I did the oil change today for my 2001 GS. It was my first time and i was following the directions from the site. I made the stupid mistake of forgetting to put on the drain plug washer before screwing in the drain plug. So right now there is no washer on the drain plug. I have been checking and do not see any oil leaking. The plug is tight.
I plan to put the washer back on when I do the next oil change. Is it that big of a deal? SHould I redrain the oil, just to get the washer on?
As long as you don't see any leaks you're probably fine, but be sure to put it in on the next oil change. One thing though, do not overtighten it in order to compensate for the lack of gasket, or you could strip the threads on the oil pan. :nono:
Quote from: WildBlue on November 06, 2006, 06:02:40 PMdo not overtighten it in order to compensate for the lack of gasket, or you could strip the threads on the oil pan. :nono:
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Just keep a close eye out for leaks... The crush washer does more to keep a solid seat for the plug...
WORST CASE: Your plug loosens while your riding and you dump your oil... :o
No, the washer doesn't affect bolt preload, so it shouldn't cause the bolt to back out. Just keep an eye on it, it may start seeping. The washer is made of copper which serves two functions. Copper is maleable, so it can deform to fill any surface irregularities. It also serves to keep a good seal as the aluminum pan and steel bolt expand at different rates under heat.
Once you get a good number of heat cycles through the engine, you may start to notice seeping. Keep an eye on it. If it drips while you are riding it can discolor your exhaust and splatter onto your rear wheel (worst case scenario).
-Turd.
If you have a new washer, and the old one is not on the bolt, put a pan under the bike, spin out the bolt and stick your finger in the hole to stop the flow(cold motor), use your free hand to slip the washer on, the quickly screw it in. You shouldn't loose too much oil.
That washer is on for a reason, I wouldn't mess with oil,ever. If it drained out while you were cruzn that would me most uncool!
Give it time and it WILL leak. The oil will find it way down through the peaks and troughs of the threads and out from under the bolt head. Its wont p*** out but will drip, particularly when warm. The washer was put there for a reason and if it wasnt needed it wouldnt be there. If the oil is new there is nothing stopping you from removing the plug and letting all the oil drain out of the engine into a clean and I mean CLEAN container while you are fitting the washer. Then just pour it back into the engine.......10 minute job with no fuss, no waste, no mess.
Quote from: sledge on November 07, 2006, 04:51:59 AM
10 minute job with no fuss, no waste, no mess.
You could be on infomercials!
Yeah, I'd put the washer back in now to save yourself any trouble down the line.
-Turd.
When I did my first oil change after I got the GS, I found that there was no washer -- I guess the previous owner lost it or something. Up to this point there had been no leaks, and since I didn't have a washer at the time I didn't put one in until the next oil change. So in about 6000 miles of riding I ran without a washer and it never leaked. Could be that I just got lucky though. :dunno_white:
Just use jb weld!