o-rings

[HarleyCruiser]

Dont know why this thread was closed, so will post it here.
They are the same ones you buy at the hardware store, or parts store.
Just not in a HD wrapper.
o-rings do come in different material, like Nitrate and polyurethane, and they are different colors. I believe the polyurethane are tan and are harder than the black nitrate.
But for the plugs the black is fine.
These are not pressure fittings, just plugs.
I don’t even replace mine every time, just when they get cut or when I’m in the mood.
O-rings are measured Inside or outside diameter, and then the thickness.
Take an old one with you and they will tell you what size you need.
Buy six at a time, keep them in your Harley supply, box.
These are not that critical, don’t hold the house together.

lowrider said
I change the O rings on my oil , primary and transmission drain plugs every time I change fluids. I bought new O rings at the dealer the other day and was charged $1.50 for the oil plug O ring and $3.50 for the O ring that fits the primary drain plug and the transmission plug. Are these some sort of specialized O rings or what ? The one for the oil drain plug is black, and about the size of a dime, and the one for the transmission and primary is a tan color and smaller than a pencil in diameter. Does anyone know if I can get O rings at an auto parts store that will work and will be cheaper ? I don't know if it's because they are high temperature O rings or what the story is. I only know it's getting to be rediculously expensive to do an oil change. Thanks for your help

Teflon tape will do the job.

[old no. seven]

I've used Pipe Thread Sealant (PTS)with a lot of success in addition to the "O" rings. Not a big fan of teflon tape on threads for the oil system, wouldn't care for a minute piece find it's way into a lifter orifice and be cause of a lifter collapsing. I got the PTS from a NAPA store, Permatex High Temp.

[old no. seven]

If you have some extras and find a more economic source please let us know, thanks. when the rubs go in for their fluids changes the dealer can charge the prices they want to. Won't even discuss the price of SYN3 oil.

[Tbone]

Originally Posted by lowrider79

Thank you gentlemen for the information. I also am a fan of Teflon pipe sealant. I agree that the tape will go through the engine and cause damage if it plugs up an oil passage or check valve. Teflon tape is good for water lines, but softens and becomes the consistency of snot when used on any oil plugs or fittings. I was just curious if Harley was making their O rings out of some sort of exotic material. Jeez, $3.50 for a fricking rubber ring.

$3.50 a ring?
The dealer I get them from charges $.50/ea. $1.50 for all three. I tried to match ID, OD and thickness at a couple of auto parts stores and didn't find the exact match yet. I gave up and then found out that the dealer only charges 50 cents each. I burned more gas than that looking for a match.

[Tbone]

Originally Posted by lowrider79

Tbone,
Would you let me know the name of the dealer you buy your O rings from ? If I could get them for .50 cents a piece I would place an order for a few dozen. I can't understand why the dealers are so expensive here in the North West.
Thanks.

I should also inform you that I own an '06 and all three rings are the same. I reread your post and it looks like you have a couple of different rings.
By the way, I buy mine at Cajun HD in Scott, Louisiana. I have bought them at Renegade HD in Alexandria, La. They were the same price. 50 cents each.
They're so cheap, I change them every oil change. I didn't change them once and it leaked so I change them now and keep the old ones for emergency backups.
What year is your bike?

3.50 is gouging anyway you look at it

[street bob]

Go to the o-ring box at Lowes with the original O-ring and they'll have what you need for about .15 cents.