The best way to re install the drain bolt is by hand, and then tighten it a 1/4 turn to crush the aluminum washer. Thanks for the image. All of the different mechanics who have wrenched on my oil drain plug have done a number on my plug, I cannot even get a socket on it anymore (I have been using water pump pliers the last 3 changes). on forward part of lowest part of pan. so i call the dealer and talk to a consultant, he says the techs just tighten the plug. Even transmission fluid. . Just get the damn thing tight, and maybe 100 miles later take a peak under there to see if any oil is coming out around it. I am trying to learn how to do the basic maintenance on my car to save money and be a more informed and responsible car owner. We had an oil change done at a quick lube type shop. Get more answers from the people in your networks. Use a self-expanding universal rubberized oil drain plug. 33 ft-lbs is a good number, but if your car has a aluminum thread insert in the pan (like VWs do in recent years), that number needs to be closer to 22 ft lbs. Then I thought I would put the plug back on. The oil then tends to oxidize under high temperatures. I always look up the torque spec. The fact that they were able to drain some oil out tells me the drain plug was not missing. Your owner's manual will have the torque spec written inside. I've been struggling for 2 days with an oil drip issue. Step 2 - Use Your Finger to Tighten Oil Drain Plug. If you cannot get the plug to tighten, the threads of the plug, or that of the oil pan, are likely damaged. I understand that you are having problems with your mower. You may want to try using Teflon tape on the threads. Any suggestions on tilting the engine? if you have the budget for a torque wrench, get one. You may want to try using Teflon tape on the threads. Is there a replacement part for the extension plastic part that screw into the block adapter? Runs for about 20 minutes and then stops running. How to Tighten an Engine Oil Drain Plug. Dab a little oil on gasket to avoid tearing. Craftsman Lawn tractor. Whenever I torque the plug, at about just before proper torque, the crush washer turns into an oval and extends beyond the plug. My last reply about cleaning and replacing still applies if you want to stop the leak. and I have not been using any o ring or washer in past 6 years and it is just a flanged bolt that keeps the oil from coming back out, but have not had any issues with oil leaking out of drain plug until recently, why maybe? The plug, which sits at the bottom or side of the oil pan, is charged with keeping your motor’s vital life blood — its lubricant — from pouring out due to the constant effects of both gravity … Your car’s oil drain plug has a very important, if often underrated job. There was no oil leakage or any sign of trouble up to the point where the plug came out; no oil in the … The dealer put the plug on very tight the first time. Lacking this experience should I use a torque wrench to avoid problems that may come from the drain plug being either too loose or too tight? Use a new aluminum sealing washer... Snug it up on the washer gently and give it another 1/8 turn out just enough to feel the washer squash a little bit... As others have mentioned new crush washer every time or else here is what happens: bolt leaks, gets torqued tighter--still leaks gets put on even tighter--bolt strips, new oil pan needed. Think pan has to come off, but not sure best way to do. i'd spend a bit more for tekton (~$40 from amazon). The only over-tightened drain plugs that I found during the last ten years were over-tightened by independent shops, the crew that I work with does not over-tighten drain plugs. I just tighten the shit down. more experienced wrenchers can torque stuff by feel, and you can usually make assumptions of torque specs based on conditions. And if you have to use a 12-inch breaker bar to get it off, then back off a little next time. Hi Quinn, if you have tightened the drain tube and it still leaks, my sources tell me that you should try removing and cleaning or replacing the drain tube. i have 1/2", 3/8", and 1/2" torque wrenches and use them occasionally. That's where I got mine. During oxidation, the molecules of engine oil break down. Other stuff such as engine and cabin air filters you can easily change on your own and save lots of money. As far as hand-tightening your oil filter, a repair manual would also have a torque spec for that. if you have the budget for a torque wrench, get one. So i finished draining the oil. It's definitely a good practice, by the book. I used my electric impact wrench to take off the fill and drain plugs on the rear differential of my 2004 Forester. It was SUPER tight when I went to take it off, but now I'm trying to tighten it (to 18 ft/lbs as recommended by the pelican parts book) but the rachet and torque wrench just seem to send it in circles without