Oil drain plug rant

[KX5062]

Okay, I'm going to get kind of wonky, but anyway here goes. :f_spider:

I recently performed a routine service on my 2014 RT. Previously I had the dealer do all of the services since the routine stuff was done during some minor warranty work. Normally I do all of it, but since the bike was going in anyway, I figured I'd just have the dealer do it and that way they'd have written documentation for the warranty, etc.

Any who.....

When I pulled the drain plug I noticed that it is a conical shaped drain plug. This is common in the motorcycle industry and it calls for a special cone shaped crush washer. HOWEVER, BRP uses a standard flat copper crush washer. WTH? Mechanically speaking, this is incorrect and should not be done. The reason being, you have to over torque the bolt in order to obtain a proper sealing surface. Using the designed type of washer allows for lower torque values while still maintaining a proper seal.

So, some of the reports of difficult to remove drain plugs, here's a possible explanation.

As an FYI. Suzuki uses conical drain plugs on their DRZ400 model of motorcycle. (I have one) And, guess what? They use the proper cone shaped crush washers. (actually, it's really high quality) And, by coincidence, the main drain plug is the exact same size as the Spyder drain plug. Full disclosure, I did not buy a new one and install it, but probably will get a new one and try it next time. Also, by way of disclosure, I bought the Dimple set of drain plugs and will install those too. They are much better quality that OEM and are a truly very well made piece of kit.

I know a standard crush washer is cheaper, but I mean really????? :banghead:

 

[Orange Spyder Man]

I have noticed that BRP sometimes uses the cheapest items they possibly can.. for instance... Kenda tires .. for what BRP prices these spyders ... you would think they could use better quality items.. it will eventually bite them in the butt...

osm

 

[ulflyer]

Have changed my oil 4 times and never noticed the conical business. In fact, didn't change the crush washers until the last oil change. I go by feel on tightening and never had a leak. Yet! I might go with the Dimple because I hate the Torx/Allen things. Too easy to ream out.

 

[Chupaca]

Interesting..!!

may be a change on the new engine. Mine are flat as are the washers. Has never been a problem but have the dimple's for my next oil change. The allens are risky if you don't get that allen in all the way and straight and apply pressure perpendicular it is easy to strip it out. Pictures of your drain plugs would be nice and confirm the change...:thumbup:

 

[cuznjohn]

also noticed all the bolts they use are not hardened and brake very easy, there was someone on here that said they rounded the hex on the drain plug getting it out.

 

[AH-NO-1]

Dimple Drain Plugs-- Which Vendor sells these ????

Dimple drain plugs are top drawer stuff.

As for the conical drain plug and conical sealing washer, I have not removed a DRZ drain plug. Just be careful that Suzuki did not machine the case to accept the cones.

I agree that Rotax could have done better, but as you mentioned, flat metal gaskets are inexpensive, just be cautious of the torque, oiled threads and be certain the threads are clean since the magnets can hold fine debris on the threads.

All the best with it.

PK

I have seen many good comments on these Plugs, but I have not seen them advertised by any vendors on the Spyder web site. I will be doing my First oil change this spring and would like to change to these if I can find a vendor. I would like a vendor that offers both filters and dimple plugs to kill two birds @ the same time. I have a 2013 Rtl, any help and information on a vender and tips on my first oil change would be appreciated and helpful. Thanks Dave

 

[KX5062]

I have seen many good comments on these Plugs, but I have not seen them advertised by any vendors on the Spyder web site. I will be doing my First oil change this spring and would like to change to these if I can find a vendor. I would like a vendor that offers both filters and dimple plugs to kill two birds @ the same time. I have a 2013 Rtl, any help and information on a vender and tips on my first oil change would be appreciated and helpful. Thanks Dave

If you have a 2013 RTL, then do you not have the older 998 twin versus the new 1330 ACE triple?

But, to answer you question. I purchased the Dimple kit and installed them. I bought the kit directly from Dimple. It was quick and easy. The product itself is the best on the market bar none.

 

[Purple Guy]

I too changed to the Dimple Plugs when I did my last oil change.
Far superior plug and worth every cent!

 

[Highwayman2013]

I have seen many good comments on these Plugs, but I have not seen them advertised by any vendors on the Spyder web site. I will be doing my First oil change this spring and would like to change to these if I can find a vendor. I would like a vendor that offers both filters and dimple plugs to kill two birds @ the same time. I have a 2013 Rtl, any help and information on a vender and tips on my first oil change would be appreciated and helpful. Thanks Dave

Here you go:http://magneticdrainplugs.co/canamspyder.php

 

[bodymanpainter]

Here you go:http://magneticdrainplugs.co/canamspyder.php

Thanks for the link, I just ordered mine!
Toby

 

[Steamer]

Dimple

Here you go:http://magneticdrainplugs.co/canamspyder.php

The "Dimple web site" indicates that when you purchase their drain plug you must reuse the OEM O-ring and spring washer. Don't both the washer and O-ring need to be replaced as well?

 

[kngfsh27]

The "Dimple web site" indicates that when you purchase their drain plug you must reuse the OEM O-ring and spring washer. Don't both the washer and O-ring need to be replaced as well?

Dimple only supplies washers with their plugs. When you purchase an oil change kit, it will have new o-rings and washers along with the filter. So if you change the plugs during an oil change you should have a new set of o-rings to use.