Leaky oil drain plug

[lxj1]

Just did an oil change. When I was tightening the drain plug, I might have torqued too hard because it felt like the plug slipped about 1/16 of a turn. The drain plug uses a flat washer. Now there’s a little drip.

Is there an easy fix? By easy I mean no tapping, no inserts, no replacement parts, no surgery off any sort!

I’m thinking of draining the oil again and putting the plug back on with a tiny bit of FIPG where the washer mates the oil pan and/or the plug head mates the washer.

 

[WarDamnEagle]

Did you use a new washer or the old one?

 

[MJK]

The washer is (or should be) a crush washer and replaced with every oil change. If you change it, you don't need to torque the crap out of it to keep it from leaking. But... from here?

Are the pan threads munged, or the plug?

If plug, replace. If pan, I suppose you could drill and tap the hole a size bigger (with it off the truck!). Personally, I'd just replace the pan and gasket. Looks like a pan is about $45 used.

 

[lxj1]

This is only my second oil change on this truck and it came with a flat washer on the drain plug.

I’ve heard of the ATF plug needing a crush washer but not for the motor oil. I’ll make that my first step but I’m not too optimistic due to that little slip while torquing.

And since I don’t have a tap and die set (nor have experience) it sounds like the next option if the crush washer doesn’t work may be to buy a new oil pan.

 

[94SRUNNER]

Well the aluminum crush washer for the oil pan is not the same type of crush washer as is on the transmission drain plug. It is a flat aluminum washer with a blue fibrous coating on it. It should be changed out at every oil change.

 

[iwashmycar]

Id get a Fumoto oil drain valve... install that and if it doesnt leak (shouldnt) then just let it be for the foreseeable future.

 

[lxj1]

Well the aluminum crush washer for the oil pan is not the same type of crush washer as is on the transmission drain plug. It is a flat aluminum washer with a blue fibrous coating on it. It should be changed out at every oil change.

Ok so the flat washer on mine looks right but I did not change it out. Maybe that’s just it.

Id get a Fumoto oil drain valve... install that and if it doesnt leak (shouldnt) then just let it be for the foreseeable future.

But I love this idea for multiple reasons not just to stop the leak, such as hooking up a tube and draining directly into a jug for recycling (ie no clean up).

The video states it will leave about a half inch of oil still in the pan. Any concerns with that?

 

[AlpineAccess]

Ok so the flat washer on mine looks right but I did not change it out. Maybe that’s just it.


But I love this idea for multiple reasons not just to stop the leak, such as hooking up a tube and draining directly into a jug for recycling (ie no clean up).

The video states it will leave about a half inch of oil still in the pan. Any concerns with that?

The cruiser has a high capacity system of 6-7 quarts; the Fumoto misses around a cup of oil. I'd say not a big deal at all. Regular oil and filter changes are the main thing.

 

[iwashmycar]

Ok so the flat washer on mine looks right but I did not change it out. Maybe that’s just it.


But I love this idea for multiple reasons not just to stop the leak, such as hooking up a tube and draining directly into a jug for recycling (ie no clean up).

The video states it will leave about a half inch of oil still in the pan. Any concerns with that?

I wouldnt be concerned. Also depends how thick the pan is at that spot / shape ect. Since its got like 1/2" of threads that remain in place, yeah some stays up in there. I have been using a Fumoto for years now. Coupled with how my FJC has a top mounted oil filter, I could change my oil on white carpet and not have any problems. Love it. Well worth using one.