Oil drain plug leak (gasket, sell, replace, rim) - Automotive -Sports cars, sedans, coupes, SUVs, trucks, motorcycles, tickets, dealers, repairs, gasoline, drivers... - City-Data Forum

frecny · 05-25-2011, 07:34 PM

I went for an oil change with my mechanic and while he was doing it he told me the plug was hard to get out and back in.

I noticed that it developed a small drip from the plug and brought it back to my mechanic. He tightened it a bit more, but didn't want to over tighten it. It has a copper washer and is probably the original plug with the car. What needs to be done now?

Narfcake · 05-25-2011, 07:47 PM

Replace the plug (a few bucks), the copper gasket (ring, washer, whatever you want to call it), and have the threads in the pan rechased.

Being tight getting in and out sounds like it got cross-threaded.

You didn't happen to take it to a quickie-lube place the previous time, did you?

frecny · 05-25-2011, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Narfcake

Replace the plug (a few bucks), the copper gasket (ring, washer, whatever you want to call it), and have the threads in the pan rechased.

Being tight getting in and out sounds like it got cross-threaded.

You didn't happen to take it to a quickie-lube place the previous time, did you?

I never take it to a quick lube place, I know better

The car is older, so I understand it may just be worn out.

Does retapping and replacing the washer and plug always work? I don't want to have to replace the whole oil pan for something so simple.

Nativechief · 05-25-2011, 08:39 PM

They make a self taping drain plug which will often stug down and not leak when you have marred threads in the pan. If the leak isnt that bad first you may want to use a new plug gasket that is softer than the metal one and use Teflon tape on the threads. If it still has a drip maybe a used pan is the answer, If you are going to sell the car (maybe I shouldn't say it) but the leak can be stopped with dome good ole marine epoxy putty but I wouldn't want to be around when the next owner does his first oil change,,,lol

jtur88 · 05-26-2011, 01:03 PM

Wouldn't it work to insert a washer made of soft metal or synthetic material, to snug up the seal? If the rim of the bolt cap made a tight seal against the surface of the pan, aided by a soft washer, it wouldn't matter if any oil could work through the compromised threads, because you're closing the avenue of escape beyond the threads.

Nativechief · 05-26-2011, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtur88

Wouldn't it work to insert a washer made of soft metal or synthetic material, to snug up the seal? If the rim of the bolt cap made a tight seal against the surface of the pan, aided by a soft washer, it wouldn't matter if any oil could work through the compromised threads, because you're closing the avenue of escape beyond the threads.

Yes this may work and for sure it needs to be tried before anything else is done. .Along with a new washer the tape will help the worn thread get a better grip.

TheViking85 · 05-26-2011, 01:36 PM

Could be that the oil pan is warped, wouldn't be the first time someone's tightened the bolt too much and caused a leak.

A thicker/softer washer might work for that too though.

ferretkona · 05-26-2011, 01:38 PM

You do not mention what kind of car this is. Volvos use a copper washer on the drain bolt and needs to be replaced on each oil change.

frecny · 05-26-2011, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ferretkona

You do not mention what kind of car this is. Volvos use a copper washer on the drain bolt and needs to be replaced on each oil change.

It's a GM 3.8L V6

gbugmiami · 05-26-2011, 07:37 PM

On my car you are supposed to change that washer every oil change. No one does of course, but ive changed it out a couple of times.

DONT overtighten it instead of changing the washer out!!

Its a couple bucks at the dealer or a flaps, but you need to know roughly which size you need or maybe they can look it up.