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Weird goings on - DRZ sump bolt
https://www.trf.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=23574
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Author:  Teabag_Terry [ Wed Apr 26, 2017 1:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Weird goings on - DRZ sump bolt

I can't figure something out, hope you can help.

I have noticed that to remove the frame sump bolt on my 2002 DRZ 400, it needs to be turned clockwise!

What is going on here? Has the previous owner stripped the thread and retapped a reverse thread? I can't figure it out.

Obviously I was turning it couterclockwise to try and remove it and nearly stripped the thread before a little tap in the other direction and it started coming out. Is it supposed to come out the "wrong" way?

I'm scared to touch it now.

Author:  smokinrider [ Wed Apr 26, 2017 3:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Weird goings on - DRZ sump bolt

Post a good close up picture of the bolt


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Author:  smokinrider [ Wed Apr 26, 2017 5:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Weird goings on - DRZ sump bolt

The bolt screws up into the frame. When viewed from above it will appear that clockwise un does it because you're not looking at the bolt head. Crouch down and look from the floor up. Does it now turn anti clockwise to unscrew?

If it doesn't god only knows what's been done to your bike. One explanation is it may be an Australian import.


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Author:  Teabag_Terry [ Wed Apr 26, 2017 9:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Weird goings on - DRZ sump bolt

So here is the front oil sump bolt on my 2002 DRZ 400.

Clockwise loosens it. Anticlockwise tightens it. Surely a guaranteed recipe for disaster?

Attachments:
Sump Bolt.jpg
Sump Bolt.jpg [ 165.12 KiB | Viewed 12242 times ]

Author:  Woodywoodster [ Wed Apr 26, 2017 9:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Weird goings on - DRZ sump bolt

Without put a spanner on mine I not sure what mine does but I can't remember anything odd...it's due an oil change so I'll have a look but probably won't be until after the weekend..


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Author:  Teabag_Terry [ Wed Apr 26, 2017 9:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Weird goings on - DRZ sump bolt

Yeah let me know. I feel like I'm losing the plot here. 13 years on maintaining bikes and never seen a bolt come out clockwise.

Author:  smokinrider [ Wed Apr 26, 2017 10:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Weird goings on - DRZ sump bolt

I meant a picture of the bolt including threads, so we can see whether it's a l/h thread. Which it shouldn't be.

1:05 for bolt removal.

https://youtu.be/k-s7RA2w2co

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Author:  Hugh Cleary [ Thu Apr 27, 2017 10:08 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Weird goings on - DRZ sump bolt

Greetings,

I having looked at the photos of your wiring from which I think that somebody has been messing about with your bike before they sold it on.

'Left hand' or 'anticlockwise' threads are normally only fitted where there is a risk of the fastening self loosening itself through rotational forces, that is why on older completion style vehicles directional 'knock on' nuts where used. Following is a picture of a Jaguar hub nut;

Attachment:
spinner.jpg
spinner.jpg [ 29.33 KiB | Viewed 12195 times ]



I rather suspect that somebody might have had the crankcases apart and incorrectly rethreaded the drain hole from the inside of the case because left hand thread cutting taps and bolts are not so easy to obtain.

I think that I would be tempted to;

a) clean up and then drill the sides of the bolt so that you can lock wire it into position
b) replace the crush washer with a new one
c) refit the bolt but carefully do not over tighten it especially if the threads look in anyway damaged, all you want to do is seal the hole to prevent oil seeping out
d) lock wire the bolt to both prevent it from loosening and to remind you that it has a non standard thread

Alternatively, you could have a thread specialist rethread the drain hole and fit a new bolt and washer for you.

Additionally, I would replace the oil, the oil filter and its two seals in the side casing and most importantly inspect and clean the oil filter which is positioned in the frame front down tube.

Attachment:
frame filter 1.jpeg
frame filter 1.jpeg [ 4.66 KiB | Viewed 12195 times ]


Attachment:
frame filter 2.jpeg
frame filter 2.jpeg [ 2.97 KiB | Viewed 12195 times ]


Attachment:
frame filter 3.jpeg
frame filter 3.jpeg [ 3.38 KiB | Viewed 12195 times ]


It sounds as though you should get this bike checked out by somebody more experienced with similar machines, perhaps a Suzuki dealership, to make sure that there are no safety issues with it.

Hope these comments help.

TTFN

Hugh.

Author:  Teabag_Terry [ Thu Apr 27, 2017 12:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Weird goings on - DRZ sump bolt

Well I did the oil and filter change just fine, and bolted it all back up with no issues. So I'm not gonna worry about anything for the time being, but when I do the next oil change, I might take it to a suzuki dealership and get them to take a look at it.

Most importantly for me, is that there is no leaking at all, there are no stripped threads, no cracks in the crankcases and no metal on the magnetic sump plug when I removed it. So everything is hunky-dory for now

So I'm gonna ride it for the time being, but it just seems a bit odd. Actually, very odd. I will drop it into a Suzuki dealership at some point and asked them to do an oil change while I wait and see what they say about the offending bolt. I wouldn't be surprised if the dealer strips the thread trying to remove the bolt.

Author:  Hugh Cleary [ Thu Apr 27, 2017 2:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Weird goings on - DRZ sump bolt

Greetings,

In fairness you will need to inform the dealership of what you have found before they try to remove the drain plug.

TTFN

Hugh.

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