I changed my oil today and decided to finally install the Quick Drain that I bought several months ago (for about $30) and I broke it! Dang...
I have debated with myself about installing this thing on my oil tank as it just did not look like as strong and reliable a piece as the steel drain plug.
The torque spec for the steel drain plug is 18.5 ft-lb and I set my wrench for 17 ft-lb and started tightening. Well before reaching the set point I felt it yield. You know that feeling. Anyway, it backed out OK and I installed the steel plug and safetied it.
Looking at the brass quick drain, you can see there is not much material to handle that kind of torque. In the pictures you can see that it broke right at the base of the threads next to the gasket.
Another view:
The point of this thread is to caution those who might be using this type of drain valve. It did not come with torque specs and the Rotax washer that was furnished with the valve may not seal well at lower than the Rotax torque spec. In that regard I don't plan to do any further research to find out if I made a mistake in installing it because I don't intend to use one now.
Obviously this part is in a critical location! Use care.
Tony
I have debated with myself about installing this thing on my oil tank as it just did not look like as strong and reliable a piece as the steel drain plug.
The torque spec for the steel drain plug is 18.5 ft-lb and I set my wrench for 17 ft-lb and started tightening. Well before reaching the set point I felt it yield. You know that feeling. Anyway, it backed out OK and I installed the steel plug and safetied it.
Looking at the brass quick drain, you can see there is not much material to handle that kind of torque. In the pictures you can see that it broke right at the base of the threads next to the gasket.
Another view:
The point of this thread is to caution those who might be using this type of drain valve. It did not come with torque specs and the Rotax washer that was furnished with the valve may not seal well at lower than the Rotax torque spec. In that regard I don't plan to do any further research to find out if I made a mistake in installing it because I don't intend to use one now.
Obviously this part is in a critical location! Use care.
Tony