On Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:32:39 -0500, Doug Miller
wrote:

On 12/29/2011 5:57 PM, Steve B wrote:

WTF is the deal? It's a plug. Absolutely no torque during operation.
Maybe a little vibration, but that's all.

Like I said in my initial response to you: a torque wrench is used to
prevent overtightening. Tighten the drain plug a bit too much, ruin the
washer. Tighten it a lot too much, damage the threads in the pan.

Honda drain plugs have always been a featured defect.
The threads distort over time even when using specified torque.
That's just from reading about it.
Never did a Honda drain plug so I don't know if I would use a torque
wrench on it or not. Have to "feel" it first.
If it's best to use a torque wrench, I'd use one.
I've done countless drain plugs on GM, Ford and VW.
Always the same, snug finger tight, snug with the wrench until it
bottoms, then push a little.
A little is about 10-20 ft-lbs. Close enough.
How do I know? Because I never strip threads and it never leaks.
If it leaks it needs a new washer.
Only bought one new washer in my lifetime that I recall.
I've heard you can cut a piece from a beer can and use that for a
washer, but I never did it.
In the Navy I cut many gaskets from sheet material for low pressure
stuff.
But oil plug gaskets are so cheap it's not worth it unless you're in a
pinch.
Never use a wrench on a car oil filter either.
Lube the rubber washer, bottom it, then give it an 1/8 to quarter
turn.
By "bottom it" I mean both surfaces are fully in contact.
But I've got no problem using a torque wrench for some things.
Heads, manifolds, etc.
A lot of the new manifold plenums are plastic and crack if over
tightened.
My son broke 2 before he wised up.
Seems breaking just one should have sufficed, and that made me worry
about him.
Most of knowing what torque you're applying comes from the experience
of using different length wrenches on various fasteners.
And stripping fasteners before you learn.
I stripped plenty early on.

--Vic