jbakyy

Hello,

I have a small oil leak at drain plug. Can someone please help me with the proper torque, 1971 and also let me know if teflon tape or thread sealant could be used.

Thank you

klb6469

Does the drain plug have the plastic washer on it?

markids77

It probably had a copper washer on it originally. Over time that washer gets deformed and should be replaced. There is probably a "correct" torque spec, but I've only used "snug" as decided by feel for more than 35 years and never a leak or strip.

jbakyy

yes, it has a washer. i cannot find the correct torque anywhere. what about a thread sealant or teflon tape to help out.

thanks

tnovot

It's not the threads that seal the oil - it's the gasket that does so. Check the gasket for cracking. If it is a nylon one, maybe it has become so compressed and hardened that it needs to be replaced. I always tighten mine like markids said and have not had problems doing it that way as long as the gasket is in good condition. I have had to replace a few gaskets.
If the threads are stripped and will not hold the plug firmly, you should be able to get an oversized plug at NAPA or ??.
Terry

Jeff_Keryk

You can get a new gasket; if you wish use a little rtv. 20 to 30 foot/pounds is plenty. I like the fiber ones like Toyotas... Any gasket with a 1/2 hole will do.

7T1vette

Oil pan drain plug takes 20 ft-lbs. Actually, with a good soft metal washer (copper or aluminum), 12-15 ft-lbs would likely be enough. Don't use any teflon tape or sealant on the threads or washer. If it still leaks, use a stone to flatten the sealing surface on the pan and on both sides of the metal washer, then try it again. Is the drain plug you have one that came with the car? Drain plugs have a very flat, smooth surface under the head. If you just have a 'bolt' that fits, it likely won't seal.

jbakyy

Thanks everyone. The oil pan has a few few dents in it. I am starting to think that the drain plug hole may not be perfectly round.

jbakyy

Do you need to dismantle steering linkage to change oil pan?

KapsSA

'dismantle'? not really.
Remove the 2 bolts that hold the idler arm to the frame and pull things down.
A little more clearance can be gained by removing the cotter pin and nut from the power steering cylinder and pulling the shaft out of the frame bracket.

rickm2@tampabay.rr.c

Where can you find the correct nylon gasket for a 72 oil plug?

wcsinx

Anywhere, I got a Felpro silicone replacement from Advance.

rickm2@tampabay.rr.c

Will the one from Advance pass NCRS?

wcsinx

No, not the one I got seeing as it's light blue, but they do carry nylon gaskets as well.

jbakyy

Would it leak if the drain plug hole is not perfectly round? Drain Plug tightens down good. I have tried new plug and washers.