How to properly remove and torque the oil drain plug L26

[PontiacGranPain06]

I am new to changing my oil (used to have shops do it).

I am having issues getting my 3/4" drive socket onto the 13mm oil drain plug nut. The transmission pan is making it impossible to fit my socket wrench + socket onto the nut.

How am I supposed to fit a torque wrench onto the plug to set it to the specified torque?

Are we just supposed to use a box wrench to losen and tighten this nut? Or is there a way to use a torque wrench here?

Completely new to mechanics, am I missing a special type of socket for this very tight spot?

 

[Scottydoggs]

3/8 th ratchet and socket works fine. who tq's a drain plug? make it tight, but dont be retarded about it. snug it, then a 1/4 turn more should be good.

 

[robinsone]

Yeah, I've never torque'd a drain plug, its not necessary. Typically I don't torque anything unless it is engine internals. Oil pan or transmission pan bolts I'd torque because those gaskets can be temper-mental and you don't want to over tighten those, same with valve cover gasket bolts. Everything else you can tighten and then 1/4 turn and you'll be fine.

I've never torque'd any brake related bolts or even a crankshaft bolt either. IMO engine internals OR if you're dealing with a engine/trans gasket(s), but someone else my have different ideas.

 

[PontiacGranPain06]

I assume my socket is just too long then, no way to fit the wrench to it as pictured http://imgur.com/a/PTb1E without the wrench banging against the tranny pan.

Will try to buy a shorter socket

 

[Scottydoggs]

al pan, use a box wrench.

 

[Fivefingerdeathpunch]

I only ever use a regular wrench on drain plugs.

 

[Scottydoggs]

if the threads are ok, all you need to do is break it loose then take it out by hand the rest of the way. ive used what ever is closest more than once, box wrench, socket, or a adjustable wrench even.

 

[PontiacGranPain06]

Thanks fellas, was reading the service manual and noticed a tq specification which is what threw me off. Going to go buy a 13mm box wrench for it now.

 

[NebTurboST5]

3/8 th ratchet and socket works fine. who tq's a drain plug? make it tight, but dont be retarded about it. snug it, then a 1/4 turn more should be good.

what i like to do is run it in real tight with my inch drive air impact until it strips and then back it out 1/8th turn...60% of the time, it works everytime...

 

[Scottydoggs]

what i like to do is run it in real tight with my inch drive air impact until it strips and then back it out 1/8th turn...60% of the time, it works everytime...

like a boss!!!!!! lmao