To torque or not?

[harleybiker]

Doing my first oil change this weekend and need to know if I need a to torque the oil drain plug after I drain the oil and replace the o ring and plug? Thanks in advance.
HD Softail Deluxe 05

hb

[Wild1Poet2]

Sure why not. I usually don't on the plug. My dad was an auto mechanic and i used to work in his shop after school. I never used a torque wrench on covers and such. Like oil pans or valve covers. I cannot count how many little bolts I ripped out from over torquing them. LOL Oh man, that used to pizz my dad off!! he'd come over and drill it out and tap new threads all the while cussing away while I stood there like a dolt. LOL

[arthureld]

It wouldn't hurt to use a torque wrench that's for sure. My guess is that screw isn't supposed to be tight as hell but you don't want it to fall out either.

[OldBikerGuy]

I've considered death warrants against mechanics who torqued my oil filters and drain plugs so tight I couldn't even get them off. I had to literally shred a plug once and I've had to cut filters off with a hacksaw. I don't call that good mechanicking. Get 'em snug, sure, but remember you'll need to get them off later. I've never had a plug or filter leak from being too loose, and I don't white-knuckle them.

[Horse]

Sounds like your just starting to work on you own bike (?)

I would suggest that you use your HD shop manual and follow all the torque requirements. Get a 3/8 drive 10 to 75 foot pound wrench and 1/4 drive 20 to 200 inch pound torque wrench. These will cover you for most of the things your likely to do.

Enjoy your first oil change and don't stress if you do have a torque wrench,,, but do not over torque the drain plug.