Could that be..?

[Topman]

So my oil drain plug has been leaking very slowly for a bit now. Been working on other projects so I hadn't gotten around to looking at it until today. I pulled the plug and to my dismay I found this (photo attached). I'm wondering if anyone has seen this before and knows whether or not this is what I think it is. Located in the threads of the plug is very thin metal, I can 'unscrew' it from the plug and it appears to be the threads from the inside of the oil pan. I have a new plug here, but I'm not going to be putting oil in the bike again for a little while, so I won't be able to check it, figured I'd check and see if anyone had seen this before.

Thanks all.

 

[Tom R]

Sure.. I've seen it on stripped bolts before.

 

[Curly]

Yup, that there is a few thread coils from your oil pan. You can either risk it, heli coil it, weld it and drill/tap next to it, replace the pan, drill/tap for something bigger....or use the force to hold your oil in. Some would argue this takes away too much of your focus from riding, but tomatoes tamatoes.

 

[7981GS]

You can also get a 1/2 over-sized/self-tapping drain plug to replace it for about $5-8.00.
I would just remove the stripped threads from the bolt, clean the threads in the pan with a rag and brake cleaner, apply a little ulta-copper to the threads of the old plug and install it dry.
Let it set-up for a few hours before adding new oil and check for leaks after a short 30-50 mile ride.

Daniel

 

[Curly]

That would be my "risk it" option. And it would honestly be what I would try, although I'd suggest checking for leaks before riding. Worst you'll loose is a little time and an oil change.

 

[cal_look_zero]

A helicoil kit worked for me. No leaks.

 

[Flaming Chainsaws]

I removed some bolts from my valve cover and 3 bolts have that same thin metal on it and I was never able to tighten them back on. That's why oil slightly leaks at those 3 spots... Right onto my exhaust lol...

 

[Topman]

You can also get a 1/2 over-sized/self-tapping drain plug to replace it for about $5-8.00
Daniel

I'm interested in the over size drain plug idea, only can't seem to find one anywhere..?

 

[Guest]

I removed some bolts from my valve cover and 3 bolts have that same thin metal on it and I was never able to tighten them back on. That's why oil slightly leaks at those 3 spots... Right onto my exhaust lol...

Be careful with those small oil leaks, they tend to open up with time and leak more. I had that happen on a long trip and ended up with an oil soaked leg, back tire and brakes for most of it.

-Dave