[dubsd]

Well about to do my first ever oil change and a bit nervous. I have read a couple of threads of people stripping the drain bolt when putting back in. The manual says to have set torque wrench to 18 lbs per inch (units might be wrong). I have heard at this rate it can strip. Should I go less, say 14? The store did give me a crush plug and I assume when I tighten bolt when it closes it should be enough. Any suggestions?

 

[Pain]

I don't use a torque wrench, and never have on any car or ATV I've ever done. Just tighten it up until it feels snug.

If you want to use torque, then I would say that anything up to the manufacturers recommendation should be fine. I would think it's more important to make sure you have the bolt properly threaded in to begin with and not worry so much about proper torque, but that's just me.

 

[Billy250X]

I don't use a torque wrench, and never have on any car or ATV I've ever done. Just tighten it up until it feels snug.

If you want to use torque, then I would say that anything up to the manufacturers recommendation should be fine. I would think it's more important to make sure you have the bolt properly threaded in to begin with and not worry so much about proper torque, but that's just me.

I agree completely.

 

[Helmut]

I agree with Pain, also. Make sure to start the plug back in with your fingers and turn it in as far as you can with your fingers to make sure you don't start it crooked and strip the threads. If you do use a torque wrench, remember that most torque wrenches use ft-lbs, not in-lbs. The manual calls for 18 in-lbs. The toque wrenches that use in-lbs will be one of the small ones and they are getting harder and harder to find unless you get them from a tool dealer. Most places such as Walmart or Advance Auto Parts, etc probably won't have them. Just don't get ft-lbs confused with in-lbs.

By the way 18 in-lbs = 1.5 ft-lbs.

 

[Redracer]

Like stated, just start it by hand and then snug it. I have never used a torque wrench on mine.

 

[tarheelblues]

i never use a torque wrench but i will suggest that if you use a ratchet its not the longest in your box,, "snug" feels different on a long ratchet than a shorter one,just something to keep in mind

 

[Helmut]

i never use a torque wrench but i will suggest that if you use a ratchet its not the longest in your box,, "snug" feels different on a long ratchet than a shorter one,just something to keep in mind

Yep, I agree. It's easy to strip a bolt with a long handled ratchet, if you're not used to doing this kind of work.

Remember, just snug it and when you get done, check it to make sure it's not leaking. If it IS leaking, then just tighten it a little more. It's a lot easier to tighten a bolt up, than it is to fix a stripped bolt or bolt hole.

 

[1987_250x]

Yeah, don't use long ratchets or breaker bars. My friend cracked his oil pan on his xr 200 bike doing that and now it leakes like a sieve. LOL

 

[dubsd]

All done

Thanks everyone! Just went finger tight and a small turn with socket wrench holding at top of handle. Everything went find and went for a nice ride. The only problem was the dealer gave me the wrong filter (one for an 08) and not enough oil. Again thanks for the replies.

 

[Helmut]

Thanks everyone! Just went finger tight and a small turn with socket wrench holding at top of handle. Everything went find and went for a nice ride. The only problem was the dealer gave me the wrong filter (one for an 08) and not enough oil. Again thanks for the replies.

Glad everything worked out for you. Just keep an eye out for leaks for a couple days, but it sounds like you did fine.

 

[Fastas]

ya i have never used a tourqe on mine i just use a socket and ratchet on mine til snug