oil filter cap screw torque - o ring and crush washer

[Jeff Saline]

On Wed, 18 Jun 2008 06:36:20 -0000 "dave.rogoski" writes:

> does anyone know the reccomended torque for the two screws/bolts that > > hold the cap on the oil filter cover? > > Also - I keep reading about the O ring needed when changing oil - > what > O ring are they talking about? I didn't see any O ring? > > Also, I keep seeing folks refer to the aluminum crush washer? I > just > did my first oil draining and there was no washer on the oil drain > bold, is this the normal stock bolt or is mine missing?

<><><><><><><><><><> <><><><><><><><><><> Dave, Some fasteners just don't really need a torque value. Cam caps and valve cover bolts do but I'm comfortable is saying the oil cover bolts don't. : ) But I'll make a guess that if you wanted to torque them 71 inch pounds would be a good value. If you tighten them until they are just snug (hold the ratchet or wrench at the pivot point and use two fingers and a thumb to get snug) you should be just fine. Do not treat them like a spark plug with a new gasket and turn them 1/4 turn after they are finger tight. Don already mentioned the o-ring on the cover. That is what does the sealing in this application and the bolts only hold the cover in place. You can get a new o-ring at the dealer for a bit under $5 last time I checked. Or you could order a Fram filter, part number is CH6070 I think and it comes with a new o-ring. Actually it comes with two o-rings but only one fits the KLR. I've use the same o-ring on my KLR for the last 24,9xx miles. If you just wipe it clean each use it should last a long long time. There should be a sealing washer of some sort on the drain plug. Maybe it's covered with mud or goop. It may also be stuck so well to the drain plug that you think it's part of the plug. I quit using the stock aluminum washer a long time ago and replaced it with the NAPA soft washer which is 12mm. Part number at NAPA is 704-1371. Cost is about a dollar. It fits all years and models of the KLR with a stock size drain plug. A couple of advantages to this gasket over the stock aluminum washer is it is reusable and seals well with less torque on the drain plug. I put mine at snug and have never had a problem with it loosening. I sometimes check it when checking other fasteners and it's never leaked or been loose. I think folks run into problems using the aluminum washer as many don't replace it after each use. And for some it continues to seal and work ok. But sometimes it doesn't seal so well and then a guy might overtorque the drain plug trying to stop a drip. And in the process of overtorquing the drain plug they might damage the drain plug threads in the engine case. Since it sounds like this might be an interesting oil filter situation did you have the tube in the center of the oil filter? Do you have a maintenance manual? If not and you are considering getting one I suggest the Clymer's versus the factory manual and supplement. I find it easier to use. Best, Jeff Saline ABC # 4412 South Dakota Airmarshal Airheads Beemer Club www.airheads.org The Beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota 75 R90/6, 03 KLR650, 79 R100RT ____________________________________________________________ Summer Spa Sweepstakes Enter for your chance to WIN a Summer Spa Vacation! http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/JKFkuJi7UbewfUnhAXJsiOG4p3wauK9CKinsfwdglh9bv5ebbeqDI4/