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My RT-L first service tomorrow - is one of the 2 drain plugs magnetic? Any advantage to having both magnetic?

NoTyme

Member
My '23 RT-L is getting its 3,000 mile service. I wanted to make sure I have a magnetic drain plug to detect any metal fragments and I was told out of the 2 drain plugs, one is magnetic. Is this correct? Any advantages to having both drain plugs magnetic?
 
The smaller clutch side plug is magnetic. The real advantage will become apparent when you see the two plugs out. The engine sump side is a Torx (45, I think), and the clutch side is internal hex (6mm, I think). Very easy to mix up and do damage. A forum search will turn up a lot of hard luck tales. The aftermarket plugs are both magnetic and are hex headed for sockets. 17 and 13 mm, I believe. It's very cheap insurance at around $16 for the pair. If you will be doing the oil change yourself, do yourself a favor and take out the brake rod bolt and turn it around so the nut is on the outside. It just happens to be exactly in the way of getting the clutch side drain plug out.
 
One of the things I found on my second oil change, first DIY, was the threads on the sump drain plug, the T45 Torx bit one, were very sharp, so much so that in the process of changing the O-rings I wrapped the threads with painter's tape to protect the new O-rings. I subsequently went to hex head magnetic plugs for both. They are just more convenient, IMO.
 
The smaller clutch side plug is magnetic. The real advantage will become apparent when you see the two plugs out. The engine sump side is a Torx (45, I think), and the clutch side is internal hex (6mm, I think). Very easy to mix up and do damage. A forum search will turn up a lot of hard luck tales. The aftermarket plugs are both magnetic and are hex headed for sockets. 17 and 13 mm, I believe. It's very cheap insurance at around $16 for the pair. If you will be doing the oil change yourself, do yourself a favor and take out the brake rod bolt and turn it around so the nut is on the outside. It just happens to be exactly in the way of getting the clutch side drain plug out.
I am taking it to the dealer for the first oil change... and to keep the warranty intact. I will question service if they can replace both.
 
I am taking it to the dealer for the first oil change... and to keep the warranty intact. I will question service if they can replace both.
I just had service done on my '24 S2S with 1200 miles on the clock, and I asked how much for an oil change. I was given a quote of $475.00 plus tax, so I said no thank you. I ordered a case of Amsoil 10w-40 mcf, 4 HiFlo oil filters, and three seal kits, all for $207.00 delivered to my door. I also have the Show Chrome 1330 magnetic plug set and will be installing it this weekend when I do its first oil change. I see no reason using what I will be using for my warranty to be voided. We all do what we think is best for us and our bikes. I wish you the best.
 
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... I also have the Show Chrome 1330 magnetic plug set...
Check the included Showchrome transmission drain plug washer's inner diameter. I just changed mine, and the inner diameter of the copper washer was too small, it rode up on the plugs taper from the sealing surface to the main body, instead of sitting flat on the surface. Hopefully, just a fluke on the one I had.
I agree on the price, $50 for 5L Rotella T6, $14 for KN filter and $40 for the washers, all Canuk bucks too.
 
Check the included Showchrome transmission drain plug washer's inner diameter. I just changed mine, and the inner diameter of the copper washer was too small, it rode up on the plugs taper from the sealing surface to the main body, instead of sitting flat on the surface. Hopefully, just a fluke on the one I had.
I agree on the price, $50 for 5L Rotella T6, $14 for KN filter and $40 for the washers, all Canuk bucks too.

I truly don't know this, but I wonder if that 'riding up' bit was as designed and intended? :unsure:

I can't really picture it exactly right now (pain meds can do that! 😋) but wouldn't the act of tightening the nut and forcing the plugs taper to stretch and form the slightly more malleable washer into the necessary size & shape form a better seal than a simple 'flat on flat' seal that relies solely upon the tension of the plug onto the seat?? :rolleyes:

Just sayin' 😉
 
I can't really picture it exactly right now (pain meds can do that! 😋) but wouldn't the act of tightening the nut and forcing the plugs taper to stretch and form the slightly more malleable washer into the necessary size & shape form a better seal than a simple 'flat on flat' seal that relies solely upon the tension of the plug onto the seat?
Meds will do that, hope they help.
I had considered that but then unconsidered it for two reasons. :-)
I had ordered new washers and O rings right after I got the bike, so I compared the diameters and the one included with the plug was indeed a smaller ID than the OE.
The second reason was that I wouldn't think the plug/smaller washer seal would be dependent on the copper washer being formed into the correct shape by being drawn into the depression into an aluminum thread. IMHO that's asking for pulled threads and/or bad seal and potential for loosening.
 
Well the first oil change went well... $356.74 out the door. Put about 165 miles on it and she ran just as she did before. But I did confirm that I have the Chinese battery in it :(



Talking with the parts guy and his view is that BOTH plugs being magnetic would cause issues, where any metal may be trapped in between the two and not be seen. Doesn't make a whole lotta sense to me, but I will continue to investigate.
 
Well the first oil change went well... $356.74 out the door. Put about 165 miles on it and she ran just as she did before. But I did confirm that I have the Chinese battery in it :(



Talking with the parts guy and his view is that BOTH plugs being magnetic would cause issues, where any metal may be trapped in between the tww and not be seen. Doesn't make a whole lotta sense to me, but I will continue to investigate.
"trapped in between the two" What a dolt!! Get a new parts guy.
 
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