Leaking oil drain plug ??
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 122
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From: NJ
Leaking oil drain plug ??
I've noticed a lot of oil spots on my driveway. Looking under the truck, it seems to be coming from the drain plug. The spots are relatively small; the oil was just changed about two months ago; and it's not low at all. There do not seem to be any oil leaks under the hood or on the pan itself, so I'm guessing it's just the plug.
If it's just the drain plug, can I just get a new one somewhere (other than the dealership)? And should I just wait until the next oil change to replace it?
If it's just the drain plug, can I just get a new one somewhere (other than the dealership)? And should I just wait until the next oil change to replace it?
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,006
Likes: 1
From: AL, Reform
you should be able to get a new washer to go on it.
have you looked in the valley of the motor? oil or fuel will run down the back of the motor and drip from the plug. most oil leaks are top side of the motor.
have you looked in the valley of the motor? oil or fuel will run down the back of the motor and drip from the plug. most oil leaks are top side of the motor.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 1
You could get rid of the plug all together. The first mod I do to all of my trucks is a Fumoto oil drain valve.
http://www.qwikvalve.com/?gclid=COG5...FbAHRQodzU9vOw
I love them. Throw a 5 gallon bucket under it, move the clip and turn the lever. It usually takes 15 minutes to drain completely but I use that time to look the truck over or just be lazy on the creeper.
I used to worry about some one hitting the drain and dumping the oil, but really. I have to think you would notice 3-4 gallons of oil on the ground. They sell a spring clip that you can put on it if your worried. I have the clips on both of my trucks. The guy that bought my other truck was like wow, I am going to have to put these on the rest of my trucks.
The plug on my Cummins used to leak all the time, I would put a smear of sensor safe (orange) RTV right around the base of the plug just above the gasket. that way it never makes it inside the pan, but still helps seal it up. I did it that way for a year and then got the Fumoto. That was over 11 years ago though.
http://www.qwikvalve.com/?gclid=COG5...FbAHRQodzU9vOw
I love them. Throw a 5 gallon bucket under it, move the clip and turn the lever. It usually takes 15 minutes to drain completely but I use that time to look the truck over or just be lazy on the creeper.
I used to worry about some one hitting the drain and dumping the oil, but really. I have to think you would notice 3-4 gallons of oil on the ground. They sell a spring clip that you can put on it if your worried. I have the clips on both of my trucks. The guy that bought my other truck was like wow, I am going to have to put these on the rest of my trucks.The plug on my Cummins used to leak all the time, I would put a smear of sensor safe (orange) RTV right around the base of the plug just above the gasket. that way it never makes it inside the pan, but still helps seal it up. I did it that way for a year and then got the Fumoto. That was over 11 years ago though.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,837
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Second the Fumoto. I had a leaking plug and the Fumoto sealed it right up and oil changes are much easier now, too.
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Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,951
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From: Gary,Indiana
Christine I thought my drain plug was leaking but it ended up being the flange for the oil dipstick tube was leaking. Or should I say it is still leaking.
But I would start by taking a paper towel and wiping it dry to make sure it isn't dripping down the sides. The flange for the oil dipstick tube is on the right side of the oil pan. Check that also. I hope it is only the oil drain plug gasket.
Take Care
But I would start by taking a paper towel and wiping it dry to make sure it isn't dripping down the sides. The flange for the oil dipstick tube is on the right side of the oil pan. Check that also. I hope it is only the oil drain plug gasket.
Take Care
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Those copper compression washers are meant to be torqued to spec. and replaced each time. If not, they leak or you have to over-tighten them. You can get a hard plastic washer from Auto Zone or other parts houses that fit the bolt and cost under $1.00. They can be re-used over and over again. Several auto makers use this technology so when you go to the dealer for an oil change, they include the bolt and washer with the price.
Good Luck!
Good Luck!
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 18,849
Likes: 179
From: Puget Sound
Those copper compression washers are meant to be torqued to spec. and replaced each time. If not, they leak or you have to over-tighten them. You can get a hard plastic washer from Auto Zone or other parts houses that fit the bolt and cost under $1.00. They can be re-used over and over again. Several auto makers use this technology so when you go to the dealer for an oil change, they include the bolt and washer with the price.
Good Luck!
Good Luck!
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,135
Likes: 0
From: Brinklow Md
I agree, get a flashlight and start checking things out. I had the same thing happen to me turned out it was/is my HPOP.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,793
Likes: 50
Christine I thought my drain plug was leaking but it ended up being the flange for the oil dipstick tube was leaking. Or should I say it is still leaking.
But I would start by taking a paper towel and wiping it dry to make sure it isn't dripping down the sides. The flange for the oil dipstick tube is on the right side of the oil pan. Check that also. I hope it is only the oil drain plug gasket.
Take Care
But I would start by taking a paper towel and wiping it dry to make sure it isn't dripping down the sides. The flange for the oil dipstick tube is on the right side of the oil pan. Check that also. I hope it is only the oil drain plug gasket.
Take Care
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,549
Likes: 14
From: Payson, AZ
I thought I had a flange leak but it turned out to be just the dipstick tube o-ring that seals the tube where it fits into the flange.
Dieselorings.com
It started leaking right after I did the CCV Mod. Coincidence
.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,793
Likes: 50
Ed,
I thought I had a flange leak but it turned out to be just the dipstick tube o-ring that seals the tube where it fits into the flange.
Dieselorings.com
It started leaking right after I did the CCV Mod. Coincidence.
I thought I had a flange leak but it turned out to be just the dipstick tube o-ring that seals the tube where it fits into the flange.
Dieselorings.com
It started leaking right after I did the CCV Mod. Coincidence
.
, or from all the dried up mud underneath that helped "hide" the leak . Have yet to take a good look at it, to decide if its the o-ring or gasket
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,549
Likes: 14
From: Payson, AZ
Payson, believe it or not, mine seemed to had sprung the leak, at the same time, along with some tapping noise i never had heard, when purchasing the truck.., or from all the dried up mud underneath that helped "hide" the leak . Have yet to take a good look at it, to decide if its the o-ring or gasket
, or from all the dried up mud underneath that helped "hide" the leak . Have yet to take a good look at it, to decide if its the o-ring or gasket