dlundblad

What is the drain plug torque setting for the drain plug in a 2003 4.0... I looked everywhere, but I may not of look hard enough...

Thanks in advance...

ol"blue

Engine oil drain plug torque is 20 ft.lbs. for your engine (4.0L).

5-90

For cheap insurance, clean the threads on the plug and apply some RTV black before you put it back in. It not only helps it seal when it goes back in, but help prevent the thing from seizing and makes it easier to remove next time.

John T

I just clean the plug/threads good and slip on a viton o-ring...

works great.

been meaning to replace the stock rubber washer also....

one of these days...

dave1123

If you still have the OEM drain plug, the one with the molded-on thick washer, You should only turn it until it stops after compressing the rubber. Over-tightening those will cause the rubber to start squeezing around the edges and leak. The oil pan insert is hardened and the drain plug is dead soft, designed that way. Overtightening will stretch the threads on the plug and make it difficult to remove. When done properly, you should be able to spin the plug with your fingers after loosening it. If not, replace it. Most fast-lube places stock them although getting them to part with one may be difficult.

BTW, the thread is 1/2 X 20 UNF. Before I left Valvoline Instant Oil Change, I grabbed a bunch of them. They even fit my Chevy.

Guywitha92

I just snug mine then give it 1/4 turn.

rangermonroe

Oh dear God, please don't listen to this.


If you do this, it will make your life hell removing it later.

Willys55

would you care to explain how RTV silicone sealer is going to prevent removing the plug later down the road

Jeepin'_Aint_EZ

x2. I've never had an issue removing bolts with RTV on them.

jon-d

not to get too sideways on the RTV thing, but i use it frequently to keep the bolts from backing out due to vibs or whatever. worked great when i was racing moto as i had piece of mind and would save time in not having to check the bolts before each race. i never used it on a drain plug but if i did it would only be at the last few threads or on the face with the intent of keeping it from backing out after snugging it down. on bolts with RTV i never had an issue removing them. i am currently using RTV on my rear hatch door skin because the bolts kept backing out after one or two off road adventures but not any more.

dave1123

I used black RTV on that bastard 4.0 headbolt that needs sealing and it's never changed torque or started leaking coolant in 50K miles. Yes, I've checked it!

rangermonroe

would you care to explain why the answer to the question "what torque to apply to a drain plug " is to apply adhesive?

Why are you questioning me, when a forum member is obviously trolling a guy who has probably never changed his oil.

Why black RTV.. is gray or red somehow different?

Why tell the new guy to glue his drain plug into the pan rather than answer his question?

XJeepCheep

Tight is tight and too tight is broke! My universal torq spec.