My oil drain plug is as tight as I can get it (don't want to strip it out). And oil leaks from it. (About a drop a day- not a big deal). I know an obvious answer is a re-tap and/or use a larger plug. However, I was talking to a mechanic the other day who recommended I use a nylon washer to see if this would better seat the plug and fix the leak. Has anyone had good results with that approach?

 

Those oil pan drain fitting type threads never seal that well for some reason?
Oil pan drain plug washers /gaskets are what are normally used. I have a whole box of the copper ones I got from NAPA. The soft metal type really should only be used once, a few cents each when I bought them a hundred years ago.
There are several different type, saw the nylon type many times when I was a grease monkey.
Try one at the next oil change, can't hurt, the worst that can happen is that it will still drip.
Don't overtighten the drain plug to try and stop the leak, it never works.

 

Thanks Bluevista, will give it a try. May even go to Napa for the copper type as well and will see how each works out.

 

I had similar problem and ordered a new plug which came with the nylon gasket which worked just fine , Either one should solve your problem.

 

GM dealers sell a drain plug that has a gasket molded into the center.

Best one I have ever used.

 

I made one out of a piece of thin scrap viton rubber. Works good and it is reusable.

 

I have used these gaskets over and over again. The little molded in o-ring is great. The bottom exterior of my pan is totally dry!

 

You can get the drain plug gaskets with inserted rubber o-rings at your local auto parts store for a dollar or so. Don't waste your money at a GM dealership.

 

Sounds like quite a few viable options to choose from. The drain plug with o-ring sounds like the ticket. I will check with my auto store for one.

Thanks for your replies.
Dan

 

True on the overtightening thing.

I took the car to a shop between mech's and they know I like to change my own oil, so they put that plug on super tight and I couldn't budge it. I was pushing soooo hard, my legs were going up with every try

Ended up taking it to a shop and the plug had to be replaced. I had an extra one on hand

 

My old plug did not have any kind of o-ring or nylon seal or even copper gasket and was so tight i had to use a pipe over the wrench to get it off. Even being so tight there was still small drips of oil on and around it. that's why I ordered a new one and it came with the nylon gasket , they said just put it on snug and don't overtighten. it sealed fine and never had any oil on or around the plug.

 

It sounds like both approaches will work: a plug with O-ring or Plug with nylon gasket.

Thanks again for your replies.
Dan

 

Ha! That is too funny. Last time I changed the oil on my wagon I pulled the old gasket off the bolt because it was cracked. Didn't even occur to me that it was there for a reason My pan drips now, but I'll put a gasket on when I change the oil.

 

Yes but I saw a doctor and now I'm cured sorry

 

Thats and early morning wake up

 

God I hate it when my drain plug leaks!!!