I know on the duramax we torqued the drain plug to 80 newton meters..but not sure about the 5.3

 

Never really thought about it. I've always just snugged it up good, but not cranked on...

I did a search, in hopes of answering the questions. I saw a range of 15-19 ft lbs...

...but most people said to tighten it by hand, and then give it a bit if a turn with the wrench (15mm) to snug it up.

 

I have always done what EK said, snug it up but don't crank on it. But I will admit over the years I have had some get loose and leak but didn't come out. Don't know if I didn't tighten it at all or not enough.

 

Agree with EK. One other thing, allways use a wrench. Better feel of the plug tightening, versus a ratchet.

 

Straight from the 2003 Silverado factory service manual, (5.3 L engine) tighten oil filter to 22ft.lbs (30Nm) and oil pan plug to 18ft. lbs(25Nm)

 

Fantastic! Thank you 2003Z71!

 

I have always torqued it to the german torque specification: Gutntight (good and tight). I put it in finger tight then maybe 1/8 turn more with a wrench. I've never had a problem with mine loosening, leaking or stripping. I am sure that there is an actual torque specification, but I have never seen it.

 

I agree with ASTE25, Gutentight! However now that I know there is a torque spec, and I have my torque wrench out most of the time anyway I'll use it. BTW I've never actually used a torque wrench on an oil filter, I'm leary of tightening it too much but maybe I should start; the last time I changed my oil I didn't get the filter tight enough due to the oil drips hanging on the bottom of the filter a few days later!

 

I've always been known for tightening the filters too much. Never had a problem with them, but people that had to change the oil after me didn't like trying to get them off. I never had a problem getting them off though. I just told them they were weak.

 

That's what they make screwdrivers and a hammer for, right???

 

I didn't know those were seperate tools. I thought it was a two piece filter wrench. lol.

 

Just changed my oil and used the torque specs listed above. First time I've used a torque wrench for it, that way the money is an investment and I didn't buy a torque wrench because I wanted a new toy.

 

Agree with EK. One other thing, allways use a wrench. Better feel of the plug tightening, versus a ratchet.

dude that's good advice. i never thought about tightening it with a wrench instead of ratchet

 

Last time I changed my oil, I had to buy a filter wrench and damn-near stripped it getting the old filter off. Apparently the guy I bought the truck from had the oil changed at Jiffy Lube last, according to the windshield sticker. I'd rather do it myself so I know it was done right. And if it's done in 10 minutes, it wasn't done right.

 

^^^^ THAT.
If you are in and out in 10 minutes, the oil did not even have time to completely drain, let alone have a complete inspection. Even with 3 people working on it. It's not a damn pit stop! :lol:
And there is no need to put an oil filter on that tight. 3/4 of a turn past the point where the gasket first touches the engine. basically, you can do that with your hand. Anymore is just asking for later problems.

 

Straight from the 2003 Silverado factory service manual, (5.3 L engine) tighten oil filter to 22ft.lbs (30Nm) and oil pan plug to 18ft. lbs(25Nm)

Those are the specs I have

 

I've always been known for tightening the filters too much. Never had a problem with them, but people that had to change the oil after me didn't like trying to get them off. I never had a problem getting them off though. I just told them they were weak.

i have the same problem.. i call them a bunch of panzies too :lol:

 

^^^^ THAT.
If you are in and out in 10 minutes, the oil did not even have time to completely drain, let alone have a complete inspection. Even with 3 people working on it. It's not a damn pit stop! :lol:
And there is no need to put an oil filter on that tight. 3/4 of a turn past the point where the gasket first touches the engine. basically, you can do that with your hand. Anymore is just asking for later problems.

Exactly. I let it get to a drip and flush it with a quart of new oil. Then after that's back to dripping, I'll change the filter. New filter goes on snug, hand tight. Plug back in and refill. Takes about a good 45 minutes.