Folks... I wanted to ask for your opinion. I got an oil change done on Oct. E0th and since then, there is some oil leaking from the drain plug. It never leaked before. So... in your opinion, is it a gasket? The plug itself? It is a shame to have to drain the oil out but it will more than likely have to done in order to stop the leak. I hope you folks can guide me a little. I am currently in Mexico so I hope your opinions will help me get it fixed, correctly, the first time. By the way... the last oil change was not done in Mecico so please..... You know wgat I mean. It has nothing to do with the country. Thanks.

The leak....

 

Those composite oil pan drain plugs were known to leak. Very common issue. You can replace that pan with a metal OEM pan that takes a threaded oil drain plug (bolt). How bad is it leaking? If it's not too bad, keep driving on it and get the steel pan for next change. Maybe someone who knows more will chime in.

 

I can't offer any help on what might be the problem since I have no experience with that oil pan. Could be just an O-ring not sealing. The oil doesn't need to be wasted, go the hardware store and purchase a new 5 gallon bucket for $3 and drain the oil into that bucket. Fix the leak then pour the oil back into the engine (with a huge funnel of course).

I would be changing that pan to the steel version. You will need shorter pan bolts for the steel pan too.

 

There is an o-ring around the yellow plug. Try loosening the plug with a 3/8" drive tool and re tighten till the plug goes against the stop. It might just seal if you give it a couple of tries. Get a new plug whether you need it or not.

There is a trick some have used where a vacuum cleaner is attached to the oil fill and the plug quickly swapped. Never tried it and I am not responsible for any mess or damage.

 

It's likely that o-ring on the yellow plug. It'll be difficult to swap that plug without a mess though. You can do it but a disposable tyvek suit to wear will probably be best. I have a spare plug in my parts bin since I thought mine would be an issue by now but I'm still using my original plug/o-ring after 9 years.

 

I can't actually find my spare which is an issue but I think this is the part number.

https://parts.autonationfordwhitebea...lug-f75z6730ba

 

I used that trick once to replace a stripped and leaking drain plug with a self tapping oversized plug on a Suburban. It works amazingly well.

Use a shop vac. Replacing the oil is cheaper than replacing momma’s vacuum cleaner unless she’s okay with your house smelling like a Jiffy Lube... But being in Mexico an oil change with a new plug might be the best option if you can’t live with the leak and keep it topped off.

 

You can get a replacement drain plug at diesel filtersonline.com

 

It was in fact the O-ring but the plug itself was also broken. So an oil change and new O-ring stopped the leak. A new plug is being shipped to Puerto Vallarta. Now... the service at the dealer in Puerto Vallarta was awesome! Great communication with pictures (TEXT messages) followed up with phone calls. The truck was washed... outside, engine bay and a very nice job inside as well. All that for the cost of an oil change. The icing on the cake was when the lady who looked after me even opened my door so I could get in and be on my way. It felt a little weird but as far as service goes... WOW! I will pick up the new plug next week and change it during the next oil change. By the way, I started with the little Spanish I know which is really no Spanish when it comes to the problem I had... The lady spoke perfectly good English. While waiting for the truck, I spoke with three other workers who all spoke English as well. Did I say great service?

Thanks for all your input. It is great to be part of this group to read, offer and receive advice from other owners!

 

That's good to hear. Sounds like you had a better experience at a dealer out of the country then some have here... Good luck.