Oil Filter and Oil Drain Bolt - Ninja 250

[victorbrca]

So I was doing my oil change yesterday and I noticed that when tightening the bolts, it felt that I was going too far (manual says 14.5 ft/lbs). So I decided to check my torque wrench and its completely off.

Borrowed a friends wrench today and it looks like I went up to 21.6 ft/lbs. Anyone with experience on the 250s know if that's too much? If I might be looking at having to repair that?

Don't know if there are any leaks as of yet. Will start putting the new oil now.

[Brian P]

What's done is done. Don't try to change it until the next oil change interval. At the next oil change interval, buy a new drain plug and a new gasket and see what happens.

[W8INLINE]

What Brian said... I did something similar to my 250...but only went up to 18ft/lbs. Left it till next oil change...everything was ok... I wouldnt sweat it. Get yourself a torque wrench for next time.

[LoneRonin]

you'll be fine...those are just guidelines, nothing is gonna happen if you over torqued a drain plug a few extra lbs.

[boooya]

you'll be fine...those are just guidelines, nothing is gonna happen if you over torqued a drain plug a few extra lbs.

Not really... Over tighten a "HOT" aluminum pan with a steel drain plug and stripped threads are a very good possibility. Even by just a few lbs over, ive seen this a number of times.
Odds are op is good and like mentioned shouldnt worry about it till next oil change or unless its leaking.

[invictus43]

you'll be fine...those are just guidelines, nothing is gonna happen if you over torqued a drain plug a few extra lbs.

In some cases, you can consider the torque specs guidelines.. In other cases, the torque spec is very important. It's good to know when it is and when it isn't important. Rod and main bolts are extremely important..as are head bolts. Shift lever bolt..not so much..

[wormburner]

In 15 years of doing oil changes myself, I've never used a torque wrench. Just use a regular box wrench to the point where it's snug, then give it one extra quarter turn. Done. No leaks, no stripped threads.
I save the torque wrench for wheels and suspension components.

[victorbrca]

Thanks for all the replies. I did have a torque wrench, but I found out it was not calibrated after I had already used.

I took it for a small ride yesterday and no leaks. Then took for a longer ride with high RPMs and also no leaks so far. So all should be ok.

[AF4iK]

Just use a regular box wrench to the point where it's snug, then give it one extra quarter turn. Done. No leaks, no stripped threads.
I save the torque wrench for wheels and suspension components.

+1 I don't bother with the torque wrench for low torque applications unless it's mechanically crucial.

[invictus43]

+1 I don't bother with the torque wrench for low torque applications unless it's mechanically crucial.

I would only say that, based on the number of stripped drain plug fiascos, some ham-fisted people might be wise to check if what they THINK is appropriate really is appropriate. It takes a significant amount of torque to strip a drain plug..I have on idea what people think they're trying to do. There's very little pressure in the crankcase folks..you're basically sealing a hole in a bucket..it doesn't require a breaker bar!!

[RockerGuy]

you'll be fine...those are just guidelines, nothing is gonna happen if you over torqued a drain plug a few extra lbs.

+1
I agree

Not really... Over tighten a "HOT" aluminum pan with a steel drain plug and stripped threads are a very good possibility. Even by just a few lbs over, ive seen this a number of times.
Odds are op is good and like mentioned shouldnt worry about it till next oil change or unless its leaking.

I'm curious why those manufacturers do not "hollow" out the bolt so when someone over torque it, the bolt will snap instead of busting the threads.

My car has that. I think my bike has a hollowed out bolt with a magnet in the middle.

I save the torque wrench for wheels and suspension components.

On the contrary, I use my torque wrench for engine covers & drain plugs

[RetroGrouch]

Don't why you need a torque wrench for a drain plug, I have never used one and never had a leaking problem.

[DoubleJ]

+ on that.

[boooya]

Don't why you need a torque wrench for a drain plug, I have never used one and never had a leaking problem.

Because not everyone is mechanicaly inclined. Most dont know how to tighten by feel, this is the tech generation remember .

[wormburner]

Most dont know how to tighten by feel, this is the tech generation remember .

This makes me sad.
Not passing judgement.
Just sad.