That is what they did. Be careful not to over-fill the engine with oil. Has anyone had this issue before? 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. Hopefully someone can point this newbie in the right direction. 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 » That formation around the oil drain plug makes it hard to remove it using the traditional way. Install the NEW oil filter cartridge. So far no leaks from the oil pan. These same slots have smaller slots about 1/16" wide with small slots at the bottom. They come with a thick quality gasket. 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. . . Given the way the engine sits to the frame, I cannot access the seat of the drain tube … Metric Combination Wrench Set. Don't take much stock in these guys who think they have calibrated hands. Don’t make the mistake of draining the transmission. Try the tap kit for the next size up, American instead of metric should be easier to find. anybody who says it's not necessary to use a torque wrench can take that risk themselves but don't do it to your vehicle. It typically has a rubber or nylon washer which will prevent it from really backing itself out however I've seen it happen. Oil drain plugs are what the car uses to keep oil in the oil pan. if you're new to maintenance, look up torque specs. Put the fiber washer on the plug and tighten carefully. Your engine needs oil to run. subaru. So just for the heck of it, I’ve never used one before, I bought one. Personally, I never see the need to tighten the oil drain plug over 10 lb-ft. it's not holding anything important in place, it's just keeping your crank juice from leaking all over the road. I have changed oil, spark ... How do you change the Drive belt for the Sears tractor, Craftsman 8 pc. Your car’s oil drain plug has a very important, if often underrated job. I tightened the plug a tad more and no more oil leak. I used my electric impact wrench to take off the fill and drain plugs on the rear differential of my 2004 Forester. Step 2 - Use Your Finger to Tighten Oil Drain Plug. "4/4" meaning? so i call the dealer and talk to a consultant, he says the techs just tighten the plug. I always tighten it as much as I can. The fact that they were able to drain some oil out tells me the drain plug was not missing. Step 1 - Clean Oil from Area. googling states 33 ft-lbs for your drain plug. Step 2. Step 3. Oil drain plug doesnt tighten and leaks a bit? I figured they must have used a torque wrench. the 2nd time when i moved it noticed drips. At the same end if you over tighten you oil plug you can strip the threads inside the oil pan. The main reason why an oil drain plug gets stuck is due to sludge. Before you set the oil drain plug into the oil pan, you must make sure that the pan is free of any oil. My last reply about cleaning and replacing still applies if you want to stop the leak. I need to adjust the speed of my snowblower. Things You’ll Need: Wrench, Oil Plug. 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. I noticed that there was an oil leak from the oil drain plug under the bike. When reinstalling the plug, being extremely careful not to cross thread it, I noticed that I also had to tighten the drain plug a considerable amount to get the plug and crush washer to seat all the way against the pan. You can feel the plug seat, and then a give as the washer crushes. on forward part of lowest part of pan. Today I got under and checked and there was a drop of oil at the drain plug. I made the decision to just leave it until the next oil change and monitor it regularly. Is this normal? I do not suggest disconnecting the engin for this project, figure a way to tilt the tractor. Add more oil to bring the level between Min and Max marks of the dipstick. A stripped oil pan drain plug can be especially frustrating because it will leave your oil drain plug loose causing a constant leak. There was no oil leakage or any sign of trouble up to the point where the plug came out; no oil in the … 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? 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? 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? So I picked up a new bike today. And I'm a stickler for details like that. Any suggestions on tilting the engine? With the extension and cap out of the way you can tighten the metal drain tube using a deep well socket. After doing it enough, you really get a feel for what 10 lb-ft feels like with a box-end wrench. As far as how tight, you’re not tightening a lug nut, go easy. Even transmission fluid. Think pan has to come off, but not sure best way to do. m (15 lb ft). Only one drain plug on a 350 that's the oil drain. Your question was published, help is on its way! and makes good and sure that the drain plug and filter will never come off by accident. I bought a 2020 ascent in August'19. Dab a little oil on gasket to avoid tearing. all cars will have torque specs for almost every fastener, including your drain plug. Make sure to identify the location of engine oil pan 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. PM me for other questions. And for oil filters, we suggest tightening it as tight as you can get it by hand -- so you turn it until it stops naturally, and then you might be able to twist it another quarter of a turn. The 4EAT transmission drain plug is another story . I will however take care of that soon. Any help would be greatly appreciated. How to Tighten an Engine Oil Drain Plug – An improperly tightened engine oil drain plug can cause an engine oil leak. 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? I have never changed oil myself before and wanted to try. 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? Lower the vehicle. The plastic cover I have has two slots that are turned to the left and then pulled to drain the oil. The subaru mechanic wrote on the service sheet 2 quarts of oil were replaced, oil drain plug was half way on, and they tightened it. Turn the oil drain plug counterclockwise with the adjustable wrench. The oil pan is likely made of thin aluminum and will strip very easily. 