| Author | Message | ||
     Jng1226 |
I need some help here. Barely 2 weeks ago I picked up the last 1125R from Seminole Harley in Sanford FL. I just reached the 620 mile service point and was going to change the oil myself. I removed the left side drain bolt first and let the oil drain. Before going to remove the right side plug I was going to replace the left side plug with a new washer. When I did and started tightening it, it just kept on spinning. I removed the plug and looked at the threads, there were a few circular shavings and the threads are almost non-existent. I never was able to put torque on the threads when tightening so I am certain this was miss-threaded at the factory. Now I just called the same dealer to make an appointment and was describing the problem to the service manager. He said to me that it could be a problem with Harley because the first service is SUPPOSED to be done by a Buell dealer ONLY. In his words it raised a "red flag" that Harley may dispute because the tech would be asked what he saw when he was doing the service. Since a authorized tech didn't do the service it may be a problem. He also said that "to maintain your warranty, a certified tech needs to do the service". Now I am almost certain this is BS. Does anyone have a link to the Federal Law that I can reference when I go in there about warranty validity and required service? Thanks in advance. Jeff (Message edited by jng1226 on November 11, 2009) | ||
| Xl1200r |
It is BS that a Buell tech has to do the service, but I'm not sure that's going to matter much in your case. The plug should have at least tried to thread in if it was able to thread out and stay put for those 600 miles already... Not calling you a liar, but if you were Harley, what would you do? | ||
| Carbonbigfoot |
The problem is the burden of proof is on you to demonstrate that you didn't do the damage.... | ||
| Dmhines |
That sucks ... but ... you probably are gonna be screwed. HD and dealer are definitely gonna blame you for stripping the threads .... I would if I were Harley. That is gonna be an expensive fix. | ||
| Timxb9s |
At this point I would save myself the headache and go the the autoparts store and get a helicoil kit for the size of the drain plug. Repair what got screwed up and finish the service. The kit will contain a few helicoils in case the other plug was ham fisted also. You can complain until you're blue in the face. But if they didn't strip it, I doubt they are going to fix it. You will also feel better knowing that it got done right. Just my $.02 | ||
| Fmaxwell |
Your best bet is to work with your shop and, if they don't want to work on your behalf, find another one. But be realistic. Warranty repair work in November is like pennies from heaven for most dealers, so I'd think that they'd love to do the work -- if they thought HD would reimburse. If they can't/won't do it, talk to a good machine shop about options such as fitting a larger plug or using a Time-sert (much better than a Heli-Coil where sealing, rather than just mechanical connection, is needed). (Message edited by fmaxwell on November 11, 2009) | ||
| Avc8130 |
Will the plug stay in? If so, put oil in and make 1st service appointment at 2nd closest dealer. ac | ||
| Hughlysses |
Or go to the auto parts store and buy a "repair plug" of the correct size. Some types are self-threading and some are sort of a rubber plug with a bolt that threads into it to expand it in place. Either will keep the oil in the engine. | ||
| Romano |
Don't stress, it wont be an expensive repair. This is a simple repair for any engineering shop worth its salt. The problem with Harley is another matter. Any thread in aluminium is easily over tightened. Very little force is required to damage a small thread like this. Small thread small lever. In aluminium even a smaller lever. Aluminium threads have a way of tightening themselves up also. Good luck with it. Cheers Romano | ||
| Averagejoe |
Stripped plug, doubt they will own upto it, sux but cant blame them, they dont know you or if you did it or not. Sorry but if I was them wouldnt do it either. And dont see how the factory could have cross threaded it with the low torque they put on, but never know. | ||
| Moosestang |
And don't see how the factory could have cross threaded it with the low torque they put on, but never know. Mine was tight! | ||
| Milleniumx1 |
From a manufacturer's point of view, this is going to fit into the 'you broke it, you fix it' column. Unless you can prove that you didn't do it, which is going to be damn near impossible. But I do wish you success in getting it back in order! Mike | ||
| Jng1226 |
Thanks for the replies. I may have to suck this one up based on what I've seen. So the next question is: Is it true they can void the warranty if I don't get the bike serviced by a Harley/Buell dealer? This sounds unbelievable. Separately, if a shop is able to repair this, how do they do it without getting a ton of shavings inside the oil sump? How would I get them out? Thanks Jeff | ||
| Moosestang |
So the next question is: Is it true they can void the warranty if I don't get the bike serviced by a Harley/Buell dealer? This sounds unbelievable. It's unbelievable because it's not true. There are laws to prevent them from doing this. It's a scam designed to prey on the weak. If they could legally tell you to use only their oil or only their service department, then they would. | ||
| Fmaxwell |
Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (Message edited by fmaxwell on November 11, 2009 to use correct spelling provided by the I-don't-close-my-parentheses-guy)  (Message edited by fmaxwell on November 11, 2009) | ||
| Iamarchangel |
Delicate answer but mostly no, the warranty is not voided if you do the work. But you have to able to show receipts for oil and filters, etc. You have to be able to show some kind of skill and competence. It's only going to come up on a warranty issue. And you will have to be able to defend your side of the argument. My car, for example, bought new, has never had any dealer service done. My mechanic is a godsend, an honest independent low cost guy who has won national awards. He can defend any warranty issue for me. Aluminum shavings in steel gears is not a biggie. Frequent oil changes will catch them. A shop would put a lot of grease on the tap to catch most of the shavings. | ||
| Court |
About everything on this page is 50% right . . . including the spelling of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975. For an overview of theMagnuson-Moss Warranty Act act you can read THIS. Now . . . as a practical matter let me tell you that you can buy 5 motors for what it will cost you to
Bottom line . . . keep talking to the dealer and customer service. Make them WANT to help you. It's the business they are in and the folks at Buell Customer Service are very good at it. | ||
| Moosestang |
Next time they tell you that the oil has to be changed by a buell certified technician, ask them to put that in writing. I'd like a copy of that document. | ||
| Fmaxwell |
Court, Context: Jng1226: "Is it true they can void the warranty if I don't get the bike serviced by a Harley/Buell dealer?" Moosestang: "There are laws to prevent them from doing this" Me: "Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act" I never meant to suggest or imply that the act could be used as legal leverage to get a warranty repair on the stripped drain plug threads -- just that it was the name of the act which prohibited tie-in sales of parts and service as conditions for honoring a warranty. (Message edited by fmaxwell on November 11, 2009) (Message edited by fmaxwell on November 11, 2009) | ||
| Jng1226 |
Thanks again guys. The Magnuson-Moss Act was the one I was looking for. I understand that even if it wasn't me that stripped the threads it will be difficult to dispute if they refuse to cover it. I think there is a good shop here that could take care of it, I will try them. I also have some used oil that I could just flush through the system with both drain plugs out a few times to wash out any shavings. This forum is the shiznit! Jeff | ||
| Court |
It's a pain in the ass but not a big deal to fix. I'd play nice with the dealer, come up with the best plan. . . fix it, flush some oil though it and ride the piss out of it. | ||
| Reepicheep |
If it was my bike, even if the dealer screwed it up, if they offered a free Tim-Sert repair, I'd say thank you and let them make it right. If not, I'd decide to avoid that dealer in the future, and be happy that the biggest problem in my life right now can be solved in my garage (or a skilled friends garage) for about $150 and an afternoons work. Agreed though, a PITA that you should not have to deal with. | ||
| Zracer196 |
Man Jeff... Sorry to hear! Not a biggie though...You'll get it taken care of! AND have fun at Jennings Monday! Wish I could be there...Sean (and my business partner) is going! |
