4.3L oil pan dipstick tube fitting & Manifolds

[wshekar]

All,

I have been getting rid of some oil leaks this offseason. One of the leaks is at the oil pan to dipstick tube fitting. I replaced the gasket and was torquing the fitting down when the fitting broke at the treads (part # 807804). I was at about 8 ft-lb. I am not sure if the bolt was weak or if I went too high with the torque. I thought the manual stated 15 ft-lb should be used. What is the torque that is typically used for the fitting?

I also replaced the old batwing manifolds with the 2 piece setup. There are two plugs on either side of the manifold top surface. I used permatex 2B on the threads and tightened them down. Should they sit flat? They stopped screwing down at 35 ft-lb. I don't want to torque down too much and end up with a bigger problem. I did dry fit the riser and I don't see any interference. Maybe the plugs are ok where they are?

Happy New Year

 

[alldodge]

I also find 15 ft lb as the spec. Probably a defect in the fitting manufacture

I would not worry about if they are flat, just snug down so they don't leak. Not sure of the spec but I just torque by feel and don't torque them down hard, just not needed. If they start to leak after install would be my only cause to apply a slight bit more torque

 

[Scott Danforth]

pipe plugs never sit flush

agree that the fitting probably had an issue. if it was brass vs bronze and used, it may have suffered dezincification.

 

[wshekar]

I think you are right. I never torque the drain plug in the truck after an oil change, just go by feel. I'll probably do the same here.

The fitting was original to the boat and may have been weakened over the years. The surface on the oil pan is flat and I have a new gasket for the fitting.

Thank you Scott for the assurance on the plugs. I will just make sure there is no interference with the riser.