oil leaking from drain plug
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
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From: Huntersville NC
oil leaking from drain plug
I have always had a slow drip from the drain plug, which I could live with... just parked over a pizza box. Lately the drip has gotten worse and I need to do something about it. It's drippin about one drop every 5 secs or so. I think I have a pretty good washer in there now, but I have some new GM washers I will try. Interested in hearing all my options, including all the bubba fixes. I would consider wrapping an old sock around the drain plug, changing the drain plug, teflon tape, whatever.... also wouldnt mind hearing the right way to do it. Thanks, MJ
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,067
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From: near VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Re: oil leaking from drain plug (MNJack)
Have the same problem, would be interested too...
I think I´ll use a "rubber washer" cut out from sealing material.
If the screw is tight, it will press the rubberseal against the pan, I hope it will work... :rolleyes:
I think I´ll use a "rubber washer" cut out from sealing material.
If the screw is tight, it will press the rubberseal against the pan, I hope it will work... :rolleyes:
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
Re: oil leaking from drain plug (MARKUS_P)
OK, 2 problems and no solutions! 
That is one nice thing about the forum... anytime you have a problem with your vette you can count on somebody else having the exact same problem!! Sometimes they have solved it, sometimes not!
So, what is the correct fix? and let me hear your bubbafixes too.
I'm thinking maybe I could spackle around the drain plug..... or maybe use JB Weld and buy one of those electric pumps to do my next oil change. MJ
[Modified by MNJack, 11:41 AM 9/17/2001]
That is one nice thing about the forum... anytime you have a problem with your vette you can count on somebody else having the exact same problem!! Sometimes they have solved it, sometimes not!
So, what is the correct fix? and let me hear your bubbafixes too.
I'm thinking maybe I could spackle around the drain plug..... or maybe use JB Weld and buy one of those electric pumps to do my next oil change. MJ
[Modified by MNJack, 11:41 AM 9/17/2001]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 883
Likes: 2
From: Hilton Head SC
Re: oil leaking from drain plug (MNJack)
There's not much that can be wrong with your drain plug/washer that isn't obvious. Many oil leaks from the back of the engine end up accumulating on the drain plug. If its a small leak and you keep your oil very clean, it can be very hard to detect. Check your valve covers, and oil pan bolts. Other possibilities are the rear main seal, cam galley plug, intake manifold to block seal and the gasket under the distributor.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
Re: oil leaking from drain plug (JSB69)
I always thought I had the same problem. Turns out my oil line connection to the top-rear of the block was leaking. Oil was leaking down and around the block and accumulating on the draing plug of the oil pan. Looked like a leaky oil plug but it wasn't.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,367
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From: Virginia USA
Re: oil leaking from drain plug (mulchie)
When I worked on small aircraft, we used what is called a crush gasket on all our oil plugs. It looked like a washer made of copper and on one face it had a split that we put towards the oil pan. This crush gasket had a fiber in the split part that if any oil leaked out it would wick the oil into it and create a seal. They worked great and I used to have a few left in my tool box. When my old Fiero stated leaking at the oil pan drain plug I used one of these gaskets an it stopped leaking. We used to replace them with every oil change on small aircraft but I reused mine on the Fiero for a few oil changes without any leaks. I don't think you can get one of these at an auto parts store but if you have an airport around with a small aircrat maintenance shop they may be able to help. I'll see if I have any left in my tool box and take a picture so you know what to ask for.
John
John
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From: SE Pennsylvania
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Oldtimer
Re: oil leaking from drain plug (MNJack)
Jack,
I use a drain plug washer that is made with a steel outer ring and a rubber inner ring. They come on 5/8 or 3/4 and metric sizes. I get them a churches speed and auto parts here in Prospect Park, PA but I believe you can get them almost anywhere. It's a made for drain plug washer and it stops about 90% of any oil leaks. Also I'd suggest you get a new drain plug, maybe yours is worn down some?
I use a drain plug washer that is made with a steel outer ring and a rubber inner ring. They come on 5/8 or 3/4 and metric sizes. I get them a churches speed and auto parts here in Prospect Park, PA but I believe you can get them almost anywhere. It's a made for drain plug washer and it stops about 90% of any oil leaks. Also I'd suggest you get a new drain plug, maybe yours is worn down some?
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 905
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Re: oil leaking from drain plug (killain)
I had a similar problem and finally discovered it was because my entire oil pan was slightly warped as the aftermath of some nasty encounter with a rock or something. The drain hole was just slightly elongated and although the plug still screwed in, it just did not provide a good seal.
The temporary solution was to retap the oil plug and install a larger plug to fit. The real solution will be to replace the oil pan.
The temporary solution was to retap the oil plug and install a larger plug to fit. The real solution will be to replace the oil pan.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 6,807
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From: Hoosier
Cruise-In III Veteran
Re: oil leaking from drain plug (chevyman)
You can buy self tapping drain plugs at most any auto store that go up one thread size. Use with a new washer and you may be ok.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2000
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From: WANTED: '68 rear valance with b/u light assemblies IM, e-mail, or PM me here. Thanks!
Re: oil leaking from drain plug (MNJack)
It is possible that the pan is cracked. I’ve seen this on a couple of early 60’s due to so much use and over tightening. I opted for replacement in both cases. Hope your situation has a simpler solution.
Sorry if this was mentioned already… I didn’t take the time to read all the posts.
Sorry if this was mentioned already… I didn’t take the time to read all the posts.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
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From: Huntersville NC
Re: oil leaking from drain plug (Road Fever)
You can buy self tapping drain plugs at most any auto store that go up one thread size. Use with a new washer and you may be ok.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
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From: Huntersville NC
Re: oil leaking from drain plug (MNJack)
DANG!!!! I just thought of something.... I replaced my old drain plug with a magnetic drainplug. What if the old drainplug that I replaced was ALREADY an oversize plug!!!! DOH!! Are the oversize plugs marked in any way to identify them? MJ
[Modified by MNJack, 10:54 PM 9/17/2001]
[Modified by MNJack, 10:54 PM 9/17/2001]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
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From: Hoosier
Cruise-In III Veteran
Re: oil leaking from drain plug (MNJack)
I honestly don't know if the self tapping drain plugs have special markings. I used one on a Mustang years ago. The autoshops should have them.
If you really run into a dead end. Buy a pipe tap one size over and use a plumbing pipe plug. Doesn't look right but it works. After you tap the hole...run a pencil magnet into the pan to pull any chips. 99% of them should come out with the tap anyway.
If you really run into a dead end. Buy a pipe tap one size over and use a plumbing pipe plug. Doesn't look right but it works. After you tap the hole...run a pencil magnet into the pan to pull any chips. 99% of them should come out with the tap anyway.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
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From: Huntersville NC
Re: oil leaking from drain plug (MARKUS_P)
One more thing - about those self-tapping "oversized" drain plugs. They have a plug within a plug, so after you screw in the oversize plug you are not supposed to remove it, you unscrew the smaller drain inside the larger plug. You could not mistake this oversize plug for a regular drain plug, and I dont think I will use one just yet. MJ
Senior Member since 1492
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: oil leaking from drain plug (MNJack)
I'm not a plumber, but why couldn't you use teflon tape around the threads? You can use it with AN fittings, why not on an oil plug?
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,411
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From: St. Louis, Missouri
Re: oil leaking from drain plug (1970 Stingray)
"I'm not a plumber, but why couldn't you use teflon tape around the threads? You can use it with AN fittings, why not on an oil plug?"
There may be the minute risk of the teflon disintergrating inside the oil pan and getting caught up in the oil pump, oil passages, etc.
