Subaru oil drain plug torque

Q: Do you need torque wrench for oil drain plug?

No its not a necessary tool for the drain plug. However you dont want to over tighten the drain plug either. You also want to change the drain plug sealing washer when you change the oil. As the plug is designed to be used only one time.

30 September 2001, 03:42 PM

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Do you need torque wrench for oil drain plug?
What size is Subaru oil drain plug?
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Thanks, Paul. That sounds more like it.

To be fair to the garage, I think it was more a case of getting stuck than over-tightening.

But I've got a nasty habit of tweaking things too far when I hand tighten, and that drain plug looks like it could be horribly expensive if I ripped the thread out of the sump

That's why I've got two torque wrenches!!!

Cheers,

Richard.

06-22-2008, 02:45 PM

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Oil drain plug torque numbers??

I have an 07 Impreza 2.5i and I am about to change the oil today, what is the torque number for the oil drain plug? I can't find it anywhere.

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06-22-2008, 03:19 PM

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06-22-2008, 03:54 PM

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make sure you get a new crush washer and that you get the old one off. This is one of those things where torque spec isn't that big of a deal. I generally just make it pretty tight by hand.

After Pre-filling/installing the new oil filter, I fill the oil to the top of the dipstick then run the car for about 15-20 seconds (revving it to about 3000 RPMs a couple times). Then I let it sit for about 5 minutes and recheck both the oil level and the oil filter/plug for leaks. If either has a leak, I make it a little more tight then do my little start/check procedure again.

06-22-2008, 07:04 PM

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yea i actually hand tightened it to probably 32 ft lbs because it moved a little when my dad put the torque wrench up to it and then it just clicked at 33.

i bought 3 washers to have for the future and i remembered to replace the washer. thanks for the help

06-22-2008, 07:36 PM

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The washer can be replaced at every other oil change but I did mine at every oil change.

06-22-2008, 07:48 PM

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yea thats what i plan on doing mine at... every oil change, with the filter.

oh and getting that filter out is a pain in the ass, we had to get a special attachment for it that goes onto a 3/8" socket wrench

06-22-2008, 10:36 PM

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Where do you buy the washers from?

06-22-2008, 10:37 PM

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06-22-2008, 10:39 PM

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Alright because I need a new one.

06-22-2008, 10:40 PM

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Or buy a 6-pack of oil filters w/ crush rings from SubaruGenuineParts.

06-22-2008, 11:12 PM

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i got mine from the dealership, they're like a dollar a piece. i used a Mobil 1 filter i got at advance auto parts, i figured 6 or 1/2 dozen of the other, a brand is just a brand, there can't be much difference between Mobil 1 and K&N oil filters except about $6

06-23-2008, 12:13 PM

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You can buy 6 crush washers from subaruwrxparts.com for like $3 or $4 bucks.

06-24-2008, 09:51 AM

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I never used a washer on my 01. I put 40k-50k miles on it each year lately which means oil change every month or so.

No washers has been just fine for me.

06-24-2008, 01:30 PM

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There is a good write-up, moe than you need to know in Service and Maintenance under Oil FAQ.

Keep in mind, Subbie changes OEM filters a year or so ago. They used to be made by Purolator(sp) now they are made in by someone in Japan, I do not recall by whom.

Peace,

Greg

06-24-2008, 04:05 PM

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wow they charge u guys that much for washers ??

usually if i ask for washers from my local Subaru dealership they say..ohh thats all u came in for ...and then they give me 1-2 for free

If they do charge its like 33cents each or somethin

06-24-2008, 04:15 PM

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Hmm, I've never replaced a washer...ever...in any car I've owned.

I've probably had a good 50 or so oil changes in my car owning life.

No leaks, no plug coming off, no stripped plugs, nothing bad has ever happened.

So...

why are you guys replacing them?

Just curious...

As far as tightening down the plug, snug is good. A firm pull on a standard 1/2" socket will be around the 30 or so ft-lbs that's suggested, probably a little more.

06-24-2008, 05:34 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Back Road Runner

Hmm, I've never replaced a washer...ever...in any car I've owned.

I've probably had a good 50 or so oil changes in my car owning life.

No leaks, no plug coming off, no stripped plugs, nothing bad has ever happened.

So...

why are you guys replacing them?

Just curious...

As far as tightening down the plug, snug is good. A firm pull on a standard 1/2" socket will be around the 30 or so ft-lbs that's suggested, probably a little more.

Same here... my dad and I've been doing the same way since.. forever

06-25-2008, 03:12 AM

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n/a boxer / Back Road Runner: Some people reuse headbolts, timing belt, intake and exhaust gaskets after a headgasket job. Just because it works doesn't mean its right.

If you really insist on not replacing the washer why not get a Fumoto instead? Then you don't even need tools to change your oil

06-25-2008, 12:59 PM

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+1 for that valve! I use it and put it on a buddy's car. No more crush washers ever! Less messy too!

Do you need torque wrench for oil drain plug?

No it's not a necessary tool for the drain plug. However you don't want to over tighten the drain plug either. You also want to change the drain plug sealing washer when you change the oil. As the plug is designed to be used only one time.