General sump enquiry

[Mitching]

Right, I've got the sump off my car (eventually!)
I've peeled the old gasket from the sump and given the whole inside of it a wipe with some kitchen paper.
Do I need to do anything else, cleaning wise or general checks, before putting it back on?
And I couldn't find a torque wrench, is it absolutely vital that I torque the bolts when re-attaching the sump?

[Wayne]

Torque wrench is easier, if not available just try and tighten them the same but don't go mad.

[SoundillusioN]

Just add my 10 pence worth.

Never used a torque wrench on a on a sump, just make sure they are tight but not too tight.  Put a new gasket on and do the bolts up the same you would for a wheel, do one, then do the opposite side etc.

[AudiA8Quattro]

I don't think it is necessary to use a torque wrench on sump bolts. I have used a 1/4 drive rachet and just nip them up, they aren't that tight.

[mk2bal]

20nm is correct setting, which isn't exactly tight. Do them by hand and just 'nip' them up evenly and all should be fine, esp if using the rubber gasket rather than cork or the solid plastic type one. I'd also drop the pick up and blast that through, other than that just a wipe of the sump and it should all be good

[russ-vdub]

Yeh you'll be surprised how little 20nm actually is. When I first used a torque wrench i was shocked. Long and the short, they dont need to be wayne kerred up