Drain plug torque

[morninghill]

2005 Safari Trek on 2004 Workhorse chassis, W20.

Oil pan drain plug torque 21 lb-ft?
Transmission drain plug torque 26 lb-ft?

These are the numbers from service manual for 2006 GM pickup for the 8.1L and Allison 6spd.

[oemtech]

In all my years of changing oil I have NEVER lost a drain plug because didn't "torque" it. I just thread it in finger tight and tighten with a wrench.

[morninghill]

I'm not worried about losing a plug, but it hasn't been long since I ruined the threads on my tractor's transmission pan by overtightening. When I started looking for fixes, found this was pretty common, especially for folks using quick lube places.

[j griff]

I'm with OEMY. I think one would have to have a lot of leverage on a wrench not to feel that it "was about right" in tightening.

[DriVer]

If you have done a lot of oil changes on your rig, you get to know what just right tight feels like.

[Pubtym]

I too use the TFAR meter attached to the correct size wrench.... (That Feels About Right). It's a similar guide I learned in USAF pilot training for navigation and use of the aircraft's magnetic compass (TLAR).

[morninghill]

Guess I'll just stick with the truck numbers until I get used to the feel.

Thanks
Mike P

[CoastieSCPO]

I just get a good feel with the threads and tighten the plug as tight as these old muscles will permit. This way, I can get the darn thing off. I do all my own oil and spin on tranny fluid changes and never had a problem other than contorting my arms to get the oil filter off.

Bob