Measure Torque on Oil Plug or Not?

[Wiredawg]

Just curious out there how many Rammers who change your own oil use a torque wrench on the oil plug to manufacturer's specs and who tightens to feel.



NOTE: If you use torque wrench, but don't torque to factory specs, pls vote #1 and explain. There is no option ot edit poll.



Please feel free to discuss as well.



BTW, I use #2, tighten by feel. 2nd and 3rd gen trucks have Geno's vlave replacing drain plug, but I tightened them by feel. I grab the ratchet almost in center an snug it good. I'm guessing 18 to 25 ft lbs.



Wiredawg

 

[JayWm]

When I do my own oil change I do torque it. But for $39. 95 including Delo 400 and a mopar filter I have the dealer do it. And if he roasts my pan, well he's gonna replace it too.

 

[klenger]

Need another option: I tighten using a torque wrench, but not to mfg specs.

 

[Wiredawg]

Good Point

klenger:



Good point! There is no option to edit the poll, so I would vote # 1 and explain. I'll edit my 1st post w/ this instruction.



Also, more or less torque?



Thanks, Wiredawg

 

[bmoeller]

I just tighten by feel. I grab the ratchet by the head and twist it. Can't really get enough leverage to really hurt anything. It never leaks, and always have to use a long handled ratchet to break it loose.

 

[Hercules130]

i have the 12 dollar fram quick drain plug. works great and never leakes

 

[abdiver]

What torque value do you use

Need another option: I tighten using a torque wrench, but not to mfg specs.

For me at this point it's history as I torqued my oil pan to 37 ft lbs as per My owners manual. Please what torque do you use and do you have the stock oil plug with the thin shoulder and rubber seal. I value your judgement.



Bill

 

[klenger]

I don't have a number. That why in the other thread on this I asked for a torque number as opposed to "hold a 3/8" ratchet in the middle of the handle and ... ". A repeatable torque number would be of better value to others. Maybe I'll tey 17 or 27 ft-lbs next time.

 

[nickleinonen]

by feel as i always have done with all oil changes on any vehicle

 

[gsbrockman]

Tight's tight; too tight is broken. :-laf

 

[klenger]

"If a little bit is good, too much is just right" - Jim Green (RIP)

 

[RustyJC]

"If a little bit is good, too much is just right" - Jim Green (RIP)

"If some is good, more is better and too much is just enough. " - Stroker McGurk (Hot Rod Magazine, circa 1950s)



Rusty

 

[DPKetchum]

Don't have no oil plug! Its in the glove box.

 

[The patriot]

I got the Fumoto valve.

 

[DPKetchum]

Yep thats I meant.

 

[The patriot]

I keep the old one in the glove box too.

Eric

 

[nonesuch]

Fumoto, I don't know how I ever did it without out. Flip it and walk away. Now it's nice and smooth, not slow but not like a firehose.

 

[Buffalo]

Fumoto Valve & 4X4's???

Do you guys that use 4X4 ever worry about breaking the Futomo valve off, while off road?



How much further down does it hang than the stock drain plug?



Thanks.



Joe F. (Buffalo)

 

[The patriot]

I never really do any offroading. Not on purpose anyway. :-laf

I just went out and looked.

It's protected by the axle shaft tube with about 1" of recess above the shaft tube. Not much for sure.

If I did a lot of offroading, I'd either keep the stock plug, or keep the stock plug in the toolbox with an easy out (big enough to get the fumoto valve threaded portion out) and 3 gallons of oil.

JM. 02

Eric



BTW It's built pretty heavy. I still wouldnt want to catch it on anything like an old stump.

I've thought of aircraft wiring the valve shut, but I think that's a bit overkill.

 

[Turbo1Ton]

I was concerned about snagging the Fumoto valve also. I don't plan on doing a lot of offroading in mine but it would be my luck the first downed tree limb I drive over would pop up and smack that thing right off of there. I opted to get the EZ-Change from Geno's. It will only stick down about 1/2" or so. I haven't installed it yet, waiting for the next oil change.