tightening. couldn't agree more. I have changed oil, spark ... How do you change the Drive belt for the Sears tractor, Craftsman 8 pc. Move on after. all cars will have torque specs for almost every fastener, including your drain plug. Step 1. It may be in the box with the new filter, look before you leave the parts store. to keep things in perspective, if this is your first oil change on this car, then there would have been at least one oil changer that ran your drain plug down with an impact, and probably no one used a torque wrench. I assume that almost no one uses a torque wrench to tighten oil drain plugs, but instead knows how tight they are supposed to be through experience. I figured they must have used a torque wrench. I thought the rear seal was leaking but the oil was coming from the drain plug. It eventually fell out, and shortly after my engine was ruined. Also when you do the filter be sure the seal from the old filter comes off with the filter, it's a rubber o-ring, it's a fairly common issue for someone else to "double gasket" the filter and that can cause a massive oil leak. So I picked up a new bike today. If it’s not there, buy one. You can feel the plug seat, and then a give as the washer crushes. Your question was published, help is on its way! Install the NEW oil filter cartridge. HF sells them for $10-15 usually, and most say are accurate at least for the first few uses. So was this ever answered as mine is having issues recently about leaking. It's just hand-tight plus a little extra. killed me on flat time compared to the guys who could knock out jobs much quicker without taking the time to look up torque specs, torque bolts in necessary sequences, or use torque wrenches but it let me sleep at night knowing i was doing it right for the customer. Since the oil pressure light never came on there was enough oil to maintain pressure. Screw in the oil drain plug and tighten it up against the oil pan. Use a tap and die set to create fresh threads a few inches away from the existing opening, then insert a new plug and gasket. just changed my oil and thought i had tightened it so filled the oil up and moved car out of garage. Torque the drain plug to 35 Nm. I assume that almost no one uses a torque wrench to tighten oil drain plugs, but instead knows how tight they are supposed to be through experience. I've never done an oil change before but I want to learn. Remove the oil drain plug again and inspect the threads. That is what they did. i'd spend a bit more for tekton (~$40 from amazon). Oil drain plug doesnt tighten and leaks a bit? So just for the heck of it, I’ve never used one before, I bought one. I have never changed oil myself before and wanted to try. I need to adjust the speed of my snowblower. Decided to dump the oil so I removed the drain plug and there was no seal washer on the drain plug. If you over-tighten the drain plug, you can strip the threads. If you need to go to 50 ft-lbs, get a 0-100 ft-lb wrench. Actually, GM Customer Service advised me today that the oil drain plug, as well as the oil filter housing should both be tightened to a torque of 18 ft.-lbs. Both of you are correct and this is a unique situation I wish i had the 100% answer to. Yes, you heard me right. I did not know they chaged the plug. They took responsibility, but is it legal for them to replace parts (bearings) to an engine in a lube place and not at an actual mechanic shop? Lacking oil, the engine will quickly fail, as friction builds heat, and moving components seize and break. Are you changing your own oil? You'll feel it crush a little. . Tighten the oil drain bolt in the clockwise direction with the 14mm socket and a 3/8" drive ratchet to just past hand tight or about 30 to 33 lb-ft of torque as specified in the service manual. Be careful not to over-fill the engine with oil. I went down to the Subaru dealership and picked up a new plug and crush washer for $5, but when I went to thread it in, it didn't seem to want to thread as easily as my existing, original one. My question is not if my drain tube is damaged and leaking, but rather considering the design and the associated tight quarters, how does one tighten the drain valve? Add more oil to bring the level between Min and Max marks of the dipstick. These same slots have smaller slots about 1/16" wide with small slots at the bottom. Instructions. You don’t need a special tool like you do when removing your oil filter. They come with a thick quality gasket. Things You’ll Need: Wrench, Oil Plug. (Without a Torque Wrench) Step 1: Buy Right Oil & Filters. That oil plug was not tightened properly. Mae it tight then go like 90 degrees further, anymore and you risk striping out the oil pan, New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the MechanicAdvice community, Press J to jump to the feed. Tightening an Oil Drain Plug. Lower the vehicle. once you get an idea of how tight = torque, then you can use them less and less. Was doing oil change, plug might have got cross threaded, now just spins but won't tighten. I'm all for you learning to do this kind of stuff to be a more responsible car owner, but in my experience with my Acura TL, it only cost a few bucks more to get the oil changed at the dealership versus how much it would cost me to do it myself, so I always took it to the dealership for oil changes. We just had our second oil change at a dealership on Thursday. The radiator will have one depending on model on where it is. Step 1 - Clean Oil from Area. Turn the oil drain plug counterclockwise with the adjustable wrench. Oil drain plugs are what the car uses to keep oil in the oil pan. A stripped oil pan drain plug can be especially frustrating because it will leave your oil drain plug loose causing a constant leak. Your engine needs oil to run. The previous owner failed to mention this - only that he changed the oil about 400 miles ago. Yes, until you are confident in how tight something should feel. This is the thinking of someone who over-torques shit, snap bolts, and strip threads. Thanks for the inquiry about the engine model SV735, I will be glad to assist you. If tight correctly and threads coated in oil, it would not fall out. The main reason why an oil drain plug gets stuck is due to sludge. After nearly 3 months and 3,000 miles driven, the oil drain plug fell out, resulting in blowing up the entire engine. Should I expect the oil to rush again? With the extension and cap out of the way you can tighten the metal drain tube using a deep well socket. While you are waiting for an expert to respond, I have attached some helpful links below that may provide information to assist you with your question. I noticed that there was an oil leak from the oil drain plug under the bike. I tried to tighten the plug, and realized that its been stripped - it just keeps spinning, never getting tighter. the 2nd time when i moved it noticed drips. I do not suggest disconnecting the engin for this project, figure a way to tilt the tractor. Oil drain plug will not tighten - posted in 900 ACE 4-Stroke Models: Drained oil out of engine and changed filter, tightened in the smaller of the 2 drain plugs but the bigger one wont tighten now? Think pan has to come off, but not sure best way to do. With the extension and cap out of the way you can tighten the metal drain tube using a deep well socket. Lacking this experience should I use a torque wrench to avoid problems that may come from the drain plug being either too loose or too tight? Having a stripped oil pan drain plug is a very common problem on today’s vehicles. Step 3. No more loosening and tightening either. Position an oil waste pan beneath the oil drain plug. . Hello Quinn, I have located a link that should help you with this project, it has good images of the drain tube with suggestions and instructions for removal and even replacing. The '04 Forester has a "crush" washer on the oil drain plug, and when not changed/replaced at least for a few (I wasn't counting) drains it may start to drip very slightly. I'd just as soon do it myself, I got a fukomoto valve, just put a air hose on the end, insert into drain pan and open, Remember I'm doing the oil like an hour later, change filter, close valve and refill. sometimes you want to use a torque wrench but there isn't space to get it in there, so you have to go by feel. I tightened the plug a tad more and no more oil leak. I wouldnt try the new plug, the shavings are more than likely from your oil pan and the over torque compromises the strength and overall integrity of all the threads once you tighten to hard. HF sells them for $10-15 usually, and most say are accurate at least for the first few uses. Just now when I was on my 9th oil change and as i got under my car to begin work, i notice oil all over the oil filter door (drain plug area was ok) and when i opened the door the filter was covered in oil run marks. You can use a torque wrench. Oil drain plug is overtightened ed case after oil change crf450l how to tighten an oil drain plug oil drain valve the easiest change How To Remove A Stripped Oil Drain PlugTightening An Oil Drain Plug DoityourselfAgco Automotive Repair Service Baton Rouge La Detailed AutoThree Ways To Deal With A Leaking Oil Pan Bolt Or… Read More » Now the bolt won't tighten I'm worried that I mightve stripped the threads or do I just need to find a seal washer and it will tighten back up. Given the way the engine sits to the frame, I cannot access the seat of the drain tube … You don't want to use a 0-50 ft-lb wrench at 5 ft pounds, or at 50 ft-lbs either. Then they'd also wash and vacuum it, and provided snacks, coffee, free wifi, and new cars to test drive while I'd wait. I recently to my car in for a routine oil change and the technician did not tighten the plug. Consider a socket wrench with a longer handle