93 loyale engine coolant drain plugs

[frankf3]

Good afternoon good people. I have a problem. After completely draining and replacing the coolant I cannot get the 2 engine block drain plugs to stop leaking while the engine is running. I'm not sure if Subaru requires a special crush/compression washer, and I tried using an aluminum drain plug washer on the 14mm drain plugs, but they both still leak. I'm not sure of the correct torque on the plugs so I really don't want to overtighten them. Any suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks much.

[silverhelme]

Those plugs are supposed to be torqued to 46 to 54 Ft Lbs and yes you should replace the crush washer when you remove them although I have gotten away without doing it a couple of times but I did put silicone on the old washer.

[Bill90Loyale]

I don't have any reason to question the torque spec in the neighborhood of 55 foot lbs. All I know is I needed a breaker bar and a length of steel pipe on the big 14 mm allen wrench to remove mine. I would recommend the following if you want to do it right:

1. Use new washers if the plugs had washers to begin with (another dealer item)

2. Wrap the threads of the plugs with teflon plumbers tape.

 

Best is to use an allen socket with torque wrench.

 

What you want is tight enough not to leak, but not so tight that you strip the plug or tear a hole in your block.

The above worked for me.

 

For anyone who wants to know how tense this can get:

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=39838&highlight=coolant+drain+plugs

[frankf3]

Thanks much for the quick response. Yes, I too had to put an extension on my breaker bar in order to get the drain plugs loose. And holding my breathe the entire time. I will try your advice and use the silicone or teflon tape along with a new crush washer. Thanks again.