Self-tapping Oil Drain Plug....

[GearJammer]

After buying this 450cc Rebel, discovered on the first oil change that the oil drain plug threads were stripped. The previous owner had wrapped some teflon tape around the worn threads as a temporary fix. When I went to remove the oil drain plug, it was barely finger tight & I'd made several LONG, FAST runs before this! LOL!

Not wanting to tempt fate, decided to do the proper fix. Bought the next size over self-tapping oil drain plug at CarQuest. Ideally, you'd want the new drain plug to be of the same length as the original drain plug.

Apply thread cutting oil to the threads of the self-tapping oil drain plug & then carefully & slowly turn it in about 3-4 turns, then back it out again, clean off the small metal cuttings from the drain plug, apply some more cutting oil, then turn it in an additional 3-4 turns, then back out again, etc....until you've gotten it done. Worked like a charm!

(Had to improvise some on mine as CarQuest only had the next size self-tapping drain plug that had a longer threaded portion than the original drain plug. Not wanting to go too far up inside the case where the extended plug could very well interfere with moving parts, which could obviously be disastrous, I used 2 thick washers to cover the excess threads & to act as spacers. Placed a copper washer above the spacer washers so that the copper washer would be against the mating surface of the case).

Have heard of others that have had this stripped drain plug problem. The key is to NOT overtighten the plug (original or otherwise) when re-installing after draining the oil. Good 'n snug should be sufficient.

[cTc]

Good to get it fixed before it really becomes a problem.

Got any pics of the newly acquired 450? I'm mean since you pretty much stole it :lol: you could afford a few spare shots of it :lol:

We're about to put the wifes rebel up for sale, she has decided its time to move on to something a little more substantial.

[GearJammer]

CTC, have you been talking with RebelChopper ? He's always asking me for pics! LMAO! Unfortunately, I'm not much into computer stuff or cameras. Kicking myself for not taking ANY regular photos of the 250cc before I sold it. Please don't be offended, CTC, cause as you can see I don't even takes pics for my own scrapbook, LOL!

Is your wife's Rebel a 250cc ? I know you're set on getting a 450cc Rebel at some point & believe me, you'll be amazed at the difference between the two. Style-wise, pretty close relatively, but performance & comfort-wise...no comparison. These 450's downright COOK! That 6th gear really enhances the long range cruiseability & it ain't no slouch by any means. Haven't had a chance to go WOT yet, but had it up to 87 mph without any signs of straining. Smooth, comfortable, more than enough power for the long run.

[cTc]

I may one day end up with a 450, I want one just to tinker with and see what I can make of it. Right now I am working on a second vlx, its pretty banged up so I plan to take the running gear out of it and put it into another frame and see what happens.

[GearJammer]

You won't be disappointed with the 450 if/when you finally decide to get one. My biggest fear is the starter clutch going out, as I've heard that it does happen on occasion & isn't a cheap fix, but overall I'm very impressed with this bike. It wasn't the prettiest bike (which is why it was being sold for $800), quite roadworn, LOTS of built up gunk due to some problem before I bought it, the shop owner who sold it to me said "The bike had been one big oil leak", so he changed the head gasket, got it running well & turned it loose on the cheap, but mechanically, it's pretty solid.

Have to clarify here tho'. As much as I see the 250cc & 450cc Rebels as being hard to compare, I'd STILL recommend the 250cc not only as a starter bike, but as a legitimate motorcycle in it's own right that can also go the distance if an owner decides not to up-grade. Biggest flaw I encountered with the 250cc were the weak exhaust flange studs, but other than that, was extremely impressed with the 250cc as well. I was just about to get the exhaust flange problem handled by a machine shop when this 450 turned up. Have only got room for 3 bikes, so decided to turn the 250 loose, otherwise I'd have kept it.

Those VLX's seem to be one of the most popular bikes out there right now. They look SWEET as can be & if I'm not mistaken, the newer ones finally have the 5th gear that previous owners of VLX's have been asking for, right ?

Was chatting with some guy & there were 3 bikes sitting there: A stock Yamaha XS650, a VLX & a newer Harley 883 Sporty/Hugger. Of the 3, I thought the VLX was the better looking bike without a doubt, tho' I respect that aesthetics are an objective thing.

[cTc]

I think its funny how the sproty tank looks better on everything but the sportster.

I have a 88 vlx

http://www.vlxperience.com/vlx7.jpg

The 18" hangers and those fab'd forward control extentions made me find the perfect bike in the X, But its the oldie with the 4 speed. So... I put a smaller sproket on the rear (-4 teeth) and I really dont need any more gears.

[VLXperience]

I also have a winter time project in store for the VLX.

http://www.vlxperience.com/vlx6.jpg
http://www.vlxperience.com/vlx5.jpg

I figure replaceing the stock 2+ gallon tank with a 5+ gallon tank will give greater range and give people even more reason to stop and stare.

I have removed those ugly lolly pop signals on the rear in favor of some new chrome bullets, which look much better.

Just another something to toy with.

Later

[GearJammer]

Both of these are lookin' GOOD!

Love those HIGH apes, CTC & I agree with ya about the Sporty tanks. Not familiar with the production years of the VLX, but your's being an '88, you've got more ponies than the newer ones, right ? With the better hp rating & sprocket change, I can see where the saying "Got 4 Don't Need No More" would apply. 8)

Your project is coming together just fine, VLXperience! That larger capacity tank works aesthetically & you'll probably only have to stop for gas the 2nd Sat. of every month, LOL! Always liked the grillworked taillight cover, etc. as well.

Took a break while the paint on the header pipes is drying. Also noticed that the final drive chain needs some serious adjustment. Guess it's from lowering the shocks yesterday. Swingarm is still in the same place, but guess by dropping the weight above the swingarm, it changed the counter sprocket position for chain adjustment. Time to get back after it. Later...

[cTc]

cTc & VLXperience -- one in the same -- LOL

I cant wait to get the bigger tank on, but its still good ridin weather and I dont want to go down now while I can still get out and go.

[GearJammer]

hehehe....the ol' double-switcheroo, eh ? LOL!

Definitely hear ya about riding while the weather's perfect. Been wrenching on this Rebel, but my bones are telling me it's time to take a little break & get some saddle time in. Have to try to balance the wrenching with equal amounts of riding...doctor's orders :wink:

Again, those 18" apes are righteous! We can't (let's say, not "supposed" to run 'em :twisted: ) here anymore. They changed the law to "not over shoulder heigth".