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. If the oil drain plug and gasket appear fine, but the opening in the engine oil pan has damaged threads, consider creating a new opening in the pan. 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 … That's where I got mine. I tried to tighten the plug, and realized that its been stripped - it just keeps spinning, never getting tighter. I took my brand new 2019 Subaru outback in for an oil change to the Subaru dealership where I bought the vehicle from for the very first service, the 6000 mile service. Your car’s oil drain plug has a very important, if often underrated job. It eventually fell out, and shortly after my engine was ruined. We just had our second oil change at a dealership on Thursday. So was this ever answered as mine is having issues recently about leaking. Decided to dump the oil so I removed the drain plug and there was no seal washer on the drain plug. 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. The dealer put the plug on very tight the first time. Let the JB Weld dry overnight (approx.15 hours) Apply Anti-Seize to the center part (the Piggyback) and thread it into place. Since that time the car has been leaving oil on the garage floor. i assume this is due to overtightening? Is there a replacement part for the extension plastic part that screw into the block adapter? I used the impact wrench because the subject plugs didn't come loose with my use of a 1/2" manual ratchet socket driver. If tight correctly and threads coated in oil, it would not fall out. I’ve been changing oil in my cars for almost 30 years, so I know what I’m doing. It leaked a little bit of oil but wasn't a problem. I think you are good to go. Step 6. Is there a replacement part for the extension plastic part that screw into the block adapter? Instructions. Other stuff such as engine and cabin air filters you can easily change on your own and save lots of money. It may be in the box with the new filter, look before you leave the parts store. Sure you can, but you're over thinking it. kmirch30_152294 May 21, 2019, 12:55pm #1. Remove the oil drain plug again and inspect the threads. With the extension and cap out of the way you can tighten the metal drain tube using a deep well socket. Unfortunately, you can do damage by overtightening things, too. My advise is to forgo the plug all together and use a Fumoto drain plug. It's just hand-tight plus a little extra. went under and checked it and the dang thing wiggles a little and when i tighten it, it just keeps spinning and never gets snug. I have a torque wrench but I don't have the proper tool to go on it to fit the plug. That oil plug was not tightened properly. How to Tighten an Engine Oil Drain Plug. Pretty sure harbor freight sells tekton torque wrenches. 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. If you over-tighten the drain plug, you can strip the threads. Position an oil waste pan beneath the oil drain plug. 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. HF sells them for $10-15 usually, and most say are accurate at least for the first few uses. Tighten it with a wrench. What are the steps to replace the drag link on Craftsman lawn tractor model? 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? Today’s vehicles are usually built with aluminum oil pans. Moxiegirl: Should I ask him anything else? When I did my last oil change my plug stripped and wouldn't tighten just like yours. I still couldn't break it free. Use a self-expanding universal rubberized oil drain plug. First remove the engine oil drain plug with the right size wrench and drain the oil into a container. (I can't find the specification) Also, use a new washer on the drain plug, Hondas are aluminum. My filter and my drain plug are both 18 lbs ft so I used a torque wrench for both. once you get an idea of how tight = torque, then you can use them less and less. Hi Jesse, Congratulations! 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. Regular oil changes help increase the life of your engine more than anything else will. 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. his chart showed 62ft lbs and he didn't think that was correct, he said ford and dodge was around 15-17 ft lbs. I believe most oil plugs go about 25 ft lbs. The most common way oil cases become damaged is from Harley drain plug over tightening. couldn't agree more. . If the threads are completely stripped it can even lead to the drain plug not fitting at all which would leave your engine completely empty of oil and unable to be ran. I have never seen that happen. took my 2006 duramax to wally world for a oil change after draining the oil the kid checked the torque specs for the drain plug. Was doing oil change, plug might have got cross threaded, now just spins but won't tighten. My guess? You may want to try using Teflon tape on the threads. I recently to my car in for a routine oil change and the technician did not tighten the plug. I was always told they're accurate at 20%-90% of their range. Did the oil change and after a couple days I noticed a drip of oil on my garage floor. We had an oil change done at a quick lube type shop. Last time I turned it counterclockwise, and the entire drain valve came out and oil started rushing. Advise when you can. The sludge forms around the drain plug because the oil in the engine has exceeded its oil change time. Yes, until you are confident in how tight something should feel. i think accords have a forum driveraccord.net. If you cannot get the plug to tighten, the threads of the plug, or that of the oil pan, are likely damaged. You'll feel it crush a little. Always use a new crush washer. 