Buy Acura CL Engine Oil Drain Plugs

A good drain plug does just two jobs: seals the pan and lets you empty it at oil-change time. Acura engineers call for a steel M14 × 1.5 plug with a 17 mm hex head and a soft crush washer that flattens to make the seal each time you tighten it. (Mdxers) Over- or under-torquing can cause leaks or stripped threads, so it's vital to hit the 29 lb-ft target. (The Track Ahead, CRV Owners Club)

• 1997-1999 Acura CL (2.2 L & 3.0 L)
• 2001-2003 Acura CL & CL Type-S (3.2 L J32A1/J32A2)
  These years share Honda's J-series block and thus the same M14 × 1.5 plug used on many Honda/Acura V-6s-including TL, RL, MDX, and some Odyssey vans-making cross-compatibility high. (Mdxers, OdyClub)

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Standard plugs are plated steel for strength, but many owners swap to magnetic steel or titanium versions that catch tiny iron filings the filter misses, helping engines stay cleaner. (Buildjournal, Reddit) Always pair the plug with a fresh aluminum or copper crush washer; re-using the washer risks seepage. (CRV Owners Club)

1. Warm the engine, raise the car safely, and place a pan under the oil pan.
2. Loosen the drain bolt with a 17 mm wrench and let oil flow.
3. Wipe the bolt, slide on a new crush washer, and hand-start threads.
4. Tighten to 29 lb-ft with a torque wrench-no more, no less. (The Track Ahead)
5. Refill with 4.6 qt (4.4 L) of 5W-30 or 0W-20, start the engine, leak-check, and recycle the used oil.

• Every oil change: Replace washer and inspect bolt head for rounding.
• Every 60 k mi (100 k km): Replace the plug proactively if threads look worn.
• Stripped threads? A time-sert or oversize self-tapping plug can rescue the pan without removal. (OdyClub, Acurazine)

• Drips after oil change - usually an old or flipped washer or under-torqued bolt. (Acurazine)
• Rounded bolt head - using a 6-point socket prevents this; replace if corners are gone. (Honda Tech)
• Stripped pan threads - caused by over-tightening; fix with a helicoil or oversize kit. (Scribd)

Magnetic drain bolts, billet-aluminum low-profile plugs, and quick-drain valves all fit the M14 × 1.5 port. They add convenience or extra wear-particle control but still require the 29 lb-ft torque and a fresh washer. (Amazon, JHPUSA)

Never dump used oil; one gallon can foul a million gallons of fresh water. (US EPA) Store old oil in a sealed jug and drop it at your city's recycling center or auto-parts store; re-refining saves energy equal to 42 gallons of crude per gallon recycled. (US EPA)

Q: What socket fits the Acura CL oil-pan plug?
A: A 17 mm, six-point socket is the best match. (The Track Ahead)

Q: Is the torque really only 29 lb-ft?
A: Yes. Honda/Acura aluminum pans use that low spec; more force can strip threads. (ClubRSX, CRV Owners Club)

Q: Do I need a new crush washer every time?
A: Yes. The washer flattens to seal once; re-using it risks leaks.

Q: Will a magnetic plug void my warranty?
A: No-Honda/Acura make no restriction on magnetic plugs as long as size and torque match. (Buildjournal)

Q: What if the bolt head is rounded off?
A: Use locking pliers to remove it, then install a new plug and washer. (Honda Tech)

Q: My pan threads are damaged; options?
A: A helicoil or M14 × 1.5 oversize self-tapping plug repairs the hole without removing the pan. (OdyClub)

Q: Can I over-tighten "just to be safe"?
A: No-29 lb-ft is the safe limit. Extra force can crack the aluminum pan. (Acurazine)

Q: How often should I swap the whole plug?
A: If the threads are clean, the plug can last the life of the car; replace it if rusted, magnet weak, or head rounded. (The Track Ahead)

Q: Does a magnetic plug replace the oil filter?
A: No. It only catches tiny iron bits; you still need a quality filter. (Reddit)

Q: Where do I recycle the old oil?
A: Most municipalities post drop-off sites on their website, and local garages usually accept up to five gallons at no charge. (US EPA)

With the right plug, fresh washer, and correct torque, your Acura CL's oil pan stays drip-free, and your V-6 stays happy mile after mile.