torquing the oil drain plug

[david]

just curious for those of us who change their own oil....
how strict are you on getting the oil cap on to exactly the right ft/lb's with the torque wrench? and even if u do do that, how do you torque the oil drain plug? do you just have a little tiny torque wrench??
cuz i've done it three times so far, always just guessed on the oil drain plug, and never had a problem. my torque wrench is not gonna get in there.

[fcotanis]

:)
Get an extension
:lol:

Filip

[david]

the handle is too big, i'm too close to the ground. what is an extention going to do? please let me know. what do you do when u do an oil change filip?

[EDHCHOE]

Will a 10" torque wrench fit? I had the same problem with my big torque wrench (15") so I used the lug wrench from the car.

[MarvelPhx]

To be honest, just good and snug will work. It takes a very small amount of torque to put the drain plug back in and there is a copper crush washer that will do the work for you. Just make sure it is snug and don't twist the hell out of it. The drain pan can strip.

[david]

sweet