roadie13

I think the regular plug takes 37 ft lbs and the magnetic one sold by LN takes only 19 ft lbs.

Wayne Smith

If you have an aftermarket aluminum plug (common if you bought a magnetic plug) the spec is 19 lb ft (the same as the 997.2 oil filter canister). More torque than this and you risk stripping the tool fitting and you will need to use a chisel on the side to remove it.

If you have the OEM plug the spec is 37 lb ft.

But I'm with Petza ... Regardless of the plug you have, 19 lb ft is enough.

Petza914

Yea, the pan threads are still aluminum, no matter what the material of the plug you're screwing into is.

That's the reason the LN plug has the spec it does.

Ironman88

Experience trumps the owner's manual. Thanks for the info.

roadie13

I have no problem with this, but folks have cracked their magnetic LN plugs when they did not notice the lower torque spec
eg https://www.renntech.org/topic/47894...il-drain-plug/

Wayne Smith

Not to be ornery but ... The attached picture is straight out of Jake Raby's torque book Fastening Specifications.

I'm just pointing out that a very qualified mechanic could very easily torque the oil drain plug to 37 lb ft. If so I couldn't hold it against him unless I gave him detailed instructions ahead of the oil change.

And I'll again state, in agreement with Petza, that 19 lb ft is a much better value to use.

In the meantime you may very well need to get the car in the air to drain the oil.

Have a talk with the mechanic before they do the work. Let him know what you are trying to accomplish. Make sure he measures the oil drained and puts less back in so you don't find yourself in the same situation after the fact. Most mechanics will add what they think is right which would be a repeat of the last change.

Good luck and keep us updated.

Petza914

I'm not arguing that the factory spec isn't 37 ft lbs. I'm saying that's not a good number to use. I alrssy sold my extra OEM sump plate to someone that used the factory number and needed a new one.

Wayne Smith

Pete, really, I'm not arguing with you. In both of my posts I stated that you were right ... Use 19 lb ft.

But the fact that the OP couldn't loosen the plug merely states that someone may have used the official torque specification.

And can you blame a mechanic for using factory spec values?

So it is important to talk to the mechanic to make sure errors aren't repeated. That burden is on us as owners.

And I'm calling 37 lb ft an error. Use 19 lb ft only. Honest ... We're in agreement here!!!

mujeriega

Glad I came across this thread only for this last bit. I've been using the factory specs and have noticed that it's pretty darn tight. I'll start using the same lower amount in the future... so easier not having to reset the torque wrench anyway.

Petza914

Yep, good deal.

Bob in NY

Thank you guys! I agree the plug was way too tight which is why I couldn't loosen it up. The guy I'm taking the car to has a good reputation and I'm hopeful he will get it right. I'll let everyone know on Tuesday. Thank you again!

Ironman88

Another possibility is that whoever did the last oil change (and over-filled it) may have also left off the aluminum crush washer for the drain plug - and just torqued the living hell out of the drain plug. Hopefully that is not the case.

Flat6 Innovations

The 37 LB torque is for the stock plug, only. The LN plug has always been 19#.
That's nothing new, been using that torque since I tested the very first one in 2007.

Bob in NY

Had the car at a reputable German car shop locally on Tuesday. He was able to drain some oil and measure 13/4 quarts overfilled. Gauge shows perfect now and no check oil light.
Thanks for the feedback - feeling better about the situation!

Bruce In Philly

Wow, that was a lot of oil. Most I ever heard of.

I wonder where the sensor is to trigger that light? I bet it is in some part of the engine that is improperly sucking up oil.... but I dunno.

Peace
Bruce in Philly