Engine Drain Plug Question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 109
Likes: 12
From: Fountain Hills, AZ
Engine Drain Plug Question
Hi All and Happy New Year!
I am flushing the radiator in my 74 BB 454. I have drained the radiator and removed the two engine drain plugs. Two questions:
What is the torque to re-install the two block drain plugs (cannot find the torque spec in the service manual)
Do I need to use regular thread sealant or lock-tite on these bolts?
Thank you!
L
I am flushing the radiator in my 74 BB 454. I have drained the radiator and removed the two engine drain plugs. Two questions:
What is the torque to re-install the two block drain plugs (cannot find the torque spec in the service manual)
Do I need to use regular thread sealant or lock-tite on these bolts?
Thank you!
L
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Regular thread sealer. They are NPT pipe thread. No clue on an official "torque" but since it's a taper thread, just enough to not leak is good.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,809
From: Cool Northern Michigan
The Thread Sealant that Tim mentions is made by Permatex, comes in a white (toothpaste) tube and is compatable with glycol (anti-freeze). Maybe check Autozone or O Riellys. Another version comes in a metal can with an application brush for doing bolt threads.
Last edited by HeadsU.P.; Dec 30, 2017 at 03:04 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,923
Likes: 4,495
From: Virginia
Would standard white teflon pipe tape work? If the OP is anything like me, she might have a half dozen rolls sprinkled around the house and garage. It seems like it should work (it's teflon), but a quick google search shows that only the yellow or pink teflon should be used for glycol pressure applications.
I have white teflon on my radiator drain plug. I'm not going to change it.
I have white teflon on my radiator drain plug. I'm not going to change it.
Last edited by Bikespace; Dec 30, 2017 at 04:23 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Would standard white teflon pipe tape work? If the OP is anything like me, she might have a half dozen rolls sprinkled around the house and garage. It seems like it should work (it's teflon), but a quick google search shows that only the yellow or pink teflon should be used for glycol pressure applications.
I have white teflon on my radiator drain plug. I'm not going to change it.
I have white teflon on my radiator drain plug. I'm not going to change it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,809
From: Cool Northern Michigan
This is how bubba-ism starts. Well, I don't want to drive to the store and get the correct stuff. Or teflon tape is 50 cents cheaper than thread sealant. Or I'm not going to keep the car very long anyway . . . . .
Do it right. When you cut-corners, the corners will cut you.
Do it right. When you cut-corners, the corners will cut you.
Last edited by HeadsU.P.; Dec 31, 2017 at 02:05 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
This is how bubba-ism starts. Well, I don't want to drive to the store and get the correct stuff. Or teflon tape is 50 cents cheaper than thread sealant. Or I'm not going to keep the car very long anyway . . . . .
Do it right. When you cut-corners, the corners will cut you.
Do it right. When you cut-corners, the corners will cut you.
Exactly why I keep darn near everything. I bet I have 10 cans of various anti-seize compounds, tubes of RTV, composite epoxies, greases and things like that. All technically expired for aircraft use, but it sure works fine for automotive stuff.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
Contrary to popular belief, pipe threads are made to seal unto themselves, no pipe dope or tape is necessary for sealing. The dope or tape is for lubrication only, to assure the threads are tight enough. You can confirm with SAE specs.
The best to use in this case is a hex headed brass pipe plug.
The best to use in this case is a hex headed brass pipe plug.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
ANY pipe thread sealant will act as a lubricant when tightening it down. That means the plug will be fully engages with LESS torque than is spec'ed for a dry install. If you over-torque a pipe plug in a cast iron block, you can cause it to crack. With sealant on the plug, you just need to snug it down well. A thread sealant which hardens-up is better, as it will help retain the plug when sealant is cured.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,809
From: Cool Northern Michigan
Contrary to popular belief, pipe threads are made to seal unto themselves, no pipe dope or tape is necessary for sealing. The dope or tape is for lubrication only, to assure the threads are tight enough. You can confirm with SAE specs.
The best to use in this case is a hex headed brass pipe plug.
The best to use in this case is a hex headed brass pipe plug.