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OK, SO i TRIED MY FIRST EVER SERVICE.....

All went well til I embarked on an oil change.

Unscrewed the drain plug first from the sump, all was fine, though I did notice a few shavings of metal come away with the plug. Then I drained the oil from the filter and removed and replaced the it with a new one....again all goihg ok ....

until I went to put back the drain plug on the sump. Screwed the plug tight until realised that it wasnt getting any tighter, the screw just kept turning and turning as if the thread had gone. Sure enough when I removed the plug the plug was fine but I think the internal thread inside the sump was buiggered. NOw what is the sump made out of?. is it an alloy of some kind, because the screw looks suspiciaously like steel to me and sure the two just dont go??

So is there a solution bar buying a new sump and whatever else I may need?

I have replaced the blug and put some loctite around it to hopefully seal it for the moment....

any ideas?

Never done it meself, but a helicoil is often mentioned in relation to the sump plug. Apparently Aprilia employ gorillas to undertake torquing of bolts at servicing, the sump plug is well known for being a bugger to get out, and stripping the threads in the process.

Run a search for helicoil, you should get a few pointers.

Hope you get it sorted - I wouldn't trust a sealant on something that might wind up dumping oil over your back wheel as you're riding

I think Falcopops had the same thing a few years back...

I've done this myself years ago on a BMW of all things, I think an insert of Brass was the final answer for an Alloy sump.

A smaller sized insert & plug meant I was able to source one with a magnetic tip so I could scare myself and see all the swarf coming off

Anyways, a quick search here shows a thread with some good info:

https://www.ridersite.com/viewtopic.php?p=18916

Good Luck - Frank

EXCELLENT REPLIES THANK YOU

Will report back with final solution, have just checked the hellicoil and thats looks the best option thus far

cheers

Dave

D-Rider's got the market cornered on spare oil tanks, I'm sure he can help you out with a replacement if needed.

I wouldn't trust a bunch of threadlock, the oil system does have pressure in it and a failure would be pretty catastrophic.

Pull the tank, it's pretty easy (cut and bin the std hose clips and use jubilee replacements) get the hole helicoiled. I've done a couple of helicoils myself more recently with no problems and great results.

BTW did you take the engine drain plug out? Big allen bolt beside the oil filter done up by the aforementioned Aprilia gorilla.

Falcopops wrote:D-Rider's got the market cornered on spare oil tanks, I'm sure he can help you out with a replacement if needed.

Yeah too right!

If it's the oil tank drain I can do a deal on a replacement tank ... I have a few!

will PM you sir

OK Problem solved,

Took it to a guy near me, just outside of Bristol, who specialises in Ducatti but loves any italian motorbike.

He very quickly solved the problem with a Hellicoil.

He is very good, I cant recommend him enough, he talked me through the whole process with me watching on and even gave the bike a quick once over, all for £20.

He used to race Ducatti's and really knows his stuff but is not the sort to over charge or do a shoddy job, its always good to find someone like this, so heres a link to his site:

http://www.louigimoto.com/uk/ ........speak to Rich - top bloke


Dave

Hi Leeman - tried your link but it didn't work. I think this is the correct one:

http://www.louigimoto.co.uk/

GOOD MAN,

Thanks Mango

Surprised I've not seen this before .... must be a frequently used part of the Ducati organisation

YEP, very good point...

All the guy could say, whilst giving my bike the once over, was ......'ooh now thats well made'.......'ah yep thats good'.......'ooh quality' etc etc

and:

'you riding this through the winter?' ....................'thats good', you wouldnt be able to with a Duc.