Hi
I was looking at the "do it your self " video from Fix My Hog In the section calledDraining Fluid it shows them putting teflon paste on the threads of the Engine Oil, Transmission and Primary drain plugs.

Is this advisable ? I am sure it is, because they wouldn'tadvise onsomething that ispotentially damaging to the bike....but I have read a lot of beware with teflon in the threads on this forum.

Thanks

 

IMHO, IF the O ring is good and you don't overtighten the plug, nothing extra is needed. I do my own and NEVER coat the threads for these three places. Never a leak problem.

That said, I don't see that it would hurt anything, unless you muck up the o ring, causing it to be ineffective or the like. IF you use it, don't overdo it. It does not take much to coat the threads and that is all you should coat.

EZ

 

I think that the warning on use of Teflon on the threads of the crank case, transmission, and primary plugs was in reference to using Teflon tape. Sometimes the tape is kind of cut in to thread like pieces when the plug is screwed in. when you remove the plug some of the thread like pieces can remain in the threads of the plug hole, when you screw the plug back in it can push some of the thread like pieces into the crank case where the pieces can circulate through the engine and become lodged in places that have close tolerances or possibly end up obstructing oil flow. If you use the tape just remember to remove any pieces that might be left in the threads of the plug hole. You can also use Loctite 565 thread sealant which you can find on page 851 of the 2007 HD accessory catalogue. (It is probably the paste that you refer to.) Try keeping the paste on the first few threads closest to the O-ring. Since the plugs do use O-rings it is debatable whether any type sealant is even necessary. Some people use a sealant of one kind or another but most probably do not use any at all.

Arcane

 

I've never used any sealant on either the engine plug or transmission plug......the O-ring works just fine. However, I have started using the plastic type drain plugwasher used in the automotive world on my FXDL and I tend to like that better than the cheesy O-ring.

The primary though.....I just use a little teflon tape.

 

The "o" rings work perfect for me. Never have used any sealant on the threads. And I always use a torque wrench to tighten the plugs.

 

Thanks for the responses...I won't be using any teflon.
I will just make sure the o ring is in good condition and torque to the right spec.

I will be replacing the transmission oil today.
It will be my first time doing this .
any tips ?
Engine hot or cold?
The drain plug is located in between the rear shock cylinders so not too sure of the access?

Can't wait to get that Syn 3 out of there and put in the redline shockproof heavy!

 

Paste on pipe thread only. Straight thread and orings, nothing but lube for the oring so it won't tear when it's compressed. Teflon tape is best used in household plumbing, not in engines and trannys.
Ron

 

Dude I'm a machine tool pipefitter and rbabos is exactly right...

 

+1
Drain with engine/tranny oil warm. Put oil on the new o-ring & install plug.
Leave the pipe dope in the toolbox.

 

Dida tranny transfusion last night ...used no paste or tape.
Just a new o ring and torqued to 20 ft-lbs.
No leak.

Thanks all
Fred