Oil drain case threads almost gone... How to fix?

**smokier** · 04-27-2019, 07:45 AM

Greetings All,

Ok, ok, ok... not on a VULCAN, but it is a general MAINTENANCE QUESTION.

Went to change the oil for the first time since acquiring Momma's 12 Victory CrossRoads. The plug came out a little funny, loose, tight, loose, out. It did seem to make steady progress while unthreading. Drained the oil, the filter (OEM) was on GORILLA tight, ufda... (1/4 turn after contact is enough, Mr. Godzilla).

Anyway, while replacing the plug it went in fairly smoothly (am very cautious about threading, not cross-threading), however, the drain plug never got tight. (???) The plug looked fully seated but wouldn't get snug.

Took the drain bolt out and inspected it, the threads on the bolt are fine. However, there was a little bit of aluminum shaving from the case visible. Cleaned things up, gingerly re-inserted the oil drain plug until it was fully seated. Did not try to ‘snug’ it this time, just got it to where it was fully seated. Filled with oil, level is holding, no leaks, no spots under the ride, no seepage around plug.

That’s the background story. So, how does one fix this? Heli-coil’s (IMHO) are good for bolts that do not get used frequently. (Like an oil drain plug). Should the case be re-tapped the same size? Should the case be re-tapped up a size? (From metric to standard for example?). Has this happened to others? (What was their solution?) Is there a common fix for this?

Appreciate your constructive thoughts and input.

Ride safe,

Smokier

recumbentbob · 04-27-2019, 08:36 AM

I would run a tap of the right size in first and see if that cleaned up the threads in the case.
If not then call The Vic Shop and see what Rylan recommends.
https://www.thevicshop.com/

Lumberjack · 04-27-2019, 08:40 AM

Sounds like it was cross threaded depending on how bad it is...

Heli-coil in not necessary and overthinking and more work and wrong metal. Aluminum is easier to re-tap. Re-tap next size up, change drain plug to same size. Ensure you re-tap properly as you get one chance only. Always ensure you do not over torque and change washer each time.

Best of luck

yoda · 04-27-2019, 08:40 AM

I am not sure what the size is on your drain plug, but in the automotive world, there is such a thing as an "oversize" drain plug. They exist just for situations like yours. Many times these can be used without re-tapping, if most of the threads are still in the pan, however re-tapping and carefully getting the shavings is always best.

**smokier** · 04-27-2019, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by recumbentbob

I would run a tap of the right size in first and see if that cleaned up the threads in the case.
If not then call The Vic Shop and see what Rylan recommends.
https://www.thevicshop.com/

Yep, calling Rylan on the to-do list as well. He is not that far from me (3 hours)...

Thanks guys, appreciate the thoughts. The Oil Drain Plug is: M12 x 1.5mm, 6mm allen wrench head.

recumbentbob · 04-27-2019, 12:50 PM

I wish I was that close to Rylan, I rode 600 miles each way for him to work his magic on my Victory. I know a guy that rode 1200 miles each way.
While I was there a guy rode in from Oklahoma dropped his Vic off then flew home, he was getting cams, big bore kit and a few other things.

BrokeAss · 04-28-2019, 07:30 PM

For any given drain plug there is a size up with aggressive threads designed to self-tap and repair a stripped plug. I'd acquire said plug, screw it in and seat it, then replace it with a Fumoto or Stahlbus quick drain oil valve that you never have to remove.

https://www.reverselogic.us/stahlbus.html

https://www.fumotooildrainvalve.com/...1fd766bd09920f

**JD Hog** · 04-28-2019, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrokeAss

For any given drain plug there is a size up with aggressive threads designed to self-tap and repair a stripped plug. I'd acquire said plug, screw it in and seat it, then replace it with a Fumoto or Stahlbus quick drain oil valve that you never have to remove.

https://www.reverselogic.us/stahlbus.html

https://www.fumotooildrainvalve.com/...1fd766bd09920f

For my Voyager the frame rails are only about 1/4" below the bottom of the oil drain plugs. I would be cautious about adding that if it hangs below the frame rails.

BrokeAss · 04-28-2019, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JD Hog

For my Voyager the frame rails are only about 1/4" below the bottom of the oil drain plugs. I would be cautious about adding that if it hangs below the frame rails.

Oh, for sure. He's on a Victory so I'm not sure the disposition of his drain plug, but there are lower profile options such as:

https://www.amazon.com/Femco-Compact...ateway&sr=8-38

Beats trusting a roached out drain plug with the lifeblood of your motor. If he hasn't the room, though, hopefully maybe the pan is a separate part that can be replaced.

**JD Hog** · 04-28-2019, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrokeAss

Oh, for sure. He's on a Victory so I'm not sure the disposition of his drain plug, but there are lower profile options such as:

https://www.amazon.com/Femco-Compact...ateway&sr=8-38

Beats trusting a roached out drain plug with the lifeblood of your motor. If he hasn't the room, though, hopefully maybe the pan is a separate part that can be replaced.

