Heads up to new RT Owners

[NorthStar]

If you are going to do any work on the RT it will certainly involve the removal of any number of panels to get to routine maintenance items. At the very least you will be removing the lower panel frequently to check your oil level. The grommets which help hold some of these panels in place are prone to becoming dislodged when you remove or replace the panels. They disappear mysteriously into the bowels of the engine, never to be seen again.

To counteract this you may want to be proactive and glue these grommets in place with some sort of adhesive such as RV Black. I do admit that it took me a while to get around to this simple task (after losing a half dozen grommets:gaah and remarkably none of the grommets have been displaced since I applied the RV Black. This is one easy tip that I picked up here on the forum that really has reduced maintenance frustration.

You will find that there are many talented and helpful people in this community that are more than willing to share their experiences and knowledge readily.

Now if someone could only find a magic way to access the front cylinder spark plug:bowdown:

 

[Phil]

GREAT idea.... now where is my tube of RV black.......

 

[redlightron]

Good heads-up and I will do that when I get my new limited model.:2thumbs:

 

[clueless]

can you just use super glue?

 

[fordguyupnorth]

i put a little vasoline on the male ends of the panel to make removal easier in turn keeping the grommets in place without problem. no issues with any of the panels flying off while driving either. just a thought that has worked for me.:clap:

 

[dave01]

All 6 side ones should have already been done as per this bulletin

http://www.spyderlovers.com/spyderbulletins/2010-007.pdf

 

[BikerDoc]

Mine were replaced per the recall automatically at service time but I still feel more secure (no pun intended) after adding a little glue. the grommets seem to dry out so either lubricant or glue seems necessary if you don't want to see the problem again down the road

 

[ThreeWheels]

can you just use super glue?

Probably not. I don't think super glue would have any flex to it and would fail over time.

At least I've never had good success using superglue with rubber in the past.

It holds for a little while but eventually gives way as the rubber flexes.

Of course, as always, my free advice comes with a double your moeny back guarantee.

 

[NancysToy]

Probably not. I don't think super glue would have any flex to it and would fail over time.

At least I've never had good success using superglue with rubber in the past.

It holds for a little while but eventually gives way as the rubber flexes.

Of course, as always, my free advice comes with a double your moeny back guarantee.

I agree. The factory used a dot of what looks like hot glue on the back. It soon hardened and cracked. I recommend RTV silicone or 3M Super Weatherstrip Adhesive, although BRP's service bulletin specifies another adhesive. The cleaning is the critical step, BTW.

 

[GeoffCee]

I have found a little silicone grease applied to the hole in the grommets eases the insert of the pegs. Amazing the difference a small amount of lubrication makes.

 

[Captain Fin]

Oil to lube

I just use a little of the engine oil from the dip stick. A little dab will do you.

 

[Grandpa Pete]

Lube

I wonder if VO5 would work:clap::clap:

 

[JkRbbt]

Had the same grommet problem with Gold Wing panels. I used a little silicone caulk to keep them in place and used a little good old fashion spit to wet the grommet before I pushed the panel in place. Had no problems after that. Caution: I don't chew tobacco, so I don't know how that would react with the rubber grommet! But, thanx for the heads up, folks. Hopefully I won't lose these grommets!

 

[Chupaca]

Front plug..

I read, not to long ago, you can access the front plug from above removing the instrument panel. Long extension and a universal joint. Check past post I have not gotten to try yet...need a few more miles.:dontknow:

 

[DRTSB]

Panels

I use a little alcohol, whisky or vodka works well and problems go away, the funny thing is, I don't remember much after!

Dave

 

[SpyderAnn01]

Not only have I had the grommets jump ship but I have also had a couple of the male parts jump off too! My husband bought something at a trade show called Plastex Repair Kit but he seems to think that I should read the directions and make the part I disagree.

 

[NancysToy]

ldpost:

 

[DRTSB]

Panel

Ya, so , you read it to didn't you!

Dave