ShadowGray19

Just want to verify that the torque spec for the 2019 1LT oil drain plug is18 ft lbs (that is what it was on my 2015). If I recall correctly, the bolt size was 15mm. I also recall that you can't get a torque wrench on the oil drain plug without a crowfoot wrench. I always get the service manual for new cars but the 2019 version is not available from Helm yet. Thanks in advance.

Patman

Do you really need to use a torque wrench on the drain plug? I just tighten it snug, but not super snug and that's worked for me in my 33 years of changing my own oil.

ShadowGray19

I have 5 different torque wrenches and use them for all automotive jobs. I took many auto tech classes in my younger years and was taught by every instructor the value of doing things as precisely as possible. Auto manufacturers put a torque value on fasteners for a reason. There are plenty examples of shops that do not care about the correct torque for drain plugs on various car forums I belong to. Over tightened and stripped plugs from quick oil change shops come to mind. I have no idea what snug but not super snug means. If I can get a torque value for any fastener I will use it. Makes me sleep better at night. I am sure there are many others on this forum that would agree with me.

Patman

Apparently I do, as I've never had a problem with a drain plug in any car I've owned.

I agree that for a lot of things it's important to use a torque wrench, but for some things it's just an unnecessary step. This is one of them. Fast lube places strip drain plugs because they don't know what "snug but not super snug" means. They go super snug

vettetwo

I agree with the value of tightening fasteners properly. Dealing with stripped threads is not my idea of fun.

I use a universal joint extension for the drain plug on my 2014 LT1 because of the close proximity of the oil cooler. The first oil change, I used the torque wrench and universal joint extension to gain the slight angle needed to apply the 18 ft lb to the drain plug. The marks on the plug and pan aligned perfectly indicating the torque applied by this method was correct.

I also use a different drain plug every other oil change as well because I do not want to trust the captive o-ring to keep the oil inside my expensive engine.

ShadowGray19

Excellent response. Thank you. I also change drain plugs periodically as well for the same reason you do. You sound like my kind of mechanic. I am pretty sure the torque (18 ft lbs) is the same for the 2019 LT1 but want to verify. I am also sure somebody on this forum with a 2018/2019 will be able to verify the correct spec.

ShadowGray19

So if you are running a oil change business with outlets nation wide and with hundreds of different "techs" each with their own definition of "snug" how do you make sure they do not under or overtighten oil drain plugs? You make them look up the correct torque for each car serviced and use a torque wrench to standardize how the work is done. The result is few if any stripped plugs and no leaks from under tightened plugs.

vettetwo

Have you checked the Owners Manual closely. My 2014 Owners Manual has a Vehicle Care section which describes "Changing Engine Oil and Filter (Z51)" that includes the torque spec for the drain plugs and oil filter.

Newdude

Spec is 18ft.lbs that is correct 2014-2019. Applies to wet and dry sump engine oil drain plugs.

ShadowGray19

No. Just got the car yesterday. Plan on reading the manual cover to cover over the next few days. Don't think the spec was listed in my 2015 manual but I might have missed it.

ShadowGray19

Thanks!!

Patman

In a case like that, I agree in theory it's a good idea for them to use a torque wrench, but I honestly doubt that very many do, they are always in a rush, that's another reason why I refuse to let anyone else change my oil. But in my opinion, for people changing their own oil on their own car I don't think anyone is going to strip the drain plug unless they foolishly tighten it way too much. I guess part of the thing for me is that I don't have a torque wrench, so for me to spend the money on one doesn't seem necessary for a function I've done so many times without an issue.

vettetwo

Part of the joy of owning and working on a nice car is buying and using the proper tools for the job at hand.

C6_Racer_X

Owns a 2018 model year high end sports car that he could sell today for $50K plus (instant offer), won't spend $10-$50 for a torque wrench or digital torque adapter.

$10 torque wrench: https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-...nch-61276.html Use coupon code 41466626 at checkout for $10 off, making it $9.99
$50 digital torque adapter: https://www.amzn.com/B009GLISY4/

Just damn!
I totally agree. And I'm one of the few guys who works on other peoples cars who nearly always uses the proper tools, including using a recently calibrated torque wrench or digital torque adapter on the oil drain plug when doing an oil change.

Bubbletop409

In addition to changing the plug periodically might I suggest switching to a magnetic drain plug and installing a contoured magnet that clamps around the oil filter. These will capture and hold minute particles that are too small to be captured in the filter media, much like metallic dust. The nominal micron rating on, the Wix filter I use is 21, anything smaller is not captured.

Patman

And what benefit would it give me? I haven't stripped a drain plug in 33 years of oil changing. So I should go out and buy one now just so you don't think I'm crazy. Now THAT would be crazy.

I think Corvette owners can be too **** sometimes. Do you also use a torque wrench to put on your valve stem caps on your tires?

Elk

There is a torque value for valve stem caps? Is it in Nmm?

Is the value different for different color caps?

Does Amazon carry the tool?

ShadowGray19

Yes there is such a tool that will help you with valve stem caps but it is not calibrated in Newton Meters. Comes with a 3 point scale to makes it easy for the mechanically challenged (those that can't figure out how to use a torque wrench):

1. Not so snug
2. Snug
3. Super snug

Automatically adjusts for color as long as there is enough light for the sensor. Light meter not included. I will get you the link.

Patman

Never said I can't figure out how to use a torque wrench, just that I don't have one. There is a difference. I don't do the type of work on my cars that necessitates it. I have a good friend who is a mechanic that I get to do all the heavier stuff, I stick to oil changes and simple stuff like that, which don't need a torque wrench. I still stick by my opinion that this is one of those items that doesn't need to have a precise torque spec done on it. If you guys can't figure out the proper amount to tighten it without a torque wrench I feel really sorry for you, as that's honestly pathetic.

JerryU

Have several torque wrenches. Use them for wheel lugs, torquing cylinder heads and rod/crack caps etc.

Don’t usually bother for drain plugs. However have an interesting thing happen with my Grand Sport side plug. Brought a 15 mm 6 sided socket with a 1/2 inch drive ratchet and long extension to pass under the oil cooler I used for my Z51 2014. However the Grand Sport oil cooler was deeper and the extension would not work. No room for a ratchet to fit with socket between oil cooler and plug. Tried a 12 point box wrench. The plug was so tight it was rounding the cheap hex on the 0EM drain plug. Even had 15 mm 6 sided flare nut wrench. Still rounding the hex.

Improvised and put the 6 point socket on and turned it with a pipe wrench. The Loctite type material on the plug finally let lose! It was a brown color. Probably a product GM bought from China! What was funny is the front drain plug, where if needed I could have used by 1/2 inch breaker bar, came off with very little force! Way to lose by any measure! This was all on my 500 mile oil change as it came from the factory.

I replaced both plugs with quality magnetic drain plugs I had previously purchased. Suggest buying a 15 mm 6 sided box wrench to access GS or Z06 with extended oil coolers!