duoglide fork drain plugs

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bangkokbob
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duoglide fork drain plugs

#1

Post by bangkokbob »

Hi all. Today I decided to do my yearly fork oil replacement.
I wanted to replace the drain plugs also with a Gardner Westcott set that I had in my spares.
The ones I took out were brass with a square head.
I have pictures but not that clear.
Does anyone know about these brass ones?
Who made them or were they one off home made?
Regards B.B.
fork dp3.png
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Re: duoglide fork drain plugs

#2

Post by RUBONE »

Those are just 1/8 NPT pipe plugs and were never stock.
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Re: duoglide fork drain plugs

#3

Post by Bigincher »

Do your stock plugs leak? If not, why mess with them?
The James fork rebuild kits come with new plugs, and I think they are available separately. But still, if they don't leak........(?)
By the way, kudos for changing your fork oil annually- so many good folk seem to overlook it.
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Re: duoglide fork drain plugs

#4

Post by bangkokbob »

Thanks Rubone. That's what I thought and why I changed them.

Big incher. No they don't leak. That's why I change the oil yearly. Decided to change the indicator flasher unit whilst I was in there too.
Now flashers work well. Noticed the handlebar top mount rubber on one side was starting to break down too.
So will get some replacements for next time.
Regards B.B.
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Re: duoglide fork drain plugs

#5

Post by Larry »

I installed a James kit this morning. The plugs fit poorly and I didn't use them.
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Re: duoglide fork drain plugs

#6

Post by Bigincher »

Well, that sucks!
Good to know, too- thanks for that report.
I always re-use the stock plugs. If I ever have an opportunity, I will toss a few stock plugs in a batch for Parkerizing, which is the correct finish on HydraGlide. Not sure finish on Duo plugs.
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Re: duoglide fork drain plugs

#7

Post by bangkokbob »

Colony and Gardner Westcott still seem to make good stuff that fits correct.
Regards B.B.
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Re: duoglide fork drain plugs

#8

Post by 58flh »

Alot of times The forks are the most overlooked maintenence that needs to be done!.Its good that you drain & clean & refill atleast every 2yrs.-(Its just how I do mine ,every 2yrs.)-Not in any manual.But as far as the Brass Plugs//There actually Great for the bikes that are sitting!.No Oxidation between the brass & Alum. will happen/therefore THEY COME OUT!.I know we all been there when a bike comes in for service & the drains you literaly have to RUIN to get out!.NO its not OEM!/I use OEM on mine /but I maintain them so they come off easily when needed.But If you have one that sits for long periods at a time -its not a bad thing to use them /so when the time comes,no hasstles.--Just an opinion thats all.---Respectfully----Richie
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Re: duoglide fork drain plugs

#9

Post by FL54 »

At the risk of hijacking this thread, I'd been meaning to change the fork oil on my '69 shovel that I've had for a few years. I used penetrating oil on the drain and filler plugs overnight . The drain plugs came out OK but the filler plugs were really frozen on and difficult to break loose. When the oil came out it was as black as old motor oil. Is that normal? If I was a betting man I'd say that oil hadn't been changed in decades.
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Re: duoglide fork drain plugs

#10

Post by bangkokbob »

FL54-Winner, winner chicken dinner.
Yes refill and ride for a few hundred miles and do again.
You will be surprised at how much difference fresh oil makes to front end especially in your situation.
Regards,
B.B.
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Re: duoglide fork drain plugs

#11

Post by 58flh »

If it was PJ-1 30wt. fork oil /then its a dark green almost black/As BB says What a difference when you change it out!.I use ATF in my Hydra-Front end/A good ol boy named John talked me into trying it & its 20wt.(I think?)./& made for extreme duty,It dont F-up the seals & My Front-end never worked better!.Use KROIL on the top breather nuts if there on TIGHT!--(Its just oxydation from vented plug to pipe.I use to have the KLUNK when fully extended!/I put 2 Paper shims on bottom of both tubes & Proceeded to ATF!--It Actually works as suppose to!/-I was really floored that the KLUNK went away!--Its been about 6yrs. maybe now.I put fresh ATF every 2yrs. when I rip the top end off for service.---Respectfully---Richie
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Re: duoglide fork drain plugs

#12

Post by FL54 »

Thanks BB and Richie. Too much snow around to,do,any riding for a while but I'll do as suggested and change the oil again after a couple hundred miles.
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Re: duoglide fork drain plugs

#13

Post by PanPal »

Drained my forks last night, but one plug head stripped out it was so tight. I had to drill it out and use a easy out to remove it. I have the brass style plugs that screw in flush, but can't seem to find the original steel type plugs. I'm guessing from reading this thread that Brass will work fine? I have a couple sportster fork sets in my spare parts, just now wondering if they may use the same plug as the Panhead?
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Re: duoglide fork drain plugs

#14

Post by PanPal »

never mind, found some steel pipe plugs.
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Re: duoglide fork drain plugs

#15

Post by Northman »

58flh wrote: Mon Jan 11, 2016 12:47 pm If it was PJ-1 30wt. fork oil /then its a dark green almost black/As BB says What a difference when you change it out!.I use ATF in my Hydra-Front end/A good ol boy named John talked me into trying it & its 20wt.(I think?)./& made for extreme duty,It dont F-up the seals & My Front-end never worked better!.Use KROIL on the top breather nuts if there on TIGHT!--(Its just oxydation from vented plug to pipe.I use to have the KLUNK when fully extended!/I put 2 Paper shims on bottom of both tubes & Proceeded to ATF!--It Actually works as suppose to!/-I was really floored that the KLUNK went away!--Its been about 6yrs. maybe now.I put fresh ATF every 2yrs. when I rip the top end off for service.---Respectfully---Richie
Well I've just been educated. Thanks for this, I've been going bat shit over an intermittent sorta tick Klink thing when ever I take a harder hit. It may or may not be related but none the less I'm running out of ideas till now.
Thanks!
Northman
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