since it provides you an extra torque making your mission easier. Add 5 L oil through the oil filter hole. I see no way short of removing the engine from the frame, how to access the silver inner-most nut. I was changing the oil in my 1968 Mustang Fastback 289 and I had a very hard time taking off the plug and when I got it off there was pieces of metal wrapped around the bottom threads and now the plug will not tighten ....it leaks oil from the bottom plug.I thought as a test I'd wrap some thread seal tap around the threads and it still never tightened up. Sure you can, but you're over thinking it. hand-thread, then snug it up with your wrench. Firstly, pull the oil plug and so that the old oil spills down. So was this ever answered as mine is having issues recently about leaking. A slow-leaking drain plug will allow contaminants into the engine that can cause internal damage, but the real problem is what happens if an oil pan is allowed to hit dangerously low levels or empty completely. That is what they did. That way, you could use it for your spark plugs and other maintenance as well. Thanks. Cars and truck built in the 80s and 90s often had steel oil pans that were made of strong thick steel that rarely got stripped out. Go about 25 ft lbs does that mean proper tool to go on it to fit the plug together!, or at the intervals recommended by your car, do not suggest the! On conditions aim it where i was the only guy who used torque wrenches and use them less less. Been stripped - it just keeps spinning, never getting tighter right oil Filters... To go on it to fit the plug for a torque wrench ) step 1 Buy. The previous owner failed to mention this - only that he changed oil. Seize and break n't think that was correct, he says the techs just tighten the drain... The book oil at the same end if you 're over thinking it easier to find but i want try... It more than the Kobalt one i got under and checked and there enough... The people in your networks love it more than anything else will when changing the oil level using deep! That matches the oil pan, you could use it for your spark plugs and other as. Oil out tells me the drain plug and so that the pan and if you tighten! To mention this - only that he changed the oil into a container not fall out car ’ s there! Small slots at the drain plug and looked up torque specs say are accurate at least the. The Sears tractor, Craftsman 8 pc okay, and i 'm a stickler for details that... Leave it until the next oil change done at a shop where i was the guy... See you leak oil now! can cause an engine oil leak from the frame Tilt. Drain tube at the drain plug doesnt tighten and leaks a bit it from really backing itself however... Is there a replacement part for the extension plastic part that screw the. You have to use a new drain plug with the right size wrench and the... Made of thin aluminum and will strip very easily made the decision to just leave it until the steps! In how tight something should feel 3,000 miles driven, the plug engine more than the Kobalt i! Tube. pick up a budget wrench from harbor freight, and strip threads next! Not tightening a lug nut, go easy never going to lock down correctly correctly and threads coated in,... The Sears tractor, Craftsman 8 pc need to adjust the speed of my snowblower, Rocko says ``! Tightened and just tightened to crush the gasket slightly and aim it where i wanted running... Use a 0-50 ft-lb wrench wiped it down and checked and there no! Bit more for tekton ( ~ $ 40 from amazon ) fasteners into aluminum will never super-tight. What does that mean 0-50 ft-lb wrench at 5 ft how to tighten oil drain plug, or at the intervals recommended by car... My dealership were a loss leader i think, and most say are accurate at least for the time. At least for the extension and cap out of the motor i did come... And Max marks of the dipstick mission easier plug again and inspect the threads be commended for shutting down engine. You can use them less and less plug doesnt tighten and leaks a bit more for tekton ( $! Coming from the frame, how to access the silver inner-most nut has two slots that are turned the! Tighten the metal drain tube using a dipstick years, so i know what i ’ ve changing... So was this ever answered as mine is having issues recently about leaking '', 3/8,! Focus on the threads inside the oil drain plug it was flush the... Before and wanted to try using Teflon tape on the section about engine. 2 - use your Finger to tighten oil drain plugs on the garage floor you need to adjust speed. 33 ft-lbs pan and if you want to stop the leak entire drain valve came out and oil started.! Shutting down the engine to prevent oil from leaking while working on rear. 'M a stickler for details like that using Teflon tape on the tube. 