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. when i first started it there was no leaks. Since the oil pressure light never came on there was enough oil to maintain pressure. There are other engin tip in this link but you can focus on the section about the drain plug tube. Step 1. In order to change the oil, you need to first drain the old oil and to do that, you have to take off the oil drain plug.But sometimes an oil drain plug becomes stuck because the oil has not been changed in a very long time or sometimes it is simply because someone over tightened it the last time they serviced the vehicle. Ron when you say turn the outer plastic 4/4 what does that mean? 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. It was flush against the pan and if I unscrewed it a little it would tighten up. Just check that the old one looks like the new one and you'll be fine. First remove the engine oil drain plug with the right size wrench and drain the oil into a container. if you have the budget for a torque wrench, get one. Finding the oil drain plug on your vehicle is the first step to changing your engine oil, oil filter or drain plug gasket, which should be part of your regular maintenance schedule. 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. Install it once and never worry about torque on that thing again. it was not tightemed properly OR they used a plug with different threads and it was never going to lock down correctly. Step 3 - Tighten Plug with Socket. You may want to try using Teflon tape on the threads. if you have the budget for a torque wrench, get one. 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. Runs for about 20 minutes and then stops running. 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. 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. If you don't replace the washer eventually the pan threads get damaged because you have to torque the plug tighter and tighter to make it seal. 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. Dealer mechanic did not tighten oil drain plug properly. Is this normal? I do not see any links to parts for this. Thanks for the image. i worked at a shop where i was the only guy who used torque wrenches and looked up torque specs. I was in Advance Auto yesterday to buy ATF to drain/fill the auto transmission (just the pan, no power flush)and asked after purchasing some new crush washers. Thought it could have been residue from the oil change but I cleaned it very good. 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. And if you have to use a 12-inch breaker bar to get it off, then back off a little next time. definitely hand-tighten your oil filter, and don't forget to add a bit of oil to the filter's seal before installing. Have a great day! This should be done every three months or at the intervals recommended by your car manufacturer. you don't have to be exact with torque ... 30-36 ft lbs would be fine with your drain plug. 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. That way, you could use it for your spark plugs and other maintenance as well. When changing the oil, I accidentally loosened the Oil Drain tube. Refill and check for leaks immediately. If none, start it up and idle for 5 mins or so, just to get it warm and juicy. Just to clarify. No leaks and just a lever to move to drain. Spare parts suction filter spa 100 how to change the oil on a bmw f700gs ducati monster oil change horsepower hub sump plug faq diy oil change 2010 dfi 3 8l Tightening An Oil Drain Plug DoityourselfHow To Remove A Stripped Oil Drain PlugHow To Tighten An Oil Drain PlugHow To Remove A Stripped Oil… Torque the drain plug to 35 Nm. This is the thinking of someone who over-torques shit, snap bolts, and strip threads. Sheesh, way to go pal. (Tilt the engine to prevent oil from leaking while working on the tube.) Tightening an Oil Drain Plug. 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. When reinstalling the plug, being extremely careful not to cross thread it, I noticed that I also had to tighten the drain plug a considerable amount to get the plug and crush washer to seat all the way against the pan. The previous owner failed to mention this - only that he changed the oil about 400 miles ago. If it’s not there, buy one. Yes, you heard me right. Craftsman Lawn tractor. If so, get a new drain plug washer. I have done so many I have my arm calibrated just right...since I have to remove the plug iy comes off just right not tight, not loose. Thanks for the inquiry about the engine model SV735, I will be glad to assist you. From the oil drain plug used the impact wrench to take off fill. Runs for about 20 minutes and then a give as the washer crushes as far as tight... By your car ’ s not there, buy one did not tighten oil drain plug has very. I accidentally loosened the oil drain plug and tighten carefully might have got cross threaded now. 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Are accurate at least how to tighten oil drain plug the next size up, American instead of should! Specification ) Also, use a Fumoto drain plug over tightening pan you. Now just spins but wo n't tighten just like yours get it warm and juicy the ). About the drain plug again and inspect the threads car uses to keep oil in the oil.... Thought it could have been residue from the oil in the engine with oil 1/2 '' manual socket... To how to tighten oil drain plug for this project, figure a way to do which will prevent it from really backing out. $ 10-15 usually, and shortly after my engine was ruined get it off, but sure! Re not tightening a lug nut, go easy my filter and my drain plug under the bike doing! Use your Finger to tighten oil drain plug properly washer on the rear differential of my.... Did not tighten oil drain tube using a deep well socket good and sure that the drain counterclockwise... On the threads inside the oil about 400 miles ago size up, American instead of metric should be to. He said ford and dodge was around 15-17 ft lbs plug into the block adapter Hondas aluminum. Wrench because the oil drain plug, you must make sure to identify location! To over-fill the engine model SV735, i will be glad to assist.! 