Wilsons Sandbox

So now I have ridden twice to work (about 50 miles 2 ways) at 70 -75 miles per hour on the freeway. No leakage from the "stripped" drain plug! I may still change the plug just to make sure.... although a new plug may not get tighter either.... New item.... But I also realized my back tire is hot (and there is about a 1/4 " slicked on the right side at the outside edge (I can smell it when I park)), so it is rubbing on the exhaust! I thought I straightened the tire correctly when I put on a new Avon Gripster, but obviously it must not be straight. The brake was making a slight squeaking noise after I changed the tire, so I "adjusted it again.... the squeak went away, but now I see the slight rubbing of the tire...... I'll try slightly tightening? the left swing arm-chain adjuster again. The marks on the swing arm/adjuster plate are not accurate enough, obviously. Has this ever happened to you? ________________________________ From: Paul Germanos To: halbiz@... Sent: Tuesday, September 29, 2009 1:31:53 PM Subject: RE: Drain Plug keeps turning after 17 ftlbs of torque...ooops no leaks = good. if the drain plug does tighten, you don't have a problem. if the drain plug continues to turn regardless of the torque applied, you have a problem. in a best case scenario, only the drain plug threads would be damaged. and replacing the drain plug would solve your problem. in a worst case scenario, you'd be unable to tighten the drain plug, and replacing the plug would have no effect. at that point, it would be safe to assume that the thread on the engine side had been damaged. and it might be worth your while to consult a professional, and discuss options for a new thread/plug. good luck! ________________________________ Date: Sat, 26 Sep 2009 17:07:28 -0700 From: halbiz@... Subject: Drain Plug keeps turning after 17 ftlbs of torque...ooops To: paulgermanos@... Paul, I know this is not a good sign. The Drain Plug on my KLR650 2002 keeps turning after 17 ftlbs of torque were applied...ooops! It stays in there pretty snug, but I do not know how long that would last. What are my options now. No oil leaks out upon warming the bike up after refilling the oil and with a new oil filter. Also, I didn't oil up the filter when I put it in. But I did oil up the 2 grommets. Problem? Thanks for your input if you have some......... I am going on a 6 day trip in October....... Hal ________________________________ Lauren found her dream laptop. Find the PC that s right for you. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

This past weekend was the last organized event for our Pennsylvania BMW Airhead (pre-1995 BMWs with air-cooled engines). Guys came in from Ohio, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and of course PA. I led a 288 mile dual-sport ride on Saturday. Two of us were on our KLRs and the other two guys were on BMW's dual-sport (GS) models. This was a blend of forest roads, valleys, ridge lines, in and out of fog, slick mud, constant rain, and hard roads back to camp. By the end of the ride, we all had wet shorts regardless of raingear type. On Sunday, we all got to ride home in the rain too. The funniest moment of the trip was when we cut through a small town where the only bar opens at 12 noon. Apparently, the Harley club was having a 'ride' and met at the bar. Bandanas and 'colors' were being sported by about 10 of these big dudes as their significant others stood beside them waiting for opening time. There were no bikes in the parking lot only their cars. We gave them the 'thumbs-up' as we sloshed by. Granted, I have no chrome to polish on my KLR and they do. I also applaud everyone who rides no matter what machine. I guess I wouldn't find this 'ride' image as ironic if I wasn't periodically reminded (in many ways) that only 'real men ride Harleys' and the rest of are 'lesser human beings'. Life goes on. Don R100, A6F

Norman, In some situations (probably only emergency) you could take some plumber tape and wrap it several times around the threads of the oil plug before putting it on. It will then probably get tighter and it is much less likely to leak. I'm not a professional, and this advice is NOT professional, but it is an option, at least temporarily. rw Posted by: "Norman Moore" halbiz@... halbiz Tue Sep 29, 2009 11:49 pm (PDT) So now I have ridden twice to work (about 50 miles 2 ways) at 70 -75 miles per hour on the freeway. No leakage from the "stripped" drain plug! I may still change the plug just to make sure.... although a new plug may not get tighter either.... [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]