First Service Disaster.

[The Tin Man]

I just did my 1000 mile service on my 08 XB12Ss and everything went quite well. The hardest thing about the first service was finding Loctite 271 and 565. I never had to replace any gaskets, so everything went straight forward. Until I tightened the engine oil drain plug back into the bike. I started out applying 20ft/lbs of torque to the drain plug and out of nowhere most of the threads on the swing arm crumble away.
My heart sank right there into my chest. I shook my head in denial, thinking it was only thread sealant but upon further inspection sure enough, most of the threads were coming off.
I installed the plug again with lots of Loctite 565 and so far no leaks.
Has anyone had this happen to them? Is the only way to fix it to drill the hole larger and re-tap it, then make a larger drain plug? I can't see it lasting like it is. Any help would be apprecited.

 

[dave_xb12r]

It's not too late! Take it in for its 1000 mile and say you never touched it. Have them deal with it! You have a warranty for a reason.

 

[The Tin Man]

I wish it were that simple Dave...I am the long ranger in this province. There is no Buell dealer here. My dealer is 6 hours drive and an 8 hour ferry ride away. I pretty much have to do everything myself.

 

[dave_xb12r]

That is a bigtime bummer. I would be mad that this happened, and I would want a new part that doesn't cause any more stress. Have you called your dealer and explained your situation? Maybe they could work something out. Maybe BPG could tell you what HE would do if this bike came in to him. Drilling the hole out and re-tapping could be a solid fix, but what about the drill shavings in the oil. Maybe a Helicoil would be cleaner. Let's see what others have to say.

 

[06xb9r]

You may have to drill/tap it for a larger plug, or you could try a Heli-Coil and use the stock plug.
I just tighten my drain plug with a wrench so I forget what the manual says, are you sure it's not supposed to be 20in/lbs?

 

[speedkills]

See this post (on another forum, sorry but it seems important)

CLICK HERE

 

[LeFox]

that's a good find, speedkills!

tin, that topic has just given you a new swingarm.
handle it the same way and let them know it's a 'known' problem.

and on another note, loctite is no thread sealer...maybe there is a change your thread could have been saved, but with an o.d of loctite, you can pretty much throw that chance away.
never use to much loctite...a small dot is enough to do what it needs to do.

 

[The Tin Man]

Thanks guys for the info...I done feel like such a dumb ass anymore. I get in touch with the dealer and keep you guys posted.

 

[ulyscol]

Hey Tin Man. I had a similar experience on my 08' Uly. I was following the torque spec in the manual and stripped out one of the fasteners for the primary inspection cover. I know the feeling. Now for the good news. A heli coil is a perfectly acceptable solution for your problem. If you have the ability to do this it will actually provide a greater shear area then the original tapped hole. After I stripped out the bolt on my bike I started to go through the service manual and check some of the torque specs. It seems like a lot of the specs that are listed are for steel to steel mates not steel to aluminum. My suggestion for anyone reading this is to go lite on the torque specs. If you do decide to follow the exact spec make sure the mating threads are 100% free of any type of lube.

 

[The Tin Man]

What is a heli coil?

 

[ulyscol]

http://www.helicoil.com/products/helicoil.asp

If you are not familiar with them it is kinda like minor surgery for your bike.

 

[Highspdlowdrag]

ok dont be cheap when it comes to an component that holds oil. helicoils fall out there not made for through holes . you only have two options tap and die for a bigger drain plug or A time-sert which is a permanent fix and uses your orginal drain plug. as for the shaving of steal just disconect your return line and buy some cheap oil to flush out the shavings. then when your finished put fresh oil then change it after 25miles or so. your oil is filter before it hits the engine not after so dont worry about it to much.