Factor

Hi All!,

ok...got an oil pan bolt that is being stubborn...it leaks...drips...

so I have used the plastic/nylon washer...helped, but still leaked...then I added the yellow pipe thread tape for gas, and it help last year...now cannot get it to seal...might need a new washer, but figured I would go to the "cloud" and see what other nifty ideas you guys have come up with...

thanks!

blue by you

Sounds like the gasket is bad at that bolt

427Hotrod

Sounds like a pan gasket issue...not a bolt issue.

JIM

drwet

Are you referring to the drain plug or a pan bolt? If its a pan bolt, you need a new oil pan gasket.

427Hotrod

OK...I think you picked up on what I missed! Your thoughts make more sense!

JIM

CanadaGrant

I couldn't figure it either until I read it again and the bit about the nylon washer.
Damaged threads? Use a new magnetic (might as well) plug with washer and use a dab of sealer at the base of the bolt in case there are score marks on the pan face.

427Hotrod

I eventually wore out the threads on my 5.0 Mustang from daily commuting 90 miles a day and changing oil every 2K miles. I bought one of those quick drain plugs where a hose screws on it. That way once it I got it sealed I wouldn't have to mess with it any more. Still good after about 15 years or so.

JIM

derekderek

they make an oversize bolt with a thread chaser. but the thread itself is not the seal. the flat surface seals to a washer. make sure there is no damage to that surface. may need filed-sanded flat and smooth.

Factor

drain plug...LOL! sorry for confusion!

yes...the nylon gasket washer on the drain bolt is little worn...i put pipe thread tape on it...but worked last time...no luck this time...

gonna try your recommendations! thanks!

Rodnok1

I would purchase a new drain plug and quality gasket before using an oversized thread cutter. They make a variety of gaskets, plastic (especially the cheapos) distort easily and should be avoided. The fiber gaskets are better or even the o ring type work well.
The plug in plug units are good for bad threads but they suck draining oil from. If that would need to be done I'd get a quick change permanent style first myself if ground clearance permits.

vettfixr

One more thought here. I have a chrome oil pan on my 74 that leaked from the drain plug for years. I finally pulled the pan and gave it a good inspection. I found that there were some welds around the hole that were raised. This was causing the drain plug gasket to not seal correctly. I carefully filed them down. When I installed the pan I used a rubber gasket around the drain plug with a little rtv around it. No more leaks.

nz corvette

Anybody using a copper washer these days? It worked for me

derekderek

The problem is your dipstick tube. You need one like this.
Then if the drain bolt keeps leaking, you just weld it on.

derekderek

I have too much boat stuff.

Duane4238

I only use copper washers on all my vehicle drain plugs. Old school. When I asked for them at Autozone, the kid looked at me like I was crazy. The nylon and fiber gaskets can't take the tightening that the copper can.
Duane

Factor

Thanks all!

on my list to wrestle today! Will keep u posted!

revitup

I've had the same nylon washer for 24 years, no leaks. Course I haven't probably changed the oil much more than 2 dozen times in that span.
If you're wearing them out you're probably using too much torque. Doesn't take more than an easy twist of the wrist with a 3/8 drive ratchet to seal.

KEZ06

Have you tried an oil plug copper crush washer? It is required on my Canton oil pan.

derekderek

i hope it is needless to say use a marine dipstick and weld the bolt on was a joke...