I have a replacement derby cover on order and wanted to get any advice on unforeseen issue I may encounter when replacing. From what I have read I must keep the bike level to prevent fluid from spilling out. Since I don't have a bike lift I will improvise. Since the new cover doesn't accept the o-ring I have purchased a gasket. Do I need to use locktight on the bolts? Is a torque wrench a necessity?

 

Loctite I never do, but if you feel the need use BLUE - Torque (not sure the specific, google says 100 inch/lbs) good and snug you'll strip the threads if you tighten too much (there's no pressure in the primary. One of the easiest things you'll do.
Buy a jack and a manual and you won't have to say you don't have one.

 

1 - Buy the correct workshop Manual for your bike. It will be the best 'tool' you will own.

 

No - it's filled on the kick stand - which means the cover is removed

You can certainly replace the cover while on the kick stand


No - next time you remove the screws you're asking for a stripped out head.., or two

Yes - in inch Lbs

Tighten / torque in a star pattern


Most definitely this

Ghost

 

I use blue loctite on most bolts on my bike because I don't want them rattling out. No stripped heads or threads cause I use a torque wrench too so the parts won't be over tightened. If you can't afford a manual you can google or you tube most procedures and specs on line

 

Yeah - What he said ...

 

Use the smallest amount that you can possibly use of the blue Loctite and just tighten the bolts down hand tight, not forearm tight, hand tight. Then let the bike sit at least overnight for the Loctite to cure out.

 

How do you know what the service manual says for his bike, he hasn`t told us what he is working on?

 

I don't - playing the odds / using common sense

This a harley forum - he has a harley

Asking for help swapping out a cover - newer bike - as anyone owning an older one would be wrenching on it already

So let's cover all the bases

=========================

OP

Stick a piece of 2X6 under the kickstand to upright the bike - then proceed accordingly

2X6 will provide a bigger footprint as opposed to a 2X4 - but either will work

Put / leave you bike in gear so it doesn't roll - also chock the wheels

Proceed accordingly as per above - oh and have some spare primary oil just in case


Now.... everyone happy..., happy..., happy

Ghost

 

""Now.... everyone happy..., happy..., happy ""

LOL!! I think I have it covered now. Thanks everyone for their help.