oil drain plug
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
From: Avon Ohio
oil drain plug
Does anyone use a torque wrench when replacing the oil drain plug?
If so, how do you get the socket and wrench to fit?
Also how often do you replace either the o-ring or the whole
drain plug? I have the GM magnetic plug.
If so, how do you get the socket and wrench to fit?
Also how often do you replace either the o-ring or the whole
drain plug? I have the GM magnetic plug.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 5,411
Likes: 2
From: N Carolina 08 Z51 Coupe
Re: oil drain plug (ST-rider)
I dont use a torque wrench... but I torque it down to about 15-18 ft lbs by feel. Been doing it this way for years.
When you torque bolts into aluminum, be very careful NOT to over-tighten!
Mike
When you torque bolts into aluminum, be very careful NOT to over-tighten!
Mike
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
Re: oil drain plug (C5~Missle)
Because it's not gasketed, you don't have to have it real tight. I do it by fell also, since the wrench just doesn't fit. I hold the wrench close to the bolt end to prevent overtightening.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington NC
Re: oil drain plug (ST-rider)
Does anyone use a torque wrench when replacing the oil drain plug?
If so, how do you get the socket and wrench to fit?
Also how often do you replace either the o-ring or the whole
drain plug? I have the GM magnetic plug.
If so, how do you get the socket and wrench to fit?
Also how often do you replace either the o-ring or the whole
drain plug? I have the GM magnetic plug.
[Modified by Richin Chicago, 9:33 PM 8/3/2003]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 8,133
Likes: 144
From: Ex-SF Bay Area; now happily Denver area
Re: oil drain plug (Richin Chicago)
I do it by feel because I can't get the torque wrench to fit. I just tighten it about as much as I can with a normal-length wrench and it's worked fine. I make sure that I don't over-tighten it due to the aluminum case. I imagine those can be very expensive.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
From: Palm Harbor FL
Re: oil drain plug
I use a 3/8"-drive Torque Wrench with a 2" extension. Without the extension, I can't get at the drain plug. I use the GM magnetic drain plug, which has an integrated O-ring and I replace it at every oil change. If you pick it up at a local Chevy dealer, i.e. no shipping cost, it will only run you a few dollars.
