Any reason I can't leave the Plastic Cover underneath off to check for oil leaks?

[RangerRick]

I was changing the oil, and discovered the drain plug on the engine was loose just verily finger tight. :yikes: Explains why there were oil drops hanging. Any reason I cannot leave it off to check the drain plug periodically for tightness? I cringe at using a torque wrench on it. Once it's more than finger tight, wish I knew how much farther to tighten it, 1/4, 1/2, or 3/4 turn?

 

[Two2Three]

I've always torqued mine to 1 lb less than recommended and never had any issues. Though I also have the hex bolts instead of the stock torx nonsense. YMMV

 

[Albec]

Who changed the oil last? I suspect that the drain plug wasn't tightened properly when last done. Plugs don't typically loosen up by themselves if properly tightened.

 

[RangerRick]

Thanks for the replies. As for who tightened the plug, it was me. I snugged it up pretty tight I thought, or maybe it was because I used this type of gasket (Automotive Self-Centered Bonded Seal/Gasket)?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014S1J4TE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Bangorbob]

Rick, I have left the bottom panels off my last 2 spyders with no problems. Each to his own.

 

[RangerRick]

Rick, I have left the bottom panels off my last 2 spyders with no problems. Each to his own.

Bob, Thanks for the reply, good to hear that. :2thumbs:

 

[Gwolf]

Thanks for the replies. As for who tightened the plug, it was me. I snugged it up pretty tight I thought, or maybe it was because I used this type of gasket (Automotive Self-Centered Bonded Seal/Gasket)?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014S1J4TE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use the fiber sandwich gaskets too. Been using them for 20 or 30 years, on the Spyder and on the Harley Sportster before that. Never had one leak. I use the ones they sell for the oil drain plugs on foreighn cars. They look about like the ones you posted the link to. I do pull mine down just a bit tighter than finger tight. I pull the plug down snug and then maybe a quarter turn with a 3/8 shorty ratchet.

Had the plastic mud collector panels off since the first oil change.

 

[K80Shooter]

Finger tight is not tight enough.

 

[RangerRick]

Finger tight is not tight enough.

I did have it tighter than finger tight but guess not enough did not want to strip out the threads in the aluminum engine case

 

[Mikey]

I have had my left panel off for years to help with air flow! Works for me.

 

[KX5062]

On my 08 GS, I removed the under panels due to heat buildup and never had an issue. I would suspect that if you're running through a lot of wet conditions, you might some issues, but otherwise I can see no harm.

 

[Allen42]

My splash panels are also off. IIRC, BajaRon recommended doing that when I complained about oil splashing into them when doing an oil change.