bagsbie

Can someone, please, provide the correct torque setting on the drain plug for RX330?

hesham1

30 ft/lb i believe but i bet most lexus dealers dont even use a torque wrench on the drain plug, its just not necessary

salimshah

I dont have the manual for 330, but typically the range is 28~30lb-ft for various Lexus.

Make sure, you use a new crush washer, with a drop of oil on both flat surfaces. [also make sure the old, washer is removed .... some how in the SC the washer always remains attached to the pan for me].

In a pinch, you can re-use the old washer and tighten by feel only. If you have the wrench, then do use it ... there is plenty of clearance and you eliminate a the possibility of stripping the threads. [the primary reason for stripped threads is cross threading and not over-tightening].

Salim
5,4,3,2,1

bagsbie

Thanks. Yeah, I got a new washer with the filter.

mws4ua

Use a socket w/o the wrench until you can't 'finger tighten' any more, then use the wrench and turn it 1/4 to 1/2 turn more. Getting the appropriate torque for an oil drain plug is a waste of effort.

+1 on the washer... or get yourself one of these. The one for our vehicles (or any Toyota) is the F-103 or F-103N. I have one on my truck and it's great. I'll be putting one on my wife's RX when I change her oil in 3k more miles.

bagsbie

That's an interesting concept for a drain plug/valve. I might invest in one of those. Thanks for the information.

tromly

Never saw this product, I have to check it out, looks like changing the oil just got alot easier!!

harleydjce

I have one of these on my RX350 and on my other car.

Makes changing oil a breeze!

Well worth the small cost.

mws4ua

Glad I could help. You'll love it.

mandyfig

How much are those oil drain valves?

mandyfig

$23 for a ball valve....I might need to do some investigating. I will check on regular fluid valves. Might not be as compact though.

But must change over to this type of drain. MUST. Trying to not get oil all over the place will be a giner....thanks.

mws4ua

I would certainly be interested if you find one for less.

IMO - Some of the advantages of this one are that it fits the drain-hole exactly, and it can come w/ the nipple for a hose attachment. Plus, it's made to hang under a car... it's not easy to open the valve, which would keep debris from knocking it open. (This doesn't matter a whole lot for the RX b/c it has the brush guard anyway, but it's pretty useful for my truck.)

With that said, let us know if you can find a less-expensive alternative. I have about 4k miles before I need one to install on the RX.

968racer

I know quite a few guys that use a Mityvac to suck the oil out through the dip stick as a cleaner way to change oil. No need to mess with the drain plug.

harleydjce

Not just a ball valve. The mechanism is designed to prevent accidentally triggering the valve if it hits something. It is, after all, on the underside of your vehicle where it can come into contact with obstructions.

mandyfig

In our case, the valve is covered by the undercover plastic. Good for us but for those exposed, different story. Ball valve has the same shut off as the one depicted. But probably has a lock.