LS Oil pan torque sequence refers to the specified way of torquing down the crankcase on LS engines.
Generally, when tightening oil pans, you have to guide all the bolts by hand before torqueing them with a torque wrench. Torqueing explains how deep the bolts and nuts should be. Here, we’ll explain the Chevy Ls oil pan sequence.
The torque sequence refers to tightening the crankcase with a torqueing wrench and ensuring the bolts and nuts are torqued logically. Following the torque sequence will help you avoid overtightening and prevent damaging the threads on the engine.
Why does torque sequence matter?
We cannot explain why the crankcase torque sequence matters without understanding it. Torque sequence is the logical way of torqueing bolts securely without damaging the threads or overtightening the bolts.
Therefore, it is essential since it can prevent you from damaging the engine and bolt threads. If you do not follow the right torqueing sequence, the bolts may not tight properly and cause oil leaks.
Primarily, manufacturers recommend torque sequence to minimize loss of pre-load in the bolt. If the pre-load is lost, it’ll be detrimental. By guiding the bolts by hand and following the LS2 oil pan torque sequence in your LS2 engine, the crankcase will sit and lap the engine properly. This, however, will ensure the bolt remains in good condition while eliminating any clearance that could cause oil leaks.
Read: LS1 vs. LS6 Engine: What’re the Differences
What’s the Ls oil pan torque sequence?
Since there are several LS engines, the Ls torque sequence for oil pan varies from vehicle to vehicle and engine types. Therefore, it is worth noting that the specifications may also vary from vehicle to vehicle.
To avoid damaging your engine crankcase bolt threads and save money from unnecessarily drilling the torqueing threads, you need to understand your crankcase LS torqueing sequence. You’ll find several ls torque sequences, such as the chevy Ls oil pan torque sequence and GM ls oil pan torque sequence.
- To tighten a new or loosened oil pan, first, tighten the crankcase drain plug.
- Guide the bolt by hand and tighten it to the recommended spec with a torque wrench and extension.
- After that, torque down the adapter that holds the engine oil filter to ¾ or to a full turn after contacting the crankcase.
- Tight the oil gallery on the crankcase
This is what you need to torque the crankcase on most LS engines. Let’s see the sequences on LS engines.
Read: LS3 vs. LS7 Engine: What’re the Differences?
LS2 oil pan torque sequence
You have to follow the Ls2 torque sequence when tightening the crankcase on your ls2 engines to ensure the bolts and drain plugs are properly secured. Follow the below guides.
- Torque down the camber bolts with a 14mm torque wrench. But first, secure the bolt into the crankcase base by hand.
- Tight the camber bolt by hand until they are tight and then torque it one turn with a wrench
- Tight the front crankcase bolts using a 14mm torque wrench.
- Torque the bolts evenly and ensure they are aligned with each other.
5.3 Oil pan torque sequence
To avoid experiencing difficulty in tightening a 5.3 crankcase or damaging the threads, follow the 5.3 oil pan torque sequence. This applies to most oil pan torque sequences.
Guide the bolts and tighten them by hand. After that, torque down the opposite center bolts. Next, torque the opposite bolts at one end and move to the other end. Continue in that sequence until you torque all the bolts. Finally, re-tighten them.
The engine front covers are 18 ft lbs, the cover’s back is 106 lbs., and the converter, bell housing, and gearbox covers are torqued down to 37 ft-lbs.
6.0 Ls oil pan torque sequence
Secure the crankcase by using 6.0 ls oil pan torque sequence if you own a 6.0 Ls engine. If you want to replace crankcase oil pan or clean it, follow the below guide.
- Park the vehicle on a leveled and solid pavement
- Drain the oil from the drain plug and unbolt the crankcase with the correct tools.
- After your work, torque the bolts by hand.
- Now, torque the 11 mm bolts to 13 Nm. Always tighten crankcase bolts using a crisscross pattern.
4.8 Ls oil pan torque sequence
Each ls engine has a specified torque sequence. So, you have to follow these sequences when working or replacing the crankcase. Here’s the 4.8 Ls oil pan torque sequence in the corresponding values you should follow when working on your 4.8 Ls crankcase.
- 10 Nm
- 22 Nm
- 30 Nm
- 40 Nm
- 50 Nm
Chevy Ls 5.7 torque sequence
Follow the below torquing values if you have a Chevy 5.7 Ls engine. This will prevent damage and enhance proper sealing.
- Start by tightening the bolts by hand.
- Tighten the 15mm bolts to 11 Nm.
- Tighten the 16mm bolts to 15 Nm.
- Secure the 18mm bolts to 20 Nm.
LS3 oil pan torque sequence
LS3 engine crankcase uses gaskets. If you do not follow the Ls3 oil pan torque sequence, there may be clearance that may cause oil leaks. Plus, overtightening them can wear the threads. Here is the specified torque sequence.
When losing the LS3 crankcase bolts, set the torque wrench to 14 to 16 Nm. Set the wrench to 16 to 18 when tightening the bolts. Do not forget to follow a crisscross pattern when tightening the bolts.
Also Read LS Engine Firing Order – Explained
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Q: What is the torque spec on the oil pan bolts?
Several car manufacturers have different oil pan torque sequences. Therefore, you have to stick to your manufacturer’s specifications when torqueing your crankcase bolts. For instance, the Toyota 2TR-FE oil pan torque rate is 27 Nm, while the 6.0 Chevy engines are 8 to 28 Nm, depending on the area you’re torqueing.
Q: What are the torque sequence and torque?
Torque sequence or bolt tightening sequence is the right procedure for tightening bolts on any component. This includes how to torque the bolts, the depth of the tightening, which one to tight first, which to follow, and which to tight last. On the contrary, torque is the depth of the bolt without explaining the order you should tighten them.
Q: How tight should oil pan be?
The crankcase drain plug should be tight by hand. After that, turn it a ¾ or 1 full turn with a socket and extension. Similarly, the surround bolts that hold the crankcase in place should be tight enough to prevent crankcase vibration and oil leaks. However, ensure you do not overtighten it. Overtightening it could lead to wearing of the threads and more.
Q: What can happen if too much or too little torque is applied?
Applying insufficient torque on a bolt will prevent it from offering enough clamping force to hold the crankcase in place. This will eventually cause oil leaks, which can be catastrophic if you do not notice it on time.
On the other hand, over-torquing the bolts can wear out the bolt and engine threads. And it can also break the bolt, preventing you from tightening that very spot. If this happens, the crankcase will not sit evenly and properly secured, leading to engine oil leaks.
And the solution will be to re-thread the hole in the engine and replace the bolts.
Final Words
Following the Ls oil pan torque sequence are essential as it prevents applying too much or too little force when torqueing the crankcase bolts. Aside from the crankcase, if you want your car to run effectively and smoothly, you have to understand the various torque sequence of your car, especially DIYers.
It can be unnerving to figure out the crankcase torqueing sequence when replacing or cleaning the pan. Having a service technician do it will be much faster without any hassle. However, you can save that extra bucks by doing the job yourself and learning the torque sequence.
