83 FJ40, Oil Pan plug leaks

[Jim S.]

Reinstalled the oil pan last spring and basically parked the truck. Been driving it a bit and it started to leak. replaced the crush washer and leaks just sitting there. Im talking puddles not a drop or two. Would O-rings help? Double up the washer?? Looking for ideas..
Thanks, Jim

 

[Rocky_LC]

Are you sure it’s coming from the drain plug?

Mine sprung a leak from the spot welds on the skid plate…. Pretty messy…

 

[Jim S.]

It appears to be the plug. It's right at the rear edge of the skid plate below the plug. I hadn't thought of the spot welds. Will check tomorrow.
Thanks Rocky

 

[charliemeyer007]

Cut a washer from soft lead. You can just pour some melted lead (<1000F) on something clean and dry like a paper plate. If you don't over heat the lead it will make about 1/8" thick disk. You can pound on it lightly with a flat face hammer, against a flat hard surface to thin it out if needed. With just a pocket knife you can easily cut the hole to fit your drain plug. Lead will seal very well at low torque.

 

[45Dougal]

Check your thread too - they easily get stripped out and then they don't hold well. Easy job to helicoil if needed.

 

[1969FJ]

I had an issue, could not see it, microcrack that pan replacement would fix. It happens..

 

[cruisermatt]

Time for a new pan. Be glad you can still buy them for <$250

 

[Chungas Revenge]

I had an issue, could not see it, microcrack that pan replacement would fix. It happens..

Time for a new pan. Be glad you can still buy them for <$250

The aftermath of cracks in the welds…New Pan @250$ .

Silver lining…You get to inspect your lower end while the pans off.

 

[Jdc1]

This is going to sound absolutely insane, but if you need to check just the drain plug, attach a shop vac to the oil fill, turn it on and it will alllw you to swap the drain plug gasket without dumping your oil. But more than likely the spot welds…

 

[Chungas Revenge]

This is going to sound absolutely insane, but if you need to check just the drain plug, attach a shop vac to the oil fill, turn it on and it will alllw you to swap the drain plug gasket without dumping your oil. But more than likely the spot welds…

I gotta try that just to say I did..

 

[Jdc1]

I gotta try that just to say I did..

I didn’t believe it, got ready to scream and run.

 

[Jim S.]

Took another look and it's seeping from under the skid plate. New oil pan and gasket on the way. I'm feeling my age doing this concrete yoga. Thanks fellas for the input, I wasn't thinking of faulty spot welds. I don't think it's cracked as I refurbished the pan before installing it. I'll know for sure when I remove it.

 

[kerplunk]

Mine is definitely around the plug.

The pan looks almost kinda slightly warped, and am thinking the PO way over tightened the plug probably...

I use Permatex gasket goo on it, with the fiber washer (new one every time). Jack it up with the plug out to drain the last little bit and lower it to stop the dripping and keep oil off it while the goo sets.

 

[GA Architect]

This works well helping seal the oil plug threads.

 

[rkymtnflyfisher]

This works well helping seal the oil plug threads.

View attachment 3469074

567 works on almost anything that leaks.






Well, that may have just ventured into chat discussion.

 

[Ackcruisers]

Just tried the shop vac method @Jdc1 to keep oil while sealing leaking drain plug. Works very well but a little strange experience when undoing the plug. I just ordered a new pan as I cannot tolerate a leaking plug in future.

 

[Jdc1]

Just tried the shop vac method @Jdc1 to keep oil while sealing leaking drain plug. Works very well but a little strange experience when undoing the plug. I just ordered a new pan as I cannot tolerate a leaking plug in future.

It is definitely weird the first time. Why is the plug leaking?

 

[Paul_A]

Plumbers dope on the threads? Not sure if it withstands oil. Anyone know?

 

[Jdc1]

Plumbers dope on the threads? Not sure if it withstands oil. Anyone know?

Anaerobic will work on the threads to seal it the rest of the way.

Permatex 51813 Permatex Anaerobic Gasket Maker | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - Permatex Anaerobic Gasket Maker with qualifying orders of $109. Shop RTV at Summit Racing.

www.summitracing.com

 

[charliemeyer007]

Oil plug can leak from overtightening too many times. Over sized plug is one option. Cutting threads to the next size up and installing that plug is an option. My favorite washer is the one my PO installed about 1982 - it was made from about 1/8" thick sheet lead. It is a crush fit. The soft lead has squished into the threads at the plug head sealing that as well as the flat on the pan.

Melt some muzzle loader balls in a can or old big spoon outside with propane torch. Pour the lead on some newspaper. It will form a disk about 1/8" thick and about 1 1/4 diameter. Set plug on center of the lead disk - tap with a hammer to mark the disk. Use a sharp small chisel to cut out the hole for the plug. Thread plug in, then trim the outside to match the plugs outside diameter.

Permatex Aviation Type 2 is a thick paste that never dries and is oil/gas resistant. I have a 1/2 full can from my dad that must be from the 50's. I have a small tube in every tool box - I don't think they make it anymore. Never used the new stuff type 3.