Oil tank drain plug stripped.

Bull

.060 Over
Joined
Jan 18, 2017
Messages
105
Location
Saline, MI
Ride
2007 Rocket III Classic Tourer
I'm performing my first oil change on this bike and have found that the tank plug has been stripped. I've started to siphon the oil out of the tank and seems to be working, slowly. Outside of removing the oil pan is this the best choice? Can I turn the engine over and try to move the oil to the sumps where I can remove the plugs?

Any advice would greatly be appreciated.
 
You can use a nut extractor that has reverse threads, to get it out.
Probably a pretty big one.
 
I would get a new one. Then see if you can get ahold of the old one with vice grips. If not, if you have access to an abrasive wheel you can cut a slot across it, like a screwdriver slot, then use a hammer and screwdriver held at an angle to knock it loose.
 
I would get a new one. Then see if you can get ahold of the old one with vice grips. If not, if you have access to an abrasive wheel you can cut a slot across it, like a screwdriver slot, then use a hammer and screwdriver held at an angle to knock it loose.

Yes a mechanic would take a punch and a ball peen hammer and knock her loose. But Fred is right you might be able to get on the flange with a pair of vise grips.

That being said if it were me I would siphon what I could out of the tank and drain the two sump screens. Most rockets leak down anyway over time so you will get most of the old oil. Change the filter and add what oil she needs you can even measure what you take out to get a start point. This way you can ride it until the new plug comes in. Heck you might want to order a sump gasket with the new plug in case you decide you need to pull it to remove the plug. Make sure you get the O-ring for the plug and gasket washer. Of course if you're ok with not riding then disregard the oil stuff. And hopefully the plug is not cross threaded.
 
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Mine did the same. I put a plastic bag over the allen wrench and pounded it in, worked like a charm. If all fails fill the plug with JB weld and pound the hex key in, let it set up and that will work for sure. Do NOT cut or grind anywhere near that drain plug. The metal is so soft anything you touch by accident is getting scraped up.
 
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Siphoning actually worked out pretty well, needed to fill with over 5L. Have a ride planned for the holiday weekend so I'll order some plugs and try the extractor method first but to be honest i was pretty happy with the involuntary gas donation method.

On a related note... it may be in my head but I put in Motul 300V and the transmission does feel crisper. Was having a little bit of an issue getting 2nd gear to fully engage when downshifting into it but on my
 
Don't believe you can remove the pan without removing the plug. It threads into the bottom case.
Not so grasshopper :D
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