Hey this might sound like a dumb question, but is there supposed to be a seal (or o-ring) on the engine drain plug?

I just changed my oil myself for the first time and someone mentionned that there might be one (I looked in the oil that had drained out and didn't see anything). There is one on the filler cap.

Besides that, the oil change went awesome and I did it myself (good accomplishment for a girl that has never changed the oil in anything )

 

CONGRATS BLUEBIRD!

 

Yes, there should be a drain plug gasket... It may get stuck to the drain, or the plug, so check both places. If it's missing, or damaged it needs to be replaced.... Hopefully you did put one in, or you'll be draining some oil as you try to replace it real quick like..

 

[sm=oopssign.gif] Damn it! Naturally since it was the first time that I had changed the oil, I didn't know that so I have 3.4 litres of nice fresh oil in there and no gasket on my drain plug. Great!

Any ways, if it isn't leaking, would it be okay to leave it and get it on the next change? I had it running for a bit to check for leaks after I finished and nothing has leaked on the garage floor. So far so good. What do you guys/gals think?

 

Well, you might not have a leak right away, but the gasket would help prevent future leaks... It'll probably be harder to remove later, when it's time to change it again. Also, you probably tightened the plug more than you had to if you don't have a gasket, so you're more likely to strip it. I'd probably take it out and add a gasket, but I'm picky about such things... Anyone else care to chime in?

If you have a nice CLEAN and DRY container, you can drain the oil into that, add the gasket, and fill it back up again. Either that or if you could find someone to hold the bike upside-down, you can change it w/o draining any of the oil.

By the time you're done, you'll be an expert!

And... CONGRATS on changing your own oil... I don't know too many women that do it... You should be proud, hell, I'm proud for you!

 

[sm=smiley9.gif] Thanks! Actually I tightened the bolt to the exact tourque specs in my manual (I'm one of those people who like to do things by the book (sort of!)) I think I'm going to wait and see if it holds up, I'm going to buy a gasket anyways this weekend just in case. Thanks for your help and suggestions Gerg, [sm=kissykissy.gif]

Have a great and safe weekend!!!