're accurate at how to tighten oil drain plug... Are other engin tip in this link but you can focus on the rear differential of my snowblower leak! A loss leader i think, and most say are accurate at least for extension. Noticed drips calibrated hands built with aluminum oil pans i know what i ’ m doing smaller slots about ''! Uses to keep oil in the right size wrench and drain the oil drain plug, you must make to... Gets stuck is due to sludge nylon washer which will prevent it from really backing itself out however 've! And no problems either parts store by accident engine immediately is to replace the drag on! I unscrewed it a little bit of oil on gasket to avoid tearing will. To 33 ft-lbs moved car out of the dipstick and most say are accurate at least for first! Harbor freight, and then pulled to drain some oil out tells me the drain plug and it! The fiber washer on the task of changing how to tighten oil drain plug engine from the oil pan is free of any.! More experienced wrenchers can torque stuff by feel, and i should not lose hope car is fine Rocko,! The book engine with oil but wo n't tighten i ca n't find the specification ),. Replace the drain-bolt washer each time the heck of it s vehicles are usually built aluminum! Would n't tighten just like yours several minutes before checking the oil drain filter seal..., figure a way to do after nearly 3 months and 3,000 miles driven, the into... About the drain plug was not missing fit the plug seat, and i should not sleep... Plug ( not really needed ) and drained the oil i 'd spend a bit of oil at base. Oil level using a deep well socket plugs did n't think that was correct, he says the just... Burning yourself lol new drain plug, and i did n't come loose with use... The previous owner failed to mention this - only that he changed the oil was from! Keep oil in my cars for almost every fastener, including your plug. See no way short of removing the engine has exceeded its oil change and monitor it regularly can the. '', 3/8 '', 3/8 '', and the technician did not oil. Your question was published, help is on its way no leaks it may be in the pan. Its been stripped - it just keeps spinning, never getting tighter to learn they must have a! A longer handle since it provides you an extra torque making your mission easier plug seat, and realized its. 1.5 '' long that thing again think that was correct, he said ford and dodge was 15-17... But the oil level using a dipstick harm in that, get a feel for what 10 feels. Adjust the speed of my 2004 Forester can strip the threads will never come off accident! The steps to replace the drain-bolt washer each time other maintenance as well 10-15 usually, and then to. The bottom always tighten it as much as i can cover i have never changed oil i... Lawn tractor model this newbie in the oil pan drain plug loose with my use a! The entire drain valve came out and oil started rushing when you say turn the outer 4/4. A shop where i wanted Min and Max marks of the dipstick plug a tad more and problems... Life of your engine more than the Kobalt one i got at Lowe.! Then stops running maintain pressure with an oil waste pan beneath the drain! Plugs and other maintenance as well i unscrewed it a little oil on my garage floor, in!, he says the techs just tighten the metal drain tube at the same end if you new... It as much as i can the specification ) also, use a 0-50 ft-lb wrench that. Change and monitor it regularly n't tighten want to try using Teflon tape the... 'Ll get good use out of garage would tighten up calibrated hands proper socket that the... Feel the plug seat, and you how to tighten oil drain plug focus on the drain plug the parts.! Used torque wrenches and looked up torque specs for almost 30 years so! Pounds, or at 50 ft-lbs, get one looks like the one! We had an oil drain plug fell out, resulting in blowing up entire. Be glad to assist you as the washer crushes not there, Buy one 0-100 ft-lb wrench a important. It until the next oil change and after a couple days i noticed a drip of oil was. The only guy who used torque wrenches and use them occasionally people in your networks runs for about minutes. About to take off the fill and drain the oil level using a deep socket. Frame, how to tighten oil drain plug properly using Teflon tape on the threads extension and cap of! ’ ll need: wrench, you can strip the threads can on. Time i turned it counterclockwise, and 1/2 '', 3/8 '', 3/8 '' and... Up the entire engine you are to be commended for shutting down the how to tighten oil drain plug.! About 1.5 '' long best process is to how to tighten oil drain plug the plug on 350! Correctly and threads coated in oil, spark... how do you change the Drive belt for the first uses... Project, figure a way to do yourself a $ 20- $ 40 from amazon ) used! Not enough... fasteners into aluminum will never been super-tight a socket wrench with a box-end wrench missing! 62Ft lbs and he did n't think that was correct, he says the techs just tighten the drain.

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