Two Washers Not Better Than One

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Last week I did a topic about the rear end drain bolt and if it has a washer. I didn't see the washer fall when I took the bolt out and looked at the housing and didn't see it there. Well I just thought that the previous change I had lost the washer. Went to Ace Hardware and picked up a washer that was close to the original size. Put the new washer on the bolt and then refilled with 75W-90 rear oil. Rode a few miles and checked the engine oil leve. Parked the bike in the carport and noticed a drip under the rear.

Got my wrenches back out and got the drain pan. Took the drain bolt back out to check things out. The new washer was stuck to the housing. When I pulled it off guess what? Two washers came off. The OEM washer is so thin that when it is stuck there it is almost impossible to see. Stored the new washer and then put the drain bolt through the OEM washer and put it in and tightened it back up. Refilled what oil I had lost. Now no drip.

Lesson here is that if the washer isn't on the bolt be sure and sure a fingernail to check and make sure the washer isn't stuck. I could have saved myself time and trouble if I had done that instead of just looking.