Leaking oil pan drain plug

[cbmontgo]

I just changed the oil on my HJ47 and have a steady drip (one drop every few minutes) now from the drain plug. I replaced the drain plug gasket with a new OEM one and tightened to around 12 ft/lbs per the FSM. Any tricks of the trade on stopping the drip? Do they make a Teflon tape that can handle oil?

 

[65swb45]

Since you'd have to literally 'pull the plug' to implement your idea, just plan on having some 400 grit aluminum oxide on hand and dress the pan and plug surfaces. That has always proved sufficient.

Best

Mark A.

 

[cjgoode]

Mine did the same thing, it was actually where the threaded part the bolt goes into with the threads joins to the oil pan that was leaking. So it leaked out and dripped down the plug even though the actual plug was 100% sealed. Pulled it cleaned it and welded it up. Problem solved. I tried teflon tape and when that did not fix it I pulled the pan filled it with water and put my finger over the hole so I could see where they heck it was leaking from, since I knew it was not the plug/threads.

 

[handcannon]

There's something about this I learned a number of years ago. I took my work van in for an oil change, and immediately afterwards it started dripping from the drain plug. Turned out it was the plug gasket. I took it back and the shop put a new gasket on the plug without losing a drop of oil. They took a shop vac, wrapped the end of the hose with a shop rag, and stuffed it into the oil fill hole. With the vac running they then pulled the drain plug and replaced the gasket.

I've since then used that same process on other things, such as changing a diesel fuel pump, that was down next to the tank, without getting drowned in diesel.

Don

 

[lostmarbles]

I thnk the problem will be from previous overtightening of the drain plug.

The gasket-compression-forces make an "indentation" where the "complete-drain-channel" has been cut through the sump female-threads as shown here (arrow):

I solve it by always using sealant when refitting the plug:

PS. That's a soft aluminium gasket ring you see there that I turned-up myself

 

[cbmontgo]

Thanks, guys.

Since I already have a new OEM gasket on there, I probably want to pull the plug and sand the surfaces before applying a thread sealant.

Lostmarbles, I have also heard that black silicone thread sealant could work. Any thoughts on which of thread sealant type is best? I don't want to use anything that might risk getting into the oil and stopping up a passage or oil filter...

 

[Steamer]

"complete-drain-channel" Wow Tom. I didn't know that was there. Thanks for the pic.

 

[lostmarbles]

Thanks, guys.

Since I already have a new OEM gasket on there, I probably want to pull the plug and sand the surfaces before applying a thread sealant.

Lostmarbles, I have also heard that black silicone thread sealant could work. Any thoughts on which of thread sealant type is best? I don't want to use anything that might risk getting into the oil and stopping up a passage or oil filter...

Sorry- I've never used silicone sealant as a gasket.

For the sump plug I use that sealant I showed in the photos.

If I want to make a form-in-place gasket (and so far I don't think I ever have on my BJ40, prefering instead to use cork or paper gaskets) then I use one of the Loctite products that doesn't set outside of the joint..

(I like the idea of using a thick sealant paste ... that isn't particularly worried by the presence of a bit of oil ...on this particular application.)

 

[lostmarbles]

"complete-drain-channel" Wow Tom. I didn't know that was there. Thanks for the pic.

Well it's present on my B-diesel anyway.

I'm guessing it's on F, 2F, 2B, 3B, H and 2H (etc) engines as well..

 

[cbmontgo]

Sorry- I've never used silicone sealant as a gasket.

For the sump plug I use that sealant I showed in the photos.

If I want to make a form-in-place gasket (and so far I don't think I ever have on my BJ40, prefering instead to use cork or paper gaskets) then I use one of the Loctite products that doesn't set outside of the joint..

(I like the idea of using a thick sealant paste ... that isn't particularly worried by the presence of a bit of oil ...on this particular application.)

I've made a few phone calls around town and am going to use the same stuff that you recommend. Thanks much.