Oil Pan drain plug torque spec - 2004 Corolla

[2x]

I need the torque spec on the oil pan drain bolt on a 2004 Corolla - can't find it anywhere. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks
2x

 

[Chris B.]

I don't know it but as long as it is snug and not to tight it will not leak.

 

[got boost?]

basically get it pretty tight, let's say 20 ft-lbs (estimate based on real numbers for other cars). if it's an aluminum pan slightly less is okay. if you use a new crush washer, it may only need 15. it's not rocket surgery.

 

[acranox]

Hondas with a new crush washer should be torqued to 33 lb-ft.

 

[ChrisW]

i use 25 ft lbs and even then its pretty snug and does not leak. I've never gone higher than 25 ft lbs.


If i don't use the torque wrench, i estimate that with the short (about 6 in?) handle on the 3/8 ratchet i get about 20 ft lbs.

 

[kansaisubaru]

How do you guys figure numbers like 35 ft lbs!? Do the torque wrenches tell you that or something? I consistently crush my sealing washer and the darn thing leaks everytime.

 

[Rick in PA]

I use a reasonably long box wrench and torque it 'till my hand hurts (call me a wuss). Should be about 30 ft-lbs or so. Haven't striped a drain plug in 30 years.

 

[ChrisW]

quote:

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Originally posted by kansaisubaru:
How do you guys figure numbers like 35 ft lbs!? Do the torque wrenches tell you that or something? I consistently crush my sealing washer and the darn thing leaks everytime.

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a torque wrench lets you torque the bolt or nut to a specified torque. you set the wrnech to a value, then it will click when it is reached, that is if you ahve a clicker style. if you are crushing the crush washer and still get leaks, then you
a) overtightened the bolt
b) something is way off flat enough so that even the washer wouldn't help
c) didn't tighten enough

 

[TC]

Personally I worry more about overtightening/stripping plugs like that than undertightening. (Race cars can vibrate plug loose, hence torque wrenches or wiring are necessary.) I make sure to use small hand box-wrenches for jobs like this, rather than automatically pulling out my 1/2" drive ratchet set. Mush less likelihood of overtightening that way. I'd simply use the proper (maybe 14 mm?) box wrench and tighten it reasonably hard, but not "bust a gut" hard.