Oil Drain Plug Torque setting?

[Human Potato]

Hi Guys,

Can anyone tell me the correct torque setting for the oil drain plug on the 650 engine?  The handbook simply says "tight" but I would rather be more precise to avoid anything bad happening.

[pmackie]

On my 2nd Gen 600, the factory service manual calls up 16.5 ft/lbs. I can't think of any reason the same numbers wouldn't apply to the WC 650/1250.

[billincentraljersey]

I am one of those ham fisted guy that strips a lot of threads.  I cannot resist that "one last quarter turn just to be sure".     So, to ease my temptation on the drain plug, I use a new copper washer so I can "feel" it compress and make a good seal when I tighten the bolt.  It will ease my paranoid thoughts of leaking oil.  Then I put on a hose clamp arounf the plug to keep it from rotating.  The fins on the pan will block the screw on the clamp.  That will ease my paranoid thought of loosing the plug when riding.  Addiction have to be treated.  I have to find ways to resist thatlast quarter turn!

[Ray Mooney]

I like the copper washer idea. I'm always afraid of stripping the drain plug bolt (I did it on my first bike, but never since), so I avoid the urge to over-tighten. On the other hand, I once read a post from a guy who lost his oil drain plug on a highway on-ramp, sprayed his rear tire with with oil and busted up himself and the bike pretty good. That story makes me want to tighten the crap out of it. Maybe the copper washer would relieve my anxiety.

[billincentraljersey]

I like the copper washer idea. I'm always afraid of stripping the drain plug bolt (I did it on my first bike, but never since), so I avoid the urge to over-tighten. On the other hand, I once read a post from a guy who lost his oil drain plug on a highway on-ramp, sprayed his rear tire with with oil and busted up himself and the bike pretty good. That story makes me want to tighten the crap out of it. Maybe the copper washer would relieve my anxiety.

That story could be an urban legend, but perfectly feasible.  That is what feeds my fear.  Don't forget the hose clamp around the plug.

Maybe I should drill and safety wire the plug AND the hose clamp ......