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Shorter Oil Drain Plug

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6K views 43 replies 13 participants last post by  Bob_M  
#1 ·
So my old drain plug was completely destroyed but I managed to get it off with a 6 pt socket. I bought a replacement plug at Lowe's but it lacks the magnet and the length (it's about 4-5mm too short).

Will this be an issue? I reused the crush washer and I turned my bike on temporarily, no leaks.

And rant:
Whoever invented 12pt sockets is a moron.
 
#4 ·
There will be fewer aluminum threads in the case trying to hold the same torque that the full number of threads are supposed to hold.

New plug. New crush washer. Best seal and lowest thread wear.
Re-using the old washer means you have to use more torque to attain the same seal.

Over time you'll end up with a de-threaded hole in the bottom otherwise.
 
#18 ·
There will be fewer aluminum threads in the case trying to hold the same torque that the full number of threads are supposed to hold.
Is that really an issue?
The reason why I am asking is, besides being a cheap old ****, I sometimes also outsmart myself.
I changed oil on the 2 1. gens in the stable and after I did that I found the 2 2. gen oil plugs
I bought as an replacement since they have a magnet in them.
If my memory serves me right, the 2. gen oil plugs are quite a bit shorter,
so less threads to hold onto but I think the torque is not very high anyway, like 18 nm, I think.

Thank you
 
#19 ·
Oil Drain: 21 Nm, 15 lb-ft.

The wider an area you can spread stress in metals the better off you are.
The bolt is steel. The sump is aluminum. Too much stress over too little material will strip the threads.

Probably not right away if you're careful, but successive oil changes over the years will eventually fatigue the threads more than they can cope with.

A 2nd gen bolt seems to be plenty long enough and I wouldn't worry that too much.
Using a bolt 5 to 10 mm shorter should be of some concern though.

I usually use the semi-calibrated elbow torque with a new washer though.
Run it up to contact and feel for a bit of crush and leave it be. Visually inspect after filling.
 
#29 ·
Re: get a fumoto plug/valve instead!

then stick a neodymium magnet to the side of your filter.

the fumoto makes for stupid simple oil changes (less mess too) and the (reusable) magnet traps all shavings INSIDE the filter for disposal.
Do you know how big the magnet needs to be or will one of those tiny ones from Radioshack work?

That fumoto thing looks very nifty...do you know which part number I should get?

Bob_M: But Gold Plug washers cost 35 cents :) Saving of like 80 cents per washer makes up the difference very fast.