What to Torque the Oil Pan Drain Plug to

sgiangregorio · November 11, 2002

I always worry about over-tightening the drain plug on my oil pan. Since the pan is aluminum, at least it appears to be, it's easily done. I also worry about not tightening it enough. I've looked through the owner's manual and unless I've missed it, it doesn't say. Anyone know?

Thanks.

CapnDean · November 11, 2002

Snug. Half an elbow tight....

Ya know...I have often wondered...Out of all the techno wizardry that goes into a new car...... Why in the world manufacturers INSIST on making an oil change a nasty business!

My kubota diesel engine on my generator for example...

Has a ball valve (with a safety collar) attached to the drain pan PLUS....a brass pipe cap on the drain hose for a back up.

The earl filter is mounted so that if you drain the oil...from the pan first, then remove the filter...ZERO spillage. Nary a drap!

I can change oil on my Detroit 671 & my kubota Genset while wearing a white tux without fear of a mess. Why cain't the General fix this!

While we're at it.....how much extra would it cost extra to put a (gasoline) filler neck on BOTH sides of the truck?

CapnDean

99silveradoz71 · November 12, 2002

If anything, I'd be worried about making it too tight...don't want to strip it out. When doing the change, I always see a slight drip of oil coming out when I put the plug back...you can usually tell when it's not going to leak when this stops coming out. Now just use a socket and snug it up till it's tight, but not to the point where the ratchet slipping would alter your image if it hit you

BDBWTE · November 12, 2002

Snug. Half an elbow tight....

Ya know...I have often wondered...Out of all the techno wizardry that goes into a new car...... Why in the world manufacturers INSIST on making an oil change a nasty business!

My kubota diesel engine on my generator for example...

Has a ball valve (with a safety collar) attached to the drain pan PLUS....a brass pipe cap on the drain hose for a back up.

The earl filter is mounted so that if you drain the oil...from the pan first, then remove the filter...ZERO spillage. Nary a drap!

I can change oil on my Detroit 671 & my kubota Genset while wearing a white tux without fear of a mess. Why cain't the General fix this!

While we're at it.....how much extra would it cost extra to put a (gasoline) filler neck on BOTH sides of the truck?

CapnDean

I second that. :thumb:

westex39 · November 12, 2002

I got this from the engine torque specs at the GM dealership where I trade. The torque is 18 foot pounds or 216 inch pounds depending on the scale on your torque wrench.