oil filter housing cover 'tightness'

[Qsilver7]

Since some of us seem to be confessing our "foolish" forgoing torque wrench sins...I too have skipped using it on two things...in particular are the plastic oil filter reservoir cap, and the plastic expansion tank bleed screw.

For some reason, I feel confident in my cognitive reasoning...knowing that these two items are made of plastic, they both have a simple gasket to help contain its contents, and an innate sense that I can reasonably assume that I've tightened it enough or close to torque spec based on that I've seemingly have gotten it correct over the decades because I've never ruined either nor had leaks from them.

[Riggodeaux]

Since this has turned into a confessional thread, I'll join Qsilver7 and admit to having, more than once, committed the venal sin of tightening a BMW oil filter without using a torque wrench, instead trusting to the automotive blasphemy of the one-quarter turn. I have also sinned with Mercedes oil filters and even the fuel filter on 7.3L Ford diesel trucks. That said, I have seen the error of my ways and, having purchased the ubiquitous cheap Harbor Freight torque wrench, repented and heard, and felt, the sweet salvation of a torque wrench "click" on oil filter caps. I once was lost, but now I'm found ....

[TiAgX5]

OK everyone.

The comment on torque wrench useage was directed toward OP (omodos).

He has initated several threads on repairing items on his X that should have been done using a torque wrench (mirrors, door handle carriers, window regulators........)

Many of these items are made from soft materals (light alloys and plastics), and are easy to break with excessive torque.

Seeing OP is not a "oil change" only DIYer, I was directing the comment to him, it might be time to get the correct tool.

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

OK everyone.

The comment on torque wrench useage was directed toward OP (omodos).

Oh no...don't take it back now. Let "shame" do what it's intended to do...move those of us that have done wrong...back to a place of doing right...or at least thinking twice before doing wrong (perhaps even again).

Don't let our sins push you back from your stance. You were right, and we are the ones taking chances. It's better to do the right thing, than get away with doing the wrong thing, right?

For me, it was cathartic to purge my "torque sins" in the midst of others doing the same (perhaps confessing with others made me feel less shameful). I'm sure the others may have the same testimony...the confession was a cleansing flood for my soul...not the prideful boast of getting away with it.

I feel much better.

[X5SND]

While I completely agree a torque wrench is something every DIY'er should have in their arsenal (actually, multiple units for the various drive sizes) for items as trivial as changing the oil....just use some friggin common sense.

[TiAgX5]

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

Oh no...don't take it back now. Let "shame" do what it's intended to do...move those of us that have done wrong...back to a place of doing right...or at least thinking twice before doing wrong (perhaps even again).

Don't let our sins push you back from your stance. You were right, and we are the ones taking chances. It's better to do the right thing, than get away with doing the wrong thing, right?

For me, it was cathartic to purge my "torque sins" in the midst of others doing the same (perhaps confessing with others made me feel less shameful). I'm sure the others may have the same testimony...the confession was a cleansing flood for my soul...not the prideful boast of getting away with it.

I feel much better.

[powers1]

Originally Posted by X5SND

While I completely agree a torque wrench is something every DIY'er should have in their arsenal (actually, multiple units for the various drive sizes) for items as trivial as changing the oil....just use some friggin common sense.

Nicely put
Not just DIYer ,even at the Bmw dealers, common sense is used!

Imperative to use a torque wrench on the drain plug but on the oil fiter housing?Its plastic ,cant break it ,it seals with "o" ring ..its 36mm size !!(3.0D).
36mm nut,I am used to torque 300Nms plus

Omodos ,must have had his answer straight away ,sinced he hasnt said anything

[Riggodeaux]

I don't know about you back-sliders, but I'm with Qsilver7. Amen, brother, preach it!

[beamertruck]

Apply excessive torque can not only break parts, but for things like oil drain plugs, filter housings (for carswith elements instead of screw on filters) spark plugs (thats a big one) and basically every other engine, trans and suspension piece i torque to spec. Oil drain plugs and such ive basically got a feel for since ive been doing this for so long, but when it comes to motors and transmissions I use the snap on tq wrench no ifs ands or buts.

[romeokc10]

Originally Posted by X5SND

While I completely agree a torque wrench is something every DIY'er should have in their arsenal (actually, multiple units for the various drive sizes) for items as trivial as changing the oil....just use some friggin common sense.

I've broken things before trying get them to spec, and I have four torque wrenches. For things like changing your oil and such I just use the good ole' calibrated elbow method (common sense), it has never failed me.