Will this be OK? I torqued the drain bolt to 22 lb-ft (according to the owner's manual) but forgot to put the crush washer on. I did clean the bottom of the engine case (where the drain plug screws in and I did clean the drain plug as well; I always do.) There is no oil leaking and this is the first and last time this happens.
I'm going on a ride tomorrow so quick replies are appreciated.
It may be ok but what's the worst that could happen? Oil leaks out around the bolt while riding and accumulates on the rear tire? I'd take a really clean drain pan, remove the bolt and install with the washer and put the oil back in.
[image: View Post]vfrcapn, on 13 January 2012 - 08:18 PM, said:
It may be ok but what's the worst that could happen? Oil leaks out around the bolt while riding and accumulates on the rear tire? I'd take a really clean drain pan, remove the bolt and install with the washer and put the oil back in.
If it's seeping get a crush washer, wait for a really cold January day so your oil is thick (I know you get those in Dallas), remove drain plug and quickly slip on the washer and reinstall. Worse thing that happens is you lose a few ounces of oil, have to top up and clean up the sump. Drink beer and add a page to your book of experience. If it's not seeping, drink a beer anyway and add a blank page. :smile:
It's not leaking or seeping. Personally, I think I'll be OK, .....but I'm not going to chance it.
I have the option of:
A) Removing the drain plug and quickly slipping on the washer and drain bolt. Should I be concerned that there will certainly be oil on the surface of the engine case where the crush washer seats up against it?
or
B) Redraining the oil completely into a very clean container (which I have) and then pouring it back in. If I do this, I have oil left over to use for any I may lose (I bought a gallon and the oil capacity is 3.3 quarts.)
What would you do?
P.S. I don't feel uncomfortable with 22 lb-ft of torque. It's what the owner's manual states and what I've always done.
B) is much cleaner. No problem just draining most of the oil and pouring it right back in. You'll only lose an ounce or two, just top it off like you would normally after an oil change.
[image: View Post]2FAST4U, on 13 January 2012 - 09:09 PM, said:
It's not leaking or seeping. Personally, I think I'll be OK, ....
Maybe not when the engine is up to temperature. The drain bolt and the oil pan have different coefficients of thermal expansion.
I would go with option A.
Why not put your clean drain pan under the drain plug, leave the oil filler cap in place, try to remove the plug, install the crush washer, replace the plug.
If it works, great. If it doesn't, the worst you have to do is drain the oil which you were considering anyway.
Leaving the oil filler cap in place might create a little air lock and prevent a lot of oil from draining out. That works on the outdrive of boat motors.
+4 on remove and add washer. You haven't lived till you wash out the rear on oil (your own would do nicely, though other's oil or diesel work well). Possibly won't live anyway if the above happens. I'm down with VFRCAPN and Monk on this. Where are you in Dallas??
You have to look at the bigger picture on this. First, suck it up, drain it, and put a washer on it. A cracked crankcase casting just doesn't sound good. It could happen given the stresses put on the entire bike when riding around.
Most importantly, this is the time to tell the s. o. that it's time for the new bike of your choice. Tell her the engine casting broke, it can't be repaired and man must have motorcycle. "I want one" never works. :smile:
Just do it right, drain into a clean pan, replace, refill. that way there is much less chance something will go wrong. It's a piece of mind worth having for 30 mins of work
[image: View Post]mcrwt644, on 17 January 2012 - 08:07 AM, said:
Just do it right, drain into a clean pan, replace, refill. that way there is much less chance something will go wrong. It's a piece of mind worth having for 30 mins of work
He did. :smile:
[image: View Post]2FAST4U, on 14 January 2012 - 09:46 AM, said:
I ended up redraining the oil completely into a very clean container and pouring it back in. The crush washer is definitely on there this time.
Thanks for everyone's input. Although it wasn't that big a deal, this will never happen again.