Leaking oil drain plug?

[Geezer Cruzzer]

I feel like a real bonehead asking this question. We've got Miss Scarlet's oil leaks fixed except for one. The oil drain plug. I new it was leaking so I purchased a fiber drain plug washer at NAPA before changing the oil. I replaced the copper washer with the new fiber one and snugged the plug down and its still has a very, very slow drip.

I did check the pan for burrs around the opening as well as the threads on the pan and the plug which looks like new. Suggestion? I really would like to get rid of Miss Scarlet's bed pan.

 

[emac]

You could try and buy a new Toyota drain plug and washer. They are still available. Maybe threads are worn or maybe the one from NAPA is wrong?

I think the fiber gasket is 24mm and you can get Dorman brand. I thought I was buying two and ended up with two boxes of 20 each or something. So, I could send you a couple to compare!

Mine needs to be tighter than I would like to keep from sweating.

 

[oregon fj]

I don't care for fiber washers, prefer copper or other crushable metal. I replace them with new every oil change on all my vehicles.

 

[N919HJ]

I used thread sealant from NAPA. Works good, last a long time.

 

[MJM]

Go with the OEM washer. I have never had luck with anything else.

 

[Martyt]

I used thread sealant from NAPA. Works good, last a long time.

That would be my vote as well

 

[cornboy]

I got mine at local parts place. Included rubber gasket <$5

 

[4Cruisers]

Many years ago I had a similar leak on one of my FJ60s. It turns out there was a tiny indented area (crease) in the oil pan along the circumference of the hole. I carefully worked the crease out using a big screwdriver. Problem solved.

 

[Geezer Cruzzer]

Thanks for suggestions folks. I'm going to be out of circulation for a few days with cataract surgery. I don't look forward to catching that 8.5 quarts of freshly changed oil and putting it back in without splashing me or the driveway.

 

[N919HJ]

Just unscrew it a little, add thread sealant, tighten back up. It will drip a little in the process. Good to go!

 

[1969FJ]

Same thing happened to me as well. No matter what I did , still a drip . So, I changed the oil pan and when I removed the old one , there was a micro crack , probably from years of tightening that plug. I welded and repaired the old pan and it is a spare at this time.

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

Many years ago I had a similar leak on one of my FJ60s. It turns out there was a tiny indented area (crease) in the oil pan along the circumference of the hole. I carefully worked the crease out using a big screwdriver. Problem solved.

I also experienced this. likely from someone putting a jack under the pan when doing a clutch or such...of course, now that I've FIPGd the plug in, the leak moved to the rear main

 

[S4Cruiser]

I also experienced this. likely from someone putting a jack under the pan when doing a clutch or such...of course, now that I've FIPGd the plug in, the leak moved to the rear main

That sucks...murphy's law I guess.

I need to throw some thread sealant on mine as it has a slow which then collects b/w the pan and skid plate.

 

[rkymtnflyfisher]

I like to keep those little oil leaks around, they keep the 40 from rusting

 

[FJ60Seth]

I’d start with the easiest fix which is a new drain plug. Honestly though I think there’s a problem with your oil pan. In a pinch I’ve replaced the drain plug without a gasket and it didn’t leak.

 

[Dizzy]

I wrapped my gasket's OD with the middle of a strip of Teflon tape, then folded it flat on the two faces. I had to do the same with my fuel tank drain plug. The truck came with what looks like electrical tape on the oil drain plug, so I figured something was in order. I haven't yet filled the crank case, as the truck needs more work.

 

[handcannon]

For those that have new oil in the pan, and the drain plug leaks, there is a cheap and easy way to keep from losing your oil when pulling the drain plug. Use a shop vacuum, place a rag over the oil fill hole and put the end of the vacuum hose over the fill hole (to catch any oil splatters, and to help the seal). Turn the vacuum on and have a helper pull the drain plug, put a new washer on the plug, or replace the plug. The vacuum will create enough suction to keep the oil in the motor, even with the drain plug out.

Several years ago i was short on time so I had the oil changed at the local oil change facility. The drain plug leaked afterwards, so I took it back to them. They did this trick, replaced the drain plug, and never lost a drop of oil. And it took longer waiting for an open bay than the swap of oil drain plugs.

Don

 

[fjc-man]

Geezer, I fixed my drain plug leak with a bonded rubber sealing washer from Rocket Seals,Inc. 303 777 7024 in Denver.
Item # 600-0101-1 at 5.52 ea. Bill

 

[Terry Lindsey]

Here is another simple fix that worked for me (nothing else did)...$0.25 for a 25mm rubber o-ring. It seals tight. I use my 40 as a DD with no leaks between oil changes. Doing this for 3 years.