Torgue value for Engine oil drain plug

[abdiver]

For a 05, What is the correct torgue value for the stock Engine oil drain plug I read on Geno's that it is 40 ft lbs, but I seem to recall another figure.



Seem the plug shoulders are kinda thin so if over tightening can cause problems.



I did a search and checked FAQ and did not find answer



Thanks

 

[AMassaro]

Do not quote me here... . I'm sure it's actually stamped on the plug itself. I seem to remember 38ft/lbs... or something like that. I do remember that whatever was stamped on the plug WAS different from what I've read to torque it to everywhere else. Go figure. .

 

[abdiver]

. I seem to remember 38ft/lbs... or something like that. I do remember that whatever was stamped on the plug WAS different from what I've read to torque it to everywhere else. Go figure. .

Yes, I recall reading of other torque values. I have reinstalled plug just snug NO oil in Engine yet my first oil change on this rig all went well. I don't recall any numbers on it when I cleaned it up Of Course I wasn't look'n for any.



I noted my stock plug did not have a magnetic end. I may want to get on from Geno's But for now I just need the correct torque value Someone got to know for sure

 

[abdiver]

I looked in my owners Manual and on pg 344 it states Check the condition of the threads and sealing waher and tighten to 37 ft-lbs.

 

[Pawpaw]

From the '04 service manual:



(11) Install the drain plug. Tighten the plug to 50 N·m (37 ft. lbs. ) torque.



Bob

 

[Wiredawg]

There have been a lot of oil plugs/pans ruined torquing them. This has been written about a lot. In 35 years of changing oil, I've never done wrong snugging by feel. I torque heads, injectors and mating surfaces, but not oil plugs.



Wiredawg

 

[abdiver]

There have been a lot of oil plugs/pans ruined torquing them. This has been written about a lot. In 35 years of changing oil, I've never done wrong snugging by feel. I torque heads, injectors and mating surfaces, but not oil plugs.



Wiredawg

Wiredawg, OK I will snug mine up just the way you do. All I need to know is how much of a snug you use, can you tell me? Being you are in the air force I wonder if you follow TOs (Technical orders) everything has a proper procedure whether we chose to follow them or not. Even if you just snug it up a little bit you are applying a TORQUE to it. Now if I KNOW this torque value I can repeat the process on my oil plug. I would guess you are using about 37 ft-lbs torque.



In the past just did like you, snugged them up. I owned and maintained all my equiptment I owned a grading and excavating company. But these Cummins Pan oil plugs have a thin shoulder to much snug and the shoulder may fail not enough snug plug may end up on the hiway.





I will follow Manufactures torque spec's as to hopefully not have any trouble with an oil pan plug falling out



At least I can show Dodge this post and say I did it your way (Dodges)



I didn't mean to be long winded



(1968 - 1974 Air Force also)

 

[WCPoe]

It will break the flanges

Guys, Do some more searches. You'll find several have broken the shoulders torqueing to near 40 ftlbs. Get a magnetic or one of the easy drain plug from Geno's. Just my . 02.

 

[jakprince]

I would torque it. These things do some serious vibrating. I would rather know how tight it is than have to wonder if its tight enough.

 

[abdiver]

I did many searchs check my original post #1

Guys, Do some more searches. You'll find several have broken the shoulders torqueing to near 40 ftlbs. Get a magnetic or one of the easy drain plug from Geno's. Just my . 02.

I was searching under 3rd Gen after reading your advice I searched again this time I found this UNDER 12V



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=126841&highlight=drain+plug+shoulder



Still I never found a torque value in any search

 

[DieselTweaker]

There have been a lot of oil plugs/pans ruined torquing them. This has been written about a lot. In 35 years of changing oil, I've never done wrong snugging by feel. I torque heads, injectors and mating surfaces, but not oil plugs.



Wiredawg

same here, run them in by hand and snug it down never torqued them, but ive had to use impact's to take plug's out before! SO NO DEATH GRIP'S ON THEM AND THE SAME WITH FILTER'S!!!!!

 

[Wiredawg]

abdiver:



We use T. O. s where there is specified torque measurement required, usually where there are tight tolerances. We do not have torque specifications for every fastener and plug.



Yes, I am applying torque, but I am not measuring it.



Here is my torquing process: tighten finger tight (yes, this is specified in many procedures) then, attach socket and ratchet. Hold ratchet near the center and turn it snugly. I've never stipped, leaked nor lost a plug on anything. I think I mastered this as a kid working on lawnmowers and later cars.



I'm not against folks measuring torquing on everything though. You can't go wrong. I just personally don't measure torque on non-critical tolerance fasteners and plugs.



Curious: Have you always measured torque on oil plugs and such?



Cheers, Wiredawg

 

[abdiver]

But you ARE Torquing them YOU are just not OVER torquing them. Once you have it snug not loose and apply 10 ft lbs torque



Filters and plugs that near an impact wrench on are way OVER torqued This will not happen if the are installed properly.



my 2 Cents

 

[abdiver]

Wiredawg,



In the past just did like you, snugged them up. I owned and maintained all my equiptment I owned a grading and excavating company. But these Cummins Pan oil plugs have a thin shoulder to much snug and the shoulder may fail not enough snug plug may end up on the hiway. QUOTE]



Curious: Have you always measured torque on oil plugs and such?



WireDawg, Please Re read of my reply # 7



Thanks, I think WE have both had are say on this issue



Bill

 

[klenger]

I thnk that most of can agree that the 37 ft-lb spec is too high, but it would be a lot easier to describe a "proper" torque value in ft-lbs rather than "hold the ratchet in the middle of the handle and ... " Surely that description of torque could be converted into an actual number and repeated by others.

 

[Wiredawg]

abdiver: Agreed, we both made our points. Just to make this more interesting to see how everyone does it, why not set up a poll:



1. I use a torque wrench to tighten oil plug to manufacturers spec



2. I tighten oil plug by feel, no torque wrench used



3. I don't change my oil: I pay to have it done



If you don't go for it, I will. Just curious.



Wiredawg