Best oil drain plug gasket?

Lownslowlsc

Lownslowlsc

Dedicated LVC Member
Joined
Oct 4, 2007
Messages
6,618
Reaction score
222
Location
N il
What type of material is best?

My present plug has the intergrated rubber gasket/o-ring and has began to dribble. I guess they're known to flatten out and was curious if there was something else out there that's durable.

If I just went to the hardware store and picked up a rubber washer to throw on would that work? Or are these rubber gaskets sold in these kits NASA approved? I guess some teflon would work too...
 
I heard before that the plug and gasket were supposed to be changed every time the oil is changed. I haven't heard of anyone doing this before though.

They do sell the gaskets and plugs at most auto parts stores somewhere next to the oil filters/drain pans.

Next time I change my oil I am getting one of these for my truck and on the car:
http://www.oildrainvalve.net/
 
Lownslowlsc said:
What type of material is best?

My present plug has the intergrated rubber gasket/o-ring and has began to dribble. I guess they're known to flatten out and was curious if there was something else out there that's durable.

If I just went to the hardware store and picked up a rubber washer to throw on would that work? Or are these rubber gaskets sold in these kits NASA approved? I guess some teflon would work too...
Click to expand...

I just did the oil change on mine (97lsc) before putting her up for the winter. Mine didn't have a gasket at all and after thinking about it, I don't think it has ever had an actual gasket on/for the drain plug. *knock on wood* I've yet to experience any leaks.

That being said, a quick search resulted that nylon or leather washers were preferred. Someone had posted that Ford's replacement drain plugs worked great. Then in the same post later said that the newer Ford replacement plugs have an integrated o-ring/gasket (which you have), but over time the rubber begins to fail. This contradictory left me a little puzzled :confused:

I was going to buy a replacement plug myself in fear of not having a gasket, but after reading that Jamie had seen MarkVIIIs without gaskets/washers that didn't leak, and mine doesn't actually leak I decided to leave it alone.
 
Just buy an OEM one from ford for like $10. Can't go wrong. You don't need to change them every time but it does not hurt. I have reused the same one many times. Just check it for leaks for a minute or 2 with the car running.
 
I took another peak down there and the plug has remained dry since It was wiped it down. I believe the leak is coming from above and scattering/accumulating at lowest point. It's either the side canister, pan gasket or both :). I'll be cleaning it again tomorrow and will inspect it closer Sunday when it's up on the lift.

I'm not messing with the oil pan unless it starts gushing. :N
 
Last edited:
Copper washer. Used in about a million spots on my car. But they are indeed one time use. New filters come with new ones.
 
There's a gasket? Well you learn something ... every so often. I have done two oil changes without one and it has never leaked a drop. I'm pretty sure it was all dealers before me, they must have lost it. ;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

Total: 142 (members: 1, guests: 141)
Back
Top