Oil drain plug......problems

[M747gm]

First off....let me say that I'm an Aprilia convert for life. I went in to the dealership to buy an oil filter for my 954 (2 months old) and left on a red Tuono. The best decision of my life. This is by far the best motorcycle I've ever owned, or ridden. It really makes you do bad things, can I get an," Amen Brother"?

So, after spending a few days around Deal's gap I decided to change my oil upon returning home. 2nd oil change, did the first one at the reccomended 625 miles. Now it's got about 2200. Imagine my surprise when I pulled the engine plug, only to find the magnetic part of the plug broken off and missing!!! Ouch. I'm currently out of town for work and haven't had the chance to talk to the dealer yet.

I'm skeptical of having the dealer split the cases, I've had/seen some horror stories of dealer work. I highly doupt that $8.00/hr Timmy has seen the insides of a Rotax v60. It scares me to think there's a free piece of metal the size of a pencil eraser floating around my motor just waiting for that high speed sweeper to show itself.

I think I need a group hug.:confused:

[Tuono Tex]

First place to look is in the return trap (filter) in the oil tank. I'll admit that this is a long shot. But, have you looked ther yet?

[M747gm]

It's clean. I also cut the filter apart, to see if it had any metal in it. The filter was also clean, so I guess it's good news that the engine hasn't passed any metal. My only other thought is to try to run a boroscope through the oil drain plug hole to see if I can see it stuck to anything.

[ApexMolester]

they dropped it on the assembly floor, and it broke off and is still at the factory.

[Manu]

Are you sure the magnet wasn't broken already when you did first oil change ?
I really see no reasons for it to break while in place on the engine.

[M747gm]

I did the first oil change myself, and remember cleaning the magnetic "fuzz" off of the plug. When I pulled it the second time, I about fell over to see it not there. When I get back home, I'm going to strain the old oil out of it's container just to make sure it's not in there. When I pulled out the plug and looked at it to see if there was metal on the magnet and the magnet was gone...I never thought of watching the oil, all I thought was HOLY SH**!!! IT"S GONE!!!!

[Manu]

You're right, there's actually a great chance that the magnet has been flushed out while draining the oil. Hope you'll find it in the oil container... Otherwise, the magnet should be stuck to some magnetic part somewhere in the engine and there some chances that it stays there till the end not doing any harm... hopefully.

[M747gm]

The things that scare me about it though are that I would think that magnet will get weaker over time and eventually let go of what it's stuck to during braking/cornering/ or wheelie loads. Then, if it doesn't lock up the tranny/motor and cause damage to me personnaly..I'll probably be out of waranty and have to pay for a motor rebuild. OUCH.

It's going to be another week before I can get to the dealer to talk with them about it. I'm fearful that it's going to be interesting.

[Tripdog]

I don't see how the magnet would break off while the plug was in place. I will be that it's in your waste oil or in a corner of your garage.
On the Tuono being the greatest bike ever--Amen, Brother!! I have never had so much fun on two wheels.
Trip

[Manu]

Actually I already had similar experience (piece of metal down in the engine case) 3 times in the past :(
2 first was when my Suzuki RG250 broke a dog/teeth from 3 third gear. Both time I only noticed it when the metal piece looked the gear selection mechanism... had to open the engine to get it out.

Last time was on my former Honda XR350R. Was draining oil when I heard a small clunk from the drain pot. I found a 20 mm long steel axle and at the time I didn't had a clue where it came from. A few months later I decided to change the camchain tensionner and found out the axle was part of the tensionner mechanism...

Luckily in my case those "flying metals" never generated any bike crash due to lock up.

[M747gm]

I got home and talked to the dealer today. My bikes going in for surgery on Thurs. He had the same thoughts of sticking a boroscope in the oil drain plug hole to see if he can find the piece and pull it with a magnet. If not, it will be a complete teardown. Fortunately, the guy has torn the V60's down before, and is an Aprilia fan. I already can't wait to get my baby home healthy.

[ApexMolester]

install 100mm pistons:D

[keith]

has this thread had a happy ending yet?

[M747gm]

I'm happy to report that the dealer was able to stick a boroscope into the case and find the magnet without having to tear in down! I'm away from home, but am happy to report my baby is home awaiting a sound thrashing!!:banana:

[keith]

V Cool!!