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GS1000EC: Oil pan drain bolt

p248

Forum Newbie
Can anyone tell me the correct tightening torque for the M14 oil pan drain bolt on my 1978 Suzuki GS1000EC (ie chain drive version)?

I’ve got the factory workshop manual, the Haynes manual, and the owner’s handbook; the torque setting isn’t given in any of them. A Google search suggests anything from 12 ft.lb to 29 ft.lb.

I’ve owned the bike from new, and have changed the oil for 47 years without using a torque wrench on the drain bolt. Yesterday I used one for for the first time, set to 14ft.lb (I double checked the setting), and the threads in the oil pan stripped!

[Edited to correct “2018 Suzuki GS1000EC” to “1978 Suzuki GS1000EC”]
 
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Gey a +1 plug at auto parts store. Supposed to be self tapping but ive found taking a little bit out of the old threads helps with the process. Or replace the pan..
 
Thanks Chuck, but I’ve managed to get hold of a replacement oil pan with a good thread in the drain hole. I want to know the correct torque setting so I don’t mess it up like the old one.
 
I've looked at several manuals and have not found a torque setting for the oil pan drain bolt. Most read something akin to "Re-install oil drain screw, securely", without even a mention of the gasket (aluminium crush washer). I always just tighten it till I can feel the crush washer crush. Also, like you, one time, I did overtighten and stripped out the threads. Also, like you, I bought a new pan with good hole/threads.

Lesson: trust your "47 years without using a torque wrench"
 
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Keep the old one and do the plus 1 to it and keep it as a backup. Hopefully it will never be needed but youll have one if needed.
 
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