- Joined
- Dec 20, 2007
- Threads
- 127
- Messages
- 1,070
- Location
- Orcas Island in NW Washington State
- Website
- www.mtpickettwoodworking.com
About 30 years ago on a family road trip down to California in the 55 we stopped at a Jiffy-Lube or similar oil change joint in Oregon. Because of work stuff we had to head out with oil change overdue. 150 miles south of our oil change we stopped at a rest stop for picnic lunch. I glance at the gleaming '79 and see a small puddle of oil under the engine. Sure enough there was NO washer/gasket at all under the flanged drain bolt. OK, I am not driving 150 miles in the wrong direction to get it fixed. I had few options such as draining the oil etc. After some thought I ransacked my tool kit and found a tube of permatex. I asked my wife if she had any dental floss. I coated the floss with permatex between thumb and forefinger, undid the plug 2 turns , wrapped the 18 inches of floss tightly around the plug, Tightened it up, wiped clean with a paper towel. 3000 miles later dusty dry. Did it again today. Same vehicle. This time I was too cheap to drive and get a new gasket and yesterday's oil change was dripping. Time will tell, but dry after 2 hours and 30 miles.