leaking drain plug
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 364
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From: nc
leaking drain plug
i have a 99 psd 350 and my drain plug on the oil pan has a small drip leak. do i need to buy the new copper washer to stop the leak? or is the something else i can do?
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 58
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From: Emmett, ID USA
Those solid copper oil drain plug rings can be used again and again!. Its copper which can be anealed (heated to a cherry red then rapidly dunked into cold water) numerous times to soften and reuse. Aircraft engine sparklugs have the same type of copper seals. They are reused over and over.
I aneal mine while the oil finishes draining. Check it out.
Also, drain that oil filter canister before removing to prevent messy garage or driveway stains. Punch a hole in the bottom and let it empty first. Merry Christmas!
I aneal mine while the oil finishes draining. Check it out.
Also, drain that oil filter canister before removing to prevent messy garage or driveway stains. Punch a hole in the bottom and let it empty first. Merry Christmas!
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 58
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From: Emmett, ID USA
I use my gas stovetop. Butane or propane would certainly work, too. Find a place in the flame that is the hottest. Use some old pliers or needlenose. Hold the ring in the flame until most of it changes to glowing red or orang. Dunk it in cool water until you can pick it up and rotate the ring so the pliers grip the opposite side, reheat and dunk again. That copper washer will "work harden" after several tightenings around that drain but this procedure will soften it like new. Eventually though, the copper will probably spread out enough to require replacement. I keep a spare that is ready to use, but its still in the wrapper after dozens of oil changes and aneallings of the copper washer.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: West Columbia, SC
not starting anything here but why wouldnt you just buy the part? I mean it cost less than .50 cents?? Just curious.
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 58
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From: Emmett, ID USA
Drain valves and washers
Good suggestion too, but hardened copper washers can be made soft again FYI. I installed a Fumoto on my PSD couple oil changes ago. In fact I just finished ordering one for my wifes '03 Escape, 3.0 V6. I use a screw type hose clamp to secure the valve toggle for better security instead of their wire clamp.
'01 7.3 PSD, Lariat SC, 4X4
'03 Escape Limited, 3.0, 24 valve V6
'01 7.3 PSD, Lariat SC, 4X4
'03 Escape Limited, 3.0, 24 valve V6
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,769
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From: Phoenix, AZ
I went to Checker and bought new copper washers.
I was considering the fumoto but not thrilled about having a critical component sticking out below the pan.
Plus, it provides easy access for devious individuals to disable your PSD if they should decide to roll under your truck and open it up, no tools needed.
I was considering the fumoto but not thrilled about having a critical component sticking out below the pan.
Plus, it provides easy access for devious individuals to disable your PSD if they should decide to roll under your truck and open it up, no tools needed.
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 77
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From: Indiana
I would like to add on to the original question. I too have a 99 350 PSD. My oil drain plug leaks too.
The truck is new to me within a few months. On the first oil change I did (this last one), I used a new copper oil drain plug seal. Hooray.
It still drips oil, though. My question is whether or not the synthetic (plastic/nylon) seals are better than the copper ones. On all of my previous cars I have used the synthetic seals since they were available. I noticed that the outer diameter of the copper seal is just as large as the head on the bolt. The synthetic seals I have previously encountered are always a bit larger.
I've never been in the practice of gorilla'ing my drain plug tight. I am afraid that is what the previous owner did on an occasion or two and possibly stripped the hole. If so, are oversized drain plugs a good idea?
I'm thinking this through since I don't drive very frequently and I'm due for an oil change now.
I checked, and replacing the oil pan requires lifting the engine. I'm not in the mood for that. Although I may be one day if the drip keeps dripping. Drip, drip, grrrr...
Thanks in advance for your responses.
The truck is new to me within a few months. On the first oil change I did (this last one), I used a new copper oil drain plug seal. Hooray.
It still drips oil, though. My question is whether or not the synthetic (plastic/nylon) seals are better than the copper ones. On all of my previous cars I have used the synthetic seals since they were available. I noticed that the outer diameter of the copper seal is just as large as the head on the bolt. The synthetic seals I have previously encountered are always a bit larger.
I've never been in the practice of gorilla'ing my drain plug tight. I am afraid that is what the previous owner did on an occasion or two and possibly stripped the hole. If so, are oversized drain plugs a good idea?
I'm thinking this through since I don't drive very frequently and I'm due for an oil change now.
I checked, and replacing the oil pan requires lifting the engine. I'm not in the mood for that. Although I may be one day if the drip keeps dripping. Drip, drip, grrrr...
Thanks in advance for your responses.