Good find BrokeAss! That would probably work on a Voyager/Vaquero/Nomad 1700

BrokeAss · 04-29-2019, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JD Hog

Good find BrokeAss! That would probably work on a Voyager/Vaquero/Nomad 1700

I've used similar to repair a stripped plug on a Vulcan 900 Classic.

DragonLady58 · 04-29-2019, 02:22 PM

Yep....I like them! Fram made one, still think you can order them thru O'Reillys. They might have quit making them, they were called the Sure Drain. Put one on my bike in about 07' or 08'....been on every since. Its the Fram SD-4. Have to get the correct threads....I think they're 12 MM X 1.75....but alot of these quick drains are 14MM, so you gotta get the correct size. Mine has a nice brass cap the screws on to protect it. Doesn't hang down below frame rails....very low profile. Undo a cap, screw the hose on, which I have cut off to about 3" long....but I only use it when the bike is up on the lift. Drains a little slow....but it makes up for that in ease.
When both wheels are on the ground, I use the side drain. But, this will keep from putting wear on your drain plug threads....
Fumoto, EZ, Femco... even Dorman makes one, though I believe theirs is 14MM....If yours is stripped out, just tap it out for 14MM and use one of these. OR, just get a self tapping oil drain plug and install. Whatever floats your boat.....
https://www.amazon.com/Stahlbus-Drai.../dp/B01AMXATSC

Recently picked this up, made in Germany....nice low profile....should my other one fail....

**smokier** · 04-29-2019, 06:03 PM

Greetings,

Thanks for the links. They will be going to the keepers section! Apparently this is not an uncommon problem. Rylan has an adapter fix he also recommended. I am taking the bike to him, not just for that (is within my comfort zone), but to let him give the Bride's ride a once over. Since it came with a PC-V and Rylan has a Dyno and maps... :) (Evil grin).

Thanks again for the suggestions!
Ride safe,
Smokier

mbarr10 · 04-29-2019, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smokier

Greetings,

Thanks for the links. They will be going to the keepers section! Apparently this is not an uncommon problem. Rylan has an adapter fix he also recommended. I am taking the bike to him, not just for that (is within my comfort zone), but to let him give the Bride's ride a once over. Since it came with a PC-V and Rylan has a Dyno and maps... :) (Evil grin).

Thanks again for the suggestions!
Ride safe,
Smokier

Who you kidding, someone wants to ride it.

White Knight · 05-26-2019, 11:21 AM

BrokeAss, never heard of such an animal...but I love the concept! Anyone know the thread size on the drain plug for a 1700 Vaquero?

04-27-2019, 07:45 AM	#1
smokier Join Date: May 2015 Location: DBQ Iowa Posts: 1,807	Oil drain case threads almost gone... How to fix? Greetings All, Ok, ok, ok... not on a VULCAN, but it is a general MAINTENANCE QUESTION. Went to change the oil for the first time since acquiring Momma's 12 Victory CrossRoads. The plug came out a little funny, loose, tight, loose, out. It did seem to make steady progress while unthreading. Drained the oil, the filter (OEM) was on GORILLA tight, ufda... (1/4 turn after contact is enough, Mr. Godzilla). Anyway, while replacing the plug it went in fairly smoothly (am very cautious about threading, not cross-threading), however, the drain plug never got tight. (???) The plug looked fully seated but wouldn't get snug. Took the drain bolt out and inspected it, the threads on the bolt are fine. However, there was a little bit of aluminum shaving from the case visible. Cleaned things up, gingerly re-inserted the oil drain plug until it was fully seated. Did not try to ‘snug’ it this time, just got it to where it was fully seated. Filled with oil, level is holding, no leaks, no spots under the ride, no seepage around plug. That’s the background story. So, how does one fix this? Heli-coil’s (IMHO) are good for bolts that do not get used frequently. (Like an oil drain plug). Should the case be re-tapped the same size? Should the case be re-tapped up a size? (From metric to standard for example?). Has this happened to others? (What was their solution?) Is there a common fix for this? Appreciate your constructive thoughts and input. Ride safe, Smokier __________________ You only get one, so "Make it the best day ever!" 2014 Victory Cross County Tour Blue Fire Gloss (BFG) "Cruella" Brides Ride: 2012 Victory Crossroads in Sunset Red "Ruby" Previous Vulcans: '15 Vaquero, '12 Vaquero, '10 1700 Nomad, '04 1500 Classic, '01 1500 Classic, '88 Vulcan 750 VROC # 10967 \| VBA # 3115 Login or Register to Remove Ads
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04-27-2019, 08:36 AM	#2
recumbentbob Sr. Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Newburgh IN Posts: 3,404	I would run a tap of the right size in first and see if that cleaned up the threads in the case. If not then call The Vic Shop and see what Rylan recommends. https://www.thevicshop.com/ __________________ VBA #01084 "A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed."
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04-27-2019, 08:40 AM	#4
yoda Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Lititz, PA Posts: 432	I am not sure what the size is on your drain plug, but in the automotive world, there is such a thing as an "oversize" drain plug. They exist just for situations like yours. Many times these can be used without re-tapping, if most of the threads are still in the pan, however re-tapping and carefully getting the shavings is always best. __________________ I used to be indecisive, but now I am not so sure... Yoda VBA #01311 SCRC Chapter 289 07 Nomad
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04-27-2019, 12:50 PM	#6
recumbentbob Sr. Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Newburgh IN Posts: 3,404	I wish I was that close to Rylan, I rode 600 miles each way for him to work his magic on my Victory. I know a guy that rode 1200 miles each way. While I was there a guy rode in from Oklahoma dropped his Vic off then flew home, he was getting cams, big bore kit and a few other things. __________________ VBA #01084 "A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed."
	0

