The Hodaka Club Forum

OK. So I looked at the microfiche for the oil drain plug on the Road Toad Cases. Part #17 is the Drain Plug (bolt) & Part #18 (below) is listed as the oil plug ‘gasket.’

Is this not just a lock washer but some type of rubber gasket to stop the plug from leaking oil?

I had the Green Toad up on the rack over night and there was a significant leak of oil, like it weeped all night long. Maybe an ounce or more of oil.

Removed the bash plate, cleaned the bottom of the motor & top of the rack & put clean white paper towels on the rack under the motor.

Within about 20 minutes, the first drop appeared. Like right under the oil plug! So do I need some kind of rubber gasket on the oil plug bolt?

Thanks in advance! Victor

That gasket is usually a fiber washer. You can probably get a suitable one to try at most motorcycle shops or auto parts stores. Just bring in the drain plug and find one that fits properly.

Well I’ll be darned! I pulled the drain plug and checked the washer. It was a red fiber washer!

So I cleaned it off and set a piece of 800 grit sand paper on the workbench top and burnished the gasket smooth. Let’s see if that clears up the leak?!?! Victor

Best just to buy a new one. The old ones dry out and don't do as good a job of sealing as a new one would.

Ordered a 1/2 a dozen of them. Victor

Whatever you do, don't over-tighten that drain plug. Previous owner of my XR250 did exactly that and it was a PITA to fix.

Probably a torque spec somewhere for it. I just snug 'em up. No need to over do it.

Every so often there is a hairline crack that`s super hard to see. Lets hope there isn`t one! Joe Ormonde.

Cracks in the fiber washer - especially when old and re-used many times - are not rare. And they may not be easily visible when inspected. But I suspect Joe was wondering about hard to see cracks/porosity in the die cast case. New fiber washer should cure the issue - we hope.
Ed

Well I hope so. The smoothing by sanding didn’t work. So I ordered 6 of them from Terry, just to keep extra on hand.

I think the Red Toad didn’t have one at all! I believe I put a lock washer on that drain bolt. So I can give one to my nephew to replace when he does his next oil change. Victor

Yes. I meant a micro crack from a previous owner installing a bolt that spread open the hole causing a crack. My CR500 is that way. BUT it sealed up with JB Weld and it`s been fine for years. Things happen! Joe Ormonde.

My modern race bike (KTM 450 SX-F) has a soft copper gasket used to seal the oil drain plug which has to be tightened for 14.75 Ft Lbs to get the crush effect on the gasket and a proper seal. I imagine they are used on all modern dirt bikes therefore making them simple to acquire. Has anyone used this type of gasket on a Hodie?

It was not pointed out, but the gaskets, fiber, copper, brass or alm. types, all are used on all Hodaka engines. Just be careful not to over tighten, and always inspect the hole for cracks. Bruce Young

I put a dab of teflon thread sealer on the ones I do. Along with a new washer.

Good idea! Soon as the gaskets arrive! Victor