How tight is tight?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 639
Likes: 28
From: South Eastern MI Michigan
How tight is tight?
When you change the oil on these how tight do you tighten the drain plug. I know there if a torque spec, but do ou really use a torque wrench?
Its aluminum, don't want to over do it...
Is a medium smack enough?
Its aluminum, don't want to over do it...
Is a medium smack enough?
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 186
Likes: 4
Yes, Snap On torque wrench always. Read manual for torque setting.
Race Director
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,742
Likes: 629
From: Manheim Pennsylvania
Blue and white torque. (Pull on wrench until your face turns blue and your knuckles turn white). Actually the plug doesn't have to be real tight, snug it then tighten slightly.
Last edited by Larry/car; Jul 14, 2014 at 09:57 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
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From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
It must be a different definition for a "medium smack" because that reminds me of using a breaker bar, but in the reverse. For that reason, I like Larry's description better. 
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 4,532
Likes: 374
From: Philadelphia PA
I highly doubt the "oil change techs" use a torque wrench when they tighten the drain plug. The torque value on the C5 Z06 (also AL) was 18 ft-lbs., which isn't much...snug, but not overly snug. And use a new drain plug gasket with every change...
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 639
Likes: 28
From: South Eastern MI Michigan
What I did with my C6 is (1) firm hand tight (2) A gentle tap with my old leather mallet. Not so much of a "beat down" but a firm seating of the seal.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 2,016
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From: Texas
I’ve never seen a drain plug that had anything other than an integral gasket that didn’t ever seem to need to be changed. Don
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 2,016
Likes: 73
From: Texas
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,299
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From: Long Island New York
For me, if a part (any part on any thing) has a torque spec, I will torque it down with a torque wrench - I have an SK 1/4", Snap-On 3/8", Snap-On 1/2", Matco 3/4" and a Bonney 1/4" screwdriver type.
The one thing that really pisses me off, is when one of those cheap Chinese fasteners snaps before it reaches torque spec.
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 15,324
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From: Guelph, Ontario
I've done my own oil changes for almost 30 years now and have never tightened the drain plug super tight as I'd like to be able to get it off on the next oil change! 
I've never used a torque wrench, and honestly think that for something as simple as this it's not needed at all. I've never had an oil leak from a drain plug ever.
I've never used a torque wrench, and honestly think that for something as simple as this it's not needed at all. I've never had an oil leak from a drain plug ever.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 323
Likes: 5
From: Blain Pa.
I've done my own oil changes for almost 30 years now and have never tightened the drain plug super tight as I'd like to be able to get it off on the next oil change! I've never used a torque wrench, and honestly think that for something as simple as this it's not needed at all. I've never had an oil leak from a drain plug ever.
I've never used a torque wrench, and honestly think that for something as simple as this it's not needed at all. I've never had an oil leak from a drain plug ever.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 2,016
Likes: 73
From: Texas
Can’t argue with that, haven’t had anything but US makes for 40 yrs.
One of the big reasons why I use a torque wrench whenever possible is that not having a garage lift, I’m somewhat crowded underneath the car and in those situations, your sensing of what is adequate isn’t as good as if you were in a comfortable position. A good torque wrench set to factory specs is the best solution. Don
One of the big reasons why I use a torque wrench whenever possible is that not having a garage lift, I’m somewhat crowded underneath the car and in those situations, your sensing of what is adequate isn’t as good as if you were in a comfortable position. A good torque wrench set to factory specs is the best solution. Don
Last edited by W88fixer; Jul 15, 2014 at 11:55 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
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From: Longview Texas
I use my "calibrated wrist" to full seat the gasket, then what I can pull with my wrist with fingers about half way out on a 6" ratchet.
With the rubber gasket, I have never had one even get loose, and it always feels like it takes more force to loosen the plug than I used to tighten it.
22 ft lbs for the filter also seems overkill.. I just tighten it as tight as I can get it with my hand. Usually about 1 turn past when the gasket touches the block.
With the rubber gasket, I have never had one even get loose, and it always feels like it takes more force to loosen the plug than I used to tighten it.
22 ft lbs for the filter also seems overkill.. I just tighten it as tight as I can get it with my hand. Usually about 1 turn past when the gasket touches the block.