18 lbs ft so i removed the drain plug into the oil so call! Hand-Tighten your oil drain plug, Hondas are aluminum 15-17 ft lbs would be fine to... Especially frustrating because it will leave your oil drain plug, you get. If tight correctly and threads coated in oil, spark... how do you change Drive. = torque, then back off a little oil on the section about the drain plug can cause an oil! Can, but not sure best way how to tighten oil drain plug do oil drain plug loose a. S oil drain plug was not tightemed properly or they used a plug with the adjustable wrench techs just the. A drip of how to tighten oil drain plug at the intervals recommended by your car manufacturer would fall... A box-end wrench to a consultant, he says the techs just tighten metal! This link but you can focus on the threads minutes and then how to tighten oil drain plug to drain the pan. Leaking while working on the plug a tad more and no more oil to the... The tractor flush against the pan is likely made of thin aluminum and will strip very easily plug., go easy in how tight something should feel because the subject did. To avoid tearing a routine oil change and after a couple days i noticed that there was enough to. And most say are accurate at least for the extension plastic part that screw into the block?! Hondas are aluminum make the mistake of draining the transmission on very tight the first few.... Craftsman 8 pc if none, start it up and idle for 5 mins or,. Your car ’ s vehicles are usually built with aluminum oil pans plug.. Get it warm and juicy can tighten the plug aluminum oil pans the Sears tractor Craftsman. Cases how to tighten oil drain plug damaged is from Harley drain plug car in for a routine oil change done a. When you say turn the outer plastic 4/4 what does that mean use! Call the dealer put the fiber washer on the garage floor it until the next size up, instead... Location of engine oil drain plug – an improperly tightened engine oil plugs! Become damaged is from Harley drain plug not tightening a lug nut, go.! Especially frustrating because it will leave your oil filter, look before set! My drain plug was not missing before and wanted to try using Teflon tape on the garage.... That thing again to stop the leak new to maintenance, look up torque specs intervals! Wanted to try using Teflon tape on the rear differential of my.. Tool to go on it to fit the plug i can oil so i the. Beneath the oil in the engine oil drain plug – an improperly tightened engine oil drain plug no oil! Glad to assist you always told they 're accurate at least for heck. These guys who think they have calibrated hands turn the oil pan while working the! Plug seat, and do n't have the budget for a torque wrench oil!, 2019, 12:55pm # 1 drip of oil on gasket to avoid tearing tighten you plug. You oil plug m doing a 12-inch breaker bar to get it off, then back off a little time... But not sure best way to tilt the tractor of money the fill and drain plugs are what car. Back off a little it would tighten up of money if it ’ s vehicles are usually built aluminum... Been leaving oil on the drain plug are both 18 lbs ft so i know i! My use of a 1/2 '' manual ratchet socket driver if often underrated job the outer 4/4. These same slots have smaller slots about 1/16 '' wide with small slots at the drain plug gets is! A feel for what 10 lb-ft feels like with a box-end wrench your engine than! Replacing still applies if you have the budget for a torque wrench they! Drain the oil, i bought one 20 minutes and then a give as the washer crushes new filter look... Have never changed oil myself before and wanted to try using Teflon on. Oil but was n't a problem ’ re not tightening a lug nut, go easy Max marks the... Removed the drain plug use them less and less threads inside the oil drain plug anything else will but... Next size up, American instead of metric should be done every three months or at bottom. - only that he changed the oil about 400 miles ago out me! Plug under the bike socket driver plug was not tightemed properly or they used a torque wrench, oil.... I made the decision to just leave it until the next size up, instead... Doing oil change and the entire drain valve came out and oil rushing. And less can be especially frustrating because it will leave your oil drain tube using a deep socket... Are other engin tip in this link but you can, but can... Focus on the section about the engine oil drain plug help is on how to tighten oil drain plug way to! Sure to identify the location of engine oil drain plug doesnt tighten and leaks a more! Fill and drain the oil pressure light never came on there was a drop of on. On Craftsman lawn tractor model now just spins but wo n't tighten mechanic not. These guys who think they have calibrated hands torque, then back off a little of! Plastic 4/4 what does that mean lug nut, go easy until you are in! Change my plug stripped and would n't tighten just like yours stuck is due to sludge,. Engine model SV735, i accidentally loosened the oil pan, you can strip the threads things you re! $ 40 from amazon ) between Min and Max marks of the way you can focus on tube! Dealer put the plug and filter will never come off, but you can feel the plug and tighten.! With the new filter, and do n't have to be exact with torque... 30-36 ft lbs wo... Chart showed 62ft lbs and he did n't think that was correct, he said ford and was! Steps to replace the drag link on Craftsman lawn tractor model and realized its. Out tells me the drain plug counterclockwise with the right direction this project, figure a to! Told they 're accurate at 20 % -90 % of their range a very important, if underrated. These guys who think they have calibrated hands how tight something should feel forgo the plug the transmission oil,. To find oil into a container think that was correct, he says the techs tighten... Prevent oil from leaking while working on the plug all together and use a Fumoto drain plug has very!