That irritating drop of oil on the drain plug

[Kid_Again]

i have the correct shp oil pan on my small block, bought it at carlisle, i think...

...i have ALWAYS had an oil leak at the drain plug and it just ****es me off...i have tried every conceivable type of washer with the same results - a slow leak - and even though the car sits on the lift with a drip pan underneath, it drives me crazy ad

.....i'm on the verge of just buying a moroso or milodon pan and my first question is which pan will fit - is the standard sbc pan OK or do i go with the notched variety for a ChevyII?

....or, i could try and fix the booger that's in place now....do these pans also leak from the weld for the threaded insert?....i understand that an "oversize" drain plug is available and that might be a fix........

any thoughts?

 

[67l36driver]

Typical Chebby marking his territory. :L

 

[WayneC]

You might try putting a light coat of plumber's sealer or silicone sealer or liquid gasket sealer (like "brush-in-can" Permatex Aviation sealer) on the drain plug threads when the oil is changed. Or wrap teflon plumber's tape around the threads. Worth a shot.

 

[1KULC7]

Agree with above... if its coming from oil plug it should fix it...also make sure your plug has US not metric threads....

 

[stepinwolf]

I also agree with the above, however care must be taken to spread the sealer only on the threads of the plug, and not into the threads of the pan. Otherwise, when you screw the plug into the pan, all you will do is to push the sealer into the pan.

I would also think twice before inserting any of those " thread making " plug's into your pan. If your original threads are not as yet damaged, these bolts will certainly do it for you.


Stepinwolf

 

[Denney]

Isn't there a replacement plug available with a rubber washer integrated on it? I know that the later model versions had them and they did seem to work pretty well (they tended to seal pretty well against an imperfect pan). Might be worth looking for...

 

[Kid_Again]

Thanks guys.

It seems that I remember using RTV on the threads previously. I'll try your fixes and let you know.

 

[Tampa Jerry]

Teflon tape

You may try to stop your leak by first getting a new plug. In got a magnetic plug at my local speed shop. I wrap the plug in teflon tape in a clockwise rotation as you hold the plug in your left hand. Two to three tight wraps should do it. Should cost about $6 for the job with the plug. Jerry

 

[saopm]

Is it possible the oil is coming from someplace other then the plug? I had a leak at the back of the intake manifold. The oil ran down the block, and ended up dripping from the oil pan plug. At first I thought it was the rear main seal, but I change the seal and the leak was still present. I recently pulled my engine and it was evident the intake was leaking.

 

[mkapp7879]

Is it possible the oil is coming from someplace other then the plug?

I thought the plug on my white 79 was leaking too but it seems to be coming from further up and ENDS at the plug. Not enough for me to mess with it, tho. I did break the brittle fibre washer off my drain plug anyway and put on a new one. Found the new washers on the HELP! rack at the parts store. Mike

 

[Kid_Again]

Thanks for the continuing replies.

I'm fortunate to have a lift so I can shine light all the way around the oil pan and can see no oil travelling down the back or sides of the block nor anywhere else on the oil pan. I've wiped down every surface that I can reach and the rag is usually spotless.

Seems to be the plug. This is the second aftermarket plug that I have used. Same results.

I may work on it tonight because this bugs the hell out of me. The simple stuff always does.

 

[Kid_Again]

OK, took your advice and here's what fixed the problem.

Pulled the plug, drained the oil and cleaned both sets of threads. Looked like no problems with the pan. For whatever reason, the face of the drain plug just didn't seem to cover enough of the washer, no matter which washer I used. So, I added a large, thin washer first, then added the washer and taped the threads, as advised.

No more drips.

Thanks!

 

[John Mcgraw]

Kid,
That is the fix. You can put thread sealer until the cows come home, but these plugs do not seal at the threads like a pipe thread does. They seal at the flat surface under the head of the plug, and a new washer is usually the only good fix. You can usually find a nylon washer in the bins at Home Depot or Lowes that will fit the plug tight, and will usually seal it up like a champ.

Regards, John McGraw

 

[Kid_Again]

Thanks, no more oil spots on VNV's driveway!otfl

 

[Viet Nam Vett]

Thanks, no more oil spots on VNV's driveway!otfl

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