Tightening oil pan sump plug
#1
05-16-16, 07:15 AM
Tightening oil pan sump plug
Recently got my oil changed and have noticed the car is leaking a lot of oil, think it appears to be coming from the sump plug.
Do you guys think it's just simply tightening it a bit more, or is there possibly a washer or something that might be missing?
Have attached a pic, the plugs that I have seen before have had a male hex fitting, this one is round with a female head. What tool would I use to turn it?
Thanks (:
Do you guys think it's just simply tightening it a bit more, or is there possibly a washer or something that might be missing?
Have attached a pic, the plugs that I have seen before have had a male hex fitting, this one is round with a female head. What tool would I use to turn it?
Thanks (:
#2
05-16-16, 07:28 AM
Group Moderator
It is possible you are missing the washer. Usually they are soft copper or aluminum. To tighten your plug you need an Allen wrench. They are available in ANSI (English) and Metric.
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#3
05-16-16, 08:08 AM
Might also help to know what kind of vehicle you've got.
My Mustang and Explorer don't utilize a washer between the plug and pan, but I know there are many vehicles out there that do use a crush washer there, and a new one would typically need to be installed at each oil change.
My Mustang and Explorer don't utilize a washer between the plug and pan, but I know there are many vehicles out there that do use a crush washer there, and a new one would typically need to be installed at each oil change.
#4
05-16-16, 08:21 AM
Group Moderator
You may also be dealing with a stripped drain plug.
I wouldn't recommend trying to tighten it more. I'd take it back where the work was done since the oil will most likely need to be drained for the repair.
I wouldn't recommend trying to tighten it more. I'd take it back where the work was done since the oil will most likely need to be drained for the repair.
#7
05-16-16, 11:12 AM
Member
This is why I told my son not to buy a British car yet he did buy a Land Rover. Of course, leaking oil across entire power train from various spots.
OP, you need to get a real oil drain plug. Not that flimsy small head hex bolt. Oil drain plugs have wide flange head. Then you set a COPPER (don't do aluminum) washer under the head, and hand torque it. THAT will work just fine. Like this one here:
http://www.opieoils.co.uk/images/VAR...l/goldplug.png
OP, you need to get a real oil drain plug. Not that flimsy small head hex bolt. Oil drain plugs have wide flange head. Then you set a COPPER (don't do aluminum) washer under the head, and hand torque it. THAT will work just fine. Like this one here:
http://www.opieoils.co.uk/images/VAR...l/goldplug.png
