456 first oil change, torque | FerrariChat

456 first oil change, torque

Discussion in '456/550/575' started by No Quarter, Sep 29, 2025.

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  1. No Quarter

    No Quarter Karting

    Dec 29, 2016
    114
    Denmark
    Full Name:
    Michael
    When reinstalling the lower pan oil plug, I screwed it in finger tight, and was then ready to use a tool to add 1-2mm from the other end of the tool, but the plug just broke in two before I applied any kind of pressure. :eek:

    I've ordered a new one (both plugs in fact).

    Normal? The result of previous owner/mechanic being too tough on it?

    No official torque recommendations? I never need that for filters, but for the plug, I would prefer if available

    (the broken part came out easily)
     
  2. No Quarter

    No Quarter Karting

    Dec 29, 2016
    114
    Denmark
    Full Name:
    Michael
    Just to add, the spin on filters were extremely tight. Somebody must have confused their mechanics job with the gym...
     
  3. Aerosurfer

    Aerosurfer Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Nov 21, 2020
    1,945
    Indianapolis
    Full Name:
    Nick
    Wow... they aren't exactly plastic plugs, someone really wanted that thing to stay on. Hopefully threads are ok and no other surprises.
     
    No Quarter likes this.
  4. No Quarter

    No Quarter Karting

    Dec 29, 2016
    114
    Denmark
    Full Name:
    Michael
    Further examination:
    Thankfully threads in oil pan are like new. So it's "only" a broken oil plug. But, I know I didn't break it, it must have had a crack since last oil change, so I was quite close to a small disaster, maybe. Looking at the plug, it being hollow and the "hollowness" is so deep it goes into the head, it looks like a very weak construction.

    So, would I get peace-of-mind from installing a new plug just like it? No. I'm sure that is done successfully all the time, but... So I decided to do something else, that would give me peace-of-mind. I found a steel plug, drilled the head, made a small bracket on nearby oil pan stud, and safety wired it. That means I don't need to tighten excessively to make sure it stays in place.

    Overkill? Probably. But it's what racers do, and I like it...:cool:
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    MacNugget and tantumaude like this.
  5. No Quarter

    No Quarter Karting

    Dec 29, 2016
    114
    Denmark
    Full Name:
    Michael
    Got to the part where I fill new oil on. The fancy Ferrari lid, it says FUEL inside, should I worry about that? My fuel cap says the same...
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  6. tazandjan

    tazandjan Three Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jul 19, 2008
    39,341
    Clarksville, Tennessee
    Full Name:
    Terry H Phillips
    Good news is gasoline is a lot rougher on seals than oil, so likely just the type of seal that is also fuel proof.
     
  7. fatbillybob

    fatbillybob Two Time F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner

    Aug 10, 2002
    29,317
    socal
    When changing things always ask why. The OE brass works fine and you get less electrolytic corrosion brass/aluminum vs. steel/aluminum. This might be a complete non-issue. I do not know but I do know the OE brass plug is pretty bullet proof. I have never seen one break until yours. I'm a racer and always wire my nuts and my oil filters too. Also, something that is coming out every 6 months I'd rather have soft metal on soft metal. Food for thought.
     
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