grc]

I just finished my 15,000 mile service. Had dealer do 5,000 just oil chamge as they had a special going on. But on the drain plug from all I 've done it seemed like pipe dope on the threads, not teflon tape.. does everybody use a torqe wrench ? Could make it better to tighten... Just a thought !!

Thread compound will basically do the same thing as Teflon tape.  Neither, if applied correctly, should cause a problem.  If applied incorrectly, there is potential for either of them to wind up in the oil supply but it probably doesn't rank up there in the top ten things most likely to go wrong on a Harley.  In other words, if you really want to apply something to the threads, make your choice based on convenience or what you feel most confident using.  Just use whatever you decide to use sparingly and locate it away from the last thread or two.

If you think about the situation a little, you will start to question the need to put anything on the threads.  The O-ring is the actual seal, and the compound or tape is only there to prevent galling of the aluminum threads by the steel plug during the initial dry assembly of the parts during manufacturing.  Once in use, the threads are coated with oil, not dry, and that in itself should be sufficient to prevent the galling issue as well as the dissimilar metal corrosion issue.  I've been installing steel drain plugs into aluminum oil pans for more years than I care to think about, without using compounds or tape, and have yet to damage the threads on any of them or have them seize up from corrosion.

The torque wrench idea is always a good one, but especially when screwing something into aluminum.  For someone used to doing this stuff, however, it's not a neccessity.  Use an appropriately sized wrench and normal hand and forearm force, don't use a 1/2" drive with a breaker bar or put your entire body into the effort.  I personally use a 3/8" drive short ratchet handle, place my thumb against the socket and just pull with my fingers and wrist.  Never had a loose plug or leak, nor did I squash or tear the O-ring.  I guess it's all in what you feel comfortable with.


Jerry