Skip to main content
Gerry | Vanagon
Checking account...
← vanagon.com home · Continue the discussion in the forum
Subject:Re: exact foot pounds for the oil plug?
From:Neil N
Date:Fri, 17 Jun 2016 11:16:01 -0700

Hi Eric.

I hesitate to ask, as it sounds like you've changed the oil at least
several times on this
engine, but it does have the original OEM oil drain plug correct? If I
recall, that OEM plug
has cut outs lengthwise along part of the threads.

A Vanagon specialty shop found that the drain plug hole on my 2.1 WBX
was damaged.
Unbeknownst to me at that time, their fix was to install an NPT thread
brass plug along with what is likely an anaerobic sealant. (goop in
small white bottle in Reinz engine gasket re-seal kit)
The fix appears to work but I only tighten that plug by feel and very
lightly at that.
My thinking being that were it torqued to 18 foot pounds, the case
hole threads could
get damaged even further each time I reinstalled that plug.

I've read of other types of drain bolts being installed on WBX or air
cooled engines.

Neil.

On 6/15/16, Eric Caron <ecaron1@comcast.net> wrote:

> Time for my yearly oil change and I believe the Bentley gives a exact foot
> pound reading for the oil plug.  I always just guess and am always
> concerned.  I now have a torque wrench and would like to take the mystery
> out of the oil change.
>

--
Neil n

Blog: Vanagons, Westfalia, general <http://tubaneil.blogspot.ca>

1988 Westy Images <https://picasaweb.google.com/musomuso/New1988Westy>

1981 Westfalia "Jaco" Images, technical <http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/>

Vanagon-Bus VAG Gas Engine Swap Group <http://tinyurl.com/khalbay>