Torqueing the oil drain plug

[DHess]

Always tightened by feel until I got my '99 Cummins. I always needed a breaker bar and hammer to bust the plug loose. Started using the torque wrench to 40 ftlbs and was a snap to get the plug out. Using the torque wrench on the '03 now.



Dave

 

[Extreme1]

Due to a defective pan, I had to tighten until the pan started to twist!:--) After to switching to a synthetic oil, using a bypass filter and oil analysis, I haven't had to remove that plug for a few years...

 

[Mike Ellis]

I use a torque wrench too, like the other guys I set to 40 ft-lbs.



I am a pretty strong old boy and at 300+ pounds when I grunt on something I tend to get more than I bargained for. The torque wrench saves me a lot of hassle, only took me 20 years to learn that.



Nothing quite as sickening as the old "Urrgggg... (snap)" sound combination.

 

[Un-Hemi]

The last time I changed the oil on the ol' turbosaurus (the first time BTW), I snugged the plug up with my 3/8 ratchet and..... Snap! And I'm not a big guy either. It isn't leaking, but it's due for another oil change now; I'm hoping that it's just the plug flange that has let go. I have another one. Torque wrench for me from now on.

 

[Wiredawg]

Tighten by feel

For 35 years, tightening by feel. Never stripped, never loose always good. I believe in torgue wrenches for most everything else.



Wiredawg