Oil Pan Plug

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jan 2, 2008 | 09:27 AM

jowilker

Thread Starter

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jun 1999

Posts: 24,552

Likes: 74

From: Creedmoor, North Carolina

Oil Pan Plug

I have been having problems lately with my oil pan leaking at the plug bolt, on my truck and car. I am concerned about over tightening it, I don't want to stretch things too much. I pull them down pretty snug.

Any tips, tricks, or recommendations for dealing with this.

thanks

John

Jan 2, 2008 | 10:01 AM

Freightrain

Lead Driver

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 9,893

Likes: 12

From: Ohio

Still got the nylon washer in there?
How tight are the threads anymore? Once they get pretty loose, the plug will pull to one side as you tighten it and then not be square and cause leaks. Been there.

Jan 2, 2008 | 11:04 AM

RapidRuss

FE "Freakin Expensive"

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 6,461

Likes: 4

From: Smith Mountain Lake, VA

yaeh I agree, most of your auto parts store sell an over sized self tapping plug with a nylon washer in the kit...and some will also come with a small magnet in the center... There very cheap to buy...

RJ

Jan 2, 2008 | 04:48 PM

jowilker

Thread Starter

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jun 1999

Posts: 24,552

Likes: 74

From: Creedmoor, North Carolina

Russ, You think the oversize is better than a new one? Will a new nylon washer work?

I have a fear of over tightening, and making a real mess.

John

Jan 2, 2008 | 06:17 PM

bluesky636

Senior User

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 438

Likes: 0

From: Centreville USA

I use a new nylon washer each time I change the oil (Spring and Fall). I also found a drain plug bolt with a larger head than stock so pressure is applied over a larger area of the gasket. It sometimes weeps in the winter when the garage gets cold and I don't drive it much in the winter, but no problems in warm weather.