Drain plug torque

[LouDawg]

How critical is the amount of torque I put on my drain plug with crush washer on my '07 Accord V6? I've read 29 ft lbs but I don't have a torque wrench. Is it safe just to snug it up nice and tight (without overdoing it) or should I be more precise? I read somewhere that these Hondas have a little problem with their oil pans/drain plugs stripping or distorting somehow (maybe steel/aluminum incompatibility?)

Also, these crush washers I just bought today at the dealer look way different than the ones I had for my Nissan, which were copper (instead of aluminum) and looked more like a kind of flat grommet than a washer. Just an observation.

 

[SFCP]

You just want to make sure you hand-snug it, don't over tighten it. Just turn the bolt until it stops, then snug it down one time. Same with the oil filter. Been doing it this way for 10 years, never once had a problem or drop of oil leak out from those two areas.

 

[Drew99GT]

Likewise SFCP. I just tighten it like any other bolt. It's an acquired feel I guess; same with installing spark plugs. Get er nice and tight but don't then just crank on it with all your might!

 

[Eddie]

I will feel the crush washer collape to zero and then just a 1/8 turn more. This is just snug with an 6 inch wrench.

 

[obbop]

Went without cable TV for 10 or so years. Money saved their allowed acquisition of torque wrench and other tools useful for maintaining vehicle.

If you can't give up cable for awhile, maybe you could pawn the wife or kids on relatives for awhile and use the savings to stock up on those handy items.

Hey, it's for a good cause!!!!!

 

[Shannow]

Like they say in the power industry.

"Do it up 'till it strips, then back off half a turn !!"

 

[rpn453]

I've never used a torque wrench on a drain plug bolt. With the appropriate sized wrench, you shouldn't have to worry. A good pull with one arm should get you close enough.