Broken oil plug "guard"

[ZG]

Scarry! my bike is lower up front 1" and 1.5 at the rear!!!

Better keep that front wheel off the ground Joel... 

[tstien]

I have just broke my oil pan this evening. I have a 2009 and was wondering about your experience using the updated pan. I want to order all the parts i need to do it at one time.

[Conrad]

I have just broke my oil pan this evening. I have a 2009 and was wondering about your experience using the updated pan. I want to order all the parts i need to do it at one time.

How did you manage to do that?

[VirginiaJim]

It's easier than you think.  Doesn't take much of a bump to contact it.  I would think most of us have a few scrapes and dings on it.  Mine does.

[tstien]

I was riding down Interstate passing a group of cars when a chunk of asphalt was kicked into my lane from the cars I was passing. I hit it with the front tire, the bike "hopped up" and I continued down the road. When I got home I parked the Connie in the garage. When I went to leave again there was a puddle of oil under the bike.  The chunk apparently hit the oil drain and it's protectors. Cracked the pan.

It may be more common than you think, and may have a problem. The 2010 and newer have a redesigned oil pan. from what I have read, the drain now is in the front of the pan. 

[Kawi Ken]

Wow sorry for the tough break !
Glad it didn't oil down your rear tire.
I wonder if switching to a Button head allen bolt wouldn"t be a bad idea for the rest of us 08/09"s.

Anyone have the specs./size on this bolt handy ?

http://www.mcmaster.com/#metric-button-head-screws/=hiizmv

[VirginiaJim]

Actually, that's not a bad idea.  But I think you would need to grind off the guard too.

[lather]

I hit something and broke the guard off of my pan and also ground a corner off the bolt.

[tstien]

Well, I removed the body work and gave a closer look. The part of the pan that is leaking is where the guard attaches to the pan. I as well have abrasion marks on the drain plug. Ordering the parts I need now. Hopefully they will be here soon, I have a week long ride planed for the week after Memorial Day.

[Kawi Ken]

Looks like this would be them.
M12—Pitch: 1.75 mm
16 5
 Part # 91239A610
$ 6.20 PK.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#metric-button-head-screws/=hip2bl

Factory is the 12 x 15 mm length and these come at 16 mm length. So would have to make sure they don"t bottom.
Cheap enough for peace of mind on the nxt. oil change.

[B.D.F.]

I don't know Jim, the oil pans seem to be self- grinding.

Brian

Actually, that's not a bad idea.  But I think you would need to grind off the guard too.

[maxtog]

I don't know Jim, the oil pans seem to be self- grinding.

LOL!

[VirginiaJim]

Or, as I was going to say, let nature take it's course.  There is a reason Kwak moved the plug in the pan on the 10 models on forward.

[rcannon409]

I searched this morning for  a low profile bolt to replace the oil drain plug.  Basically, its nothign more than a 12mm x1.5 (fine thread) metric bolt.  I imagine something 10-15mm long woudl be ok.  Sadly, nothing is commonly available.  A few guys sold some on the forums, but thats been several years ago.

One option was a bolt from Navistar that fit a fuel rail. No idea on a part number.  The other option was from NAPA.  The part number was BK 7041384. The cost is low..or was.  I'll try to find oen of these tomorrow and see what they look like.

Once a low profile bolt is in place, the guard itself can be trimmed and free up some badly needed clearance.  I also priced the new style oil pan from Service Honda (Service Kawasaki) and the total price, with gaskets, is under 200.00. Probably right at 200 with shipping. I'll probably go this route as soon as I get an ass-full of searching for a non-existent bolt.

[jonathan]

IIRC the oil drain plug from a Sea Doo will fit and it is a button head screw.

[Kawi Ken]

Update= These are the wrongs ones with the 1.75 mm pitch !
Sorry about that !

Looks like this would be them.
M12—Pitch: 1.75 mm
16 5
 Part # 91239A610
$ 6.20 PK.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#metric-button-head-screws/=hip2bl

Factory is the 12 x 15 mm length and these come at 16 mm length. So would have to make sure they don"t bottom.
Cheap enough for peace of mind on the nxt. oil change.

[rcannon409]

I ordered the NAPA ones today...just over 2.00 each. They'll be here Thursday, so we'll see if they are any good.

[Shoe]

I hate button head bolts/screws. At least the ones that Kawasaki has installed with high strength thread lock. They're made for striping heads. Just wait until you can't get one of them out of the bottom of your drain pan! You'll be taking the drain pan off just to get the bolt off. 

The best solution is to avoid rolling over curbs and slow down for speed bumps.

[Conrad]

I hate button head bolts/screws. At least the ones that Kawasaki has installed with high strength thread lock. They're made for striping heads. Just wait until you can't get one of them out of the bottom of your drain pan! You'll be taking the drain pan off just to get the bolt off. 

The best solution is to avoid rolling over curbs and slow down for speed bumps.

How you gonna catch some air on those sweet jumps that way?