04-28-2019, 07:30 PM	#7
BrokeAss Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Ohio Posts: 296	For any given drain plug there is a size up with aggressive threads designed to self-tap and repair a stripped plug. I'd acquire said plug, screw it in and seat it, then replace it with a Fumoto or Stahlbus quick drain oil valve that you never have to remove. https://www.reverselogic.us/stahlbus.html https://www.fumotooildrainvalve.com/...1fd766bd09920f __________________ '09 Nomad 1700 - Ivan's flash - Kuryakyn Alley Cat - V&H slip-ons - Triple hi/low beam H4 headlights - Desert Dawgs - Half the F&S Catalog Last edited by BrokeAss; 04-28-2019 at 07:34 PM.
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04-27-2019, 08:40 AM	#3
Lumberjack Advanced Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Posts: 542	Sounds like it was cross threaded depending on how bad it is... Heli-coil in not necessary and overthinking and more work and wrong metal. Aluminum is easier to re-tap. Re-tap next size up, change drain plug to same size. Ensure you re-tap properly as you get one chance only. Always ensure you do not over torque and change washer each time. Best of luck
	0

04-29-2019, 02:22 PM	#12
DragonLady58 Sr. Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Somewhere South of Alaska.... Posts: 2,351	Yep....I like them! Fram made one, still think you can order them thru O'Reillys. They might have quit making them, they were called the Sure Drain. Put one on my bike in about 07' or 08'....been on every since. Its the Fram SD-4. Have to get the correct threads....I think they're 12 MM X 1.75....but alot of these quick drains are 14MM, so you gotta get the correct size. Mine has a nice brass cap the screws on to protect it. Doesn't hang down below frame rails....very low profile. Undo a cap, screw the hose on, which I have cut off to about 3" long....but I only use it when the bike is up on the lift. Drains a little slow....but it makes up for that in ease. When both wheels are on the ground, I use the side drain. But, this will keep from putting wear on your drain plug threads.... Fumoto, EZ, Femco... even Dorman makes one, though I believe theirs is 14MM....If yours is stripped out, just tap it out for 14MM and use one of these. OR, just get a self tapping oil drain plug and install. Whatever floats your boat..... https://www.amazon.com/Stahlbus-Drai.../dp/B01AMXATSC Recently picked this up, made in Germany....nice low profile....should my other one fail.... __________________ --------------------- Don't start no schit, there won't be no schit.... My Sarcasm is directly proportional to the amount of Stupidity involved --------------------- VBA#03239 VROC#37400 VRA --------------------- 2014 Vaquero 2001 Nomad FI 2003 Street Glide (sold) 1500 Meanie, fresh rebuild (sold) 90s BUBF Bobber (sold) 2001 UltraCycle FatPounder (Sold) 1975 HD ElectraGlide (Sold) 1982 Kawasaki Z1 Chopper (Sold) Suck It Up & Ride! Last edited by DragonLady58; 04-29-2019 at 03:05 PM.
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04-29-2019, 06:03 PM	#13
smokier Join Date: May 2015 Location: DBQ Iowa Posts: 1,807	Greetings, Thanks for the links. They will be going to the keepers section! Apparently this is not an uncommon problem. Rylan has an adapter fix he also recommended. I am taking the bike to him, not just for that (is within my comfort zone), but to let him give the Bride's ride a once over. Since it came with a PC-V and Rylan has a Dyno and maps... :) (Evil grin). Thanks again for the suggestions! Ride safe, Smokier
	0

05-26-2019, 11:21 AM	#15
White Knight Jr. Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Ohio Posts: 6	BrokeAss, never heard of such an animal...but I love the concept! Anyone know the thread size on the drain plug for a 1700 Vaquero?
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