NEVER use a torque wrench for an oil change!!!!

You found out why

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I always use a torque wrench for the drain plug. The manual even specifies the torque spec. As long as you don't over-tighten, I don't see a reason not to use one :screwy:

Washer: 09168-12002
Plug: 09247-12011

 

Nope never a torque wrench for drain plug, just snug it down and be done.

 

Look closer -- the washer is a separate piece made of aluminum, and the drain plug is steel.

You can replace the washer separately, but that's not the problem -- you didn't strip the threads on the steel plug, you stripped the threads in the aluminum engine case. This is very common, and as noted, is one reason to NEVER blindly trust a torque wrench.

There are a couple of different solutions -- you can get an rubber plug at any auto parts store that will get you back on the road while you contemplate the solution. For example: Rubber plug at Autozone. (Your stock drain plug is 12mm; this 1/2" plug will work.)

You can also get a 12mm oversize plug, but the threads in most of these are too course, and could crack the thin aluminum cases on your bike.

The best solution is a Time-Sert -- is anyone sure whether this is a 12mm X1.25 thread or a 12mm X 1.5 thread.

 

is anyone sure whether this is a 12mm X1.25 thread or a 12mm X 1.5 thread.

It's M12 X 1.25

 

Thanks for the time sert idea. Never heard of them but they look like a good product.

 

Stainless steel is not what you want. You need an aluminum or copper washer. I use a Honda 12mm drain plug washer myself. I don't like the Suzuki crush washer.

 

I saw that ACE has brass washers when I went there. I'll go back after work tomorrow and see if they have copper (no go on the aluminum at two different ACE stores).

 

What's unknowable is how much you fatigued the threads. Just because the bolt screws in smoothly doesn't mean there's no damage.
Be really careful in the future tightening the drain plug, don't just pull on the torque wrench until it clicks. Pay attention to the feel of the bolt as you're snugging it down, and back off if you feel any yielding in threads.
As I've said before, most of the time torque wrenches cause more problems than they prevent.

 

I read this thread on threads with trepidation because at my last oil change, I suspected thread damage from the oil change before that. The drain plug did not come out with just my fingers. It seems there was about four-to-five turns that were initially easy and then it began to bind enough where I had to put the socket on the plug to remove it. It gave me a sick feeling, but I was careful tightening it and it held. I am about to do another oil change and hopefully, it will be okay. So mine didn't even screw smoothly, and I suspect some level of fatigue on the aluminum threads. Incidentally, I was not using a torque wrench because I was reusing the crush washer, and I thought hand tightening was better in that scenario. I'm not a big guy, but I remember thinking, "just a little more," and then I felt the ratchet handle move easily a fair bit. Oh crap!

 

I think that copper gaskets are too hard for aluminum, especially if the threads are weakened. An auto parts store will have 12 mm nylon and fiber oil drain washers that will work well.

 

And you have the nerve to call yourself "Mastery".

I think everybody has done something like that.

I wonder if your wife knows you blame her.

Tsk, tsk, tsk.................



Cheers, Norm

 

And you have the nerve to call yourself "Mastery".

I think everybody has done something like that.

I wonder if your wife knows you blame her.

The Mastery doesn't come from wrenching on motorcycles, that's for sure.

And yes, wife knows I blame her. She blames me for everything she screws up...part of that marriage thing I guess. I'm the one in the dog house regardless if it is her or my fault :green_lol:

 

Ok, went to Cycle Gear and got a box of the 12mm aluminum washers for $3.99. They obviously fit the bolt...but overall are smaller than what was on there before (you can see the imprint of the old one on the bottom of the engine casing to see the size difference).

Slowly put it in, no thread problems. Snugged it tight by hand (no torque wrench this time!), put oil in it, and started it. Stared at the white paper towel under it like my wallet depended on it! No leaks. Took it for run around neighborhood, no leaks found.

I think I got really lucky knowing how much I torqued it before. Sometimes the cards line up right for you, sometimes they kick you in the teeth!

 

You, sir, dodged a bullet. Well-played! :thumbup:


I got ticked off last time I ran out of those stupid aluminum drain plug washers and ordered up 100 of them. Same with the brake crush washers -- the moto shops wanted $1 each, and the auto shop morons didn't have any idea what I was talking about. So I ordered up a couple hundred for my personal stash.

 

Dodged a bullet there for sure

 

Just remember this story when you change the spark plugs!!! Don't ask why!:headbang: