18
Let's be a little more accurate in our responses shall we? 
Oil Plug - torque ?
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 5
From: Bothell WA
I've not ever used a torque wrench when I change my oil. I tighten the drain plug with a standard box end wrench and get it just a bit more tight than snug. There is a compressible gasket, so you don't need a lot of torque. On the other hand, you don't want it vibrating loose either. I'm sure someone uses a torque wrench and they'll have the exact spec, but I've never worried about getting it that exact.
- Mark
- Mark
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,709
Likes: 6
From: Midwest
I tighten mine with a 6-8" handled socket-wrench or end-wrench. I get it finger tight, then put a little squeeze on it, and it's good.
Hint: It will always be tighter coming off than going on, unless you really REALLY! limp-wristed it, and then it won't matter because the engine will be replaced anyhow.
Hint: It will always be tighter coming off than going on, unless you really REALLY! limp-wristed it, and then it won't matter because the engine will be replaced anyhow.
Moderator emeritus
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 18,599
Likes: 3,951
From: Jacksonville Florida BWO Dayton, Cincinnati, Bloomsbury NJ, Cincinnati
2015 C7 of the Year Finalist
A hair past snug or if you really, really want to know, 18 lb ft.
http://www.ls2.com/boggs/corvette/engine%206_0.htm
Elmer
http://www.ls2.com/boggs/corvette/engine%206_0.htm
Elmer
CF Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,313
Likes: 25
From: Tucson Arizona
I change oil/filter almost monthly (for track use) and I think I've only used a torque wrench on the drain plug once. I believe the specs are:
Oil pan drain plug: 18 lb ft
Engine oil filter: 22 lb ft
The last time a shop changed my oil (I think I had them do it when the car was in for something else), when I changed the oil the next time I found the drain plug so loose I could turn it with my fingers. It could have been disastrous. Torque wrench or not make sure the plug is on tight.
Oil pan drain plug: 18 lb ft
Engine oil filter: 22 lb ft
The last time a shop changed my oil (I think I had them do it when the car was in for something else), when I changed the oil the next time I found the drain plug so loose I could turn it with my fingers. It could have been disastrous. Torque wrench or not make sure the plug is on tight.
Last edited by Wayne O; Dec 23, 2010 at 11:23 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,352
Likes: 568
From: Ventura County, Calif
Moderator emeritus
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 18,599
Likes: 3,951
From: Jacksonville Florida BWO Dayton, Cincinnati, Bloomsbury NJ, Cincinnati
2015 C7 of the Year Finalist
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From: Manheim Pennsylvania
Blue and White torque. As you tighten your face turns blue and your fingers turn white, "your done". Really don't over tighten, pull snug then just a little more. 18 ft lb seems overly tight about 10 ft lb should be enough. I have seen a lot of stripped oil drains, there even is a plug that taps its own threads when installed.
