Don't forget the Oil Plug Gasket!

[bobzinger]

So today I'm pouring my used oil into a recycling container and at the bottom of the drain pan is an aluminum washer.

Where did that come from!

I figure it can't be from the drain plug cause it isn't leaking. I go to Ron Ayers and look up the microfiche and sure enough there's supposed to be a metal gasket (washer) on the drain plug.

All I can figure is that when I removed the drain plug the gasket stuck to the oil pan and then dropped into the catch pan while it was draining.

lesson learned!

[ringadingh]

I lost mine the same way last season, I was wondering why it developed a small drip. I never found my washer, I replaced it with another.

[ponch]

THat happened on my 800. I drain from the screen on the Nomad.

Originally Posted by bobzinger

So today I'm pouring my used oil into a recycling container and at the bottom of the drain pan is an aluminum washer.

Where did that come from!

I figure it can't be from the drain plug cause it isn't leaking. I go to Ron Ayers and look up the microfiche and sure enough there's supposed to be a metal gasket (washer) on the drain plug.

All I can figure is that when I removed the drain plug the gasket stuck to the oil pan and then dropped into the catch pan while it was draining.

lesson learned!

[dantama]

The washer allows you to just snug the plug and not get leaks.

I wonder how many people with stripped drain plugs did so with no washer and trying to make sure it didn't leak?

[blowndodge]

I never drain through the pan. Always through the side bolt and screen.

[ponch]

I always used a torque wrench with that plug. It felt like it would be easy to strip. THe screen plug is a lot easier to drain and somewhat safer.

Originally Posted by Dan Lund

The washer allows you to just snug the plug and not get leaks.

I wonder how many people with stripped drain plugs did so with no washer and trying to make sure it didn't leak?

[bobzinger]

I usually pull both plugs anyway...so next time I'll just pull the screen.

[redjay]

Originally Posted by Blowndodge "Darksider"

I never drain through the pan. Always through the side bolt and screen.

Doesnt the side bolt have a washer ?

It has an o-ring.

I drained my oil one time through the regular plug. When I asked my dealer for a new gasket, he said he'd have to order it. ???

Dude! They've been making Vulcans for 20 years! What do you do if someone comes in for an oil change? (order one)

I re-used the original one & that's the only time it's been off.

[rlfaubion]

Originally Posted by Dan Lund

The washer allows you to just snug the plug and not get leaks.

I wonder how many people with stripped drain plugs did so with no washer and trying to make sure it didn't leak?

Well, I'm one. I stripped the threads on the engine casing and had to put in a Helli-coil (spell?) a month ago. I had lost the washer. Our local dealer did the job for me and suggests using the washed off a Suzuki as they're thicker. That's the washer I have on now. Oh yeah - cost me $100 FYI

[billmac]

As a new member and Nomad owner I would appreciate some clarification from some of my new heroes with all the stars under their names. Am I better off draining the oil with the side bolt and screen??? I have only done one oil change and used the drain plug and old washer. Anything I need to know about the side bolt and screen technique.

Thanks,

Bill McDonell

Yeah. The side plug is aluminum. Don't bust it!

Otherwise, wipe it off & unscrew it and the oil runs out.

A screen will come out along wit a spring, a washer, an o-ring (on the plug) and a rubber gasket (on the screen.)

Clean it all off and put it back before you pour in the oil. ;)

I always just drain from the side plug with the bike on the sidestand, and jacking the right front of the bike slightly. This is the way to get the most dirty oil out of the engine.

[rlfaubion]

If you break it - it's $38 as I recall. Mine broke when the bike fell from 3 foot above the ground and caught the bolt head on a piece of angle iron (The winch cable on the MC lift on the back of my bus broke), and losing all the oil in a parking lot was not a pretty sight.

[ringadingh]

Valdez; sounds like your bike has a lot of new parts on it.

Originally Posted by Valdez (lone Juan)

If you break it - it's $38 as I recall. Mine broke when the bike fell from 3 foot above the ground and caught the bolt head on a piece of angle iron (The winch cable on the MC lift on the back of my bus broke), and losing all the oil in a parking lot was not a pretty sight.

See! That's what you get for towing it around on the back of a bus instead of riding!