Author Topic: Oil leak :( (Read 7633 times)

VW Scully · « **on:** April 24, 2007, 07:32:04 pm »

Hey everyone;
I just woke up the BioBunny last weekend and did an oil change. I noticed it had been leaking quite badly (about a quarter-sized spot each day) from the drain plug at the bottom of the pan for quite a while now. I replaced the washer when I did the oil change, but now I notice it is STILL leaking :cry:

I am not sure if the last time I took it to a shop for an O/C; that they didn't tighten the drain plug too much and stripped it?

Any idea how I can stop the leak aside from replacing the pan!!?? :?:
Thanks!

Mark(The Miser)UK · « **Reply #1 on:** April 24, 2007, 07:41:58 pm »

PTFE tape
Or hemp string

jtanguay · « **Reply #2 on:** April 25, 2007, 04:25:11 am »

well thank god it's not an aluminum pan... :roll: some of those shops like to reef on it to make sure it doesn't leak (idiots!!)

but ya ditty on the teflon tape... i have no idea about Permatex, but coming from Andrew i'm sure it's good stuff.

clbanman · « **Reply #3 on:** April 25, 2007, 06:01:04 am »

I had a leaking drain plug on a Ford years ago, and was told that GM makes a washer with a neoprene insert that works great. Tried it and never had another leak, so of course I can't remember the part number. I Googled it and came up with this: "GM # 1409 0908 (metal washer w/neoprene insert, best available". I can't say for sure that it's the one I used, but it's worth a shot.

BlackTieTD · « **Reply #4 on:** April 25, 2007, 07:04:35 am »

hey scully. you'll have to remove the current drain plug/washer to do anything about this... for peace of mind i'd get brand new oil plug, washer, and i would inspect the condition of the threads on the oil pan (this will be the hardest part).

if the threads appear to be fine and you can thread the new plug in easily without it binding on anything, me personally i'd try the new plug/washer without any tape or other sealing agent. it should seal without that so that's what i'd go for. if that doesn't work then a good band aid would be the tape/sealant if you don't want to replace the pan. hope to see the bunny soon

VW Scully · « **Reply #5 on:** April 27, 2007, 05:37:07 pm »

Ok thanks guys. The idea of replacing the pan sounds like a pain in the butt :x and I'd rather not have to do that!
I don't seem to have any trouble threading the plug and I always replcae the washer when I do an O/C, but I guess I have to try finding a new plug. :roll: Think I can wait til I do my next O/C!? Seems like a waste of oil if I have to do it now!
I just don't want the plug blowing off though. :oops:

Vincent Waldon · « **Reply #6 on:** April 27, 2007, 05:43:50 pm »

Plug's not under pressure so no danger of it blowing off... the biggest thing would be not noticing that you're low on oil until the oil light comes on driving down the QEW.

Or, drain the oil into a clean pan, fix the problem, and then put the oil back.

BlackTieTD · « **Reply #7 on:** April 30, 2007, 08:34:56 am »

what i said about changing the oil drain plug is sort of grasping at straws... unless the current plug is damaged, changing it likely won't do anything. BUT they are cheap and then you can rule that out.

i would just leave it and drive through to the next oil change. maybe do it a little early. just throw a wrench on that drain plug now and then and make sure it isn't loosening off.

maybe buy some oil (that you can use for next oil change if you don't need sooner), drain plug, washer, and keep a wrench in the car........... just in case

jtanguay · « **Reply #8 on:** April 30, 2007, 10:24:52 am »

fram sells a kit that threads on, and you use a special hose to drain the oil... you never have to remove the oil plug after that! it's a bit expensive, but just add some of that sealer stuff to it to get rid of leaks and you're set!

burn_your_money · « **Reply #9 on:** April 30, 2007, 07:13:22 pm »

Doesn't is make the bolt the lowest point on the pan though? Sitting nice and pretty waiting for that rock to come along and rip it off?

Kudagra · « **Reply #10 on:** May 01, 2007, 10:32:37 am »

If the threads are actually damaged most places sell a slightly oversized plug that will retap the hole.

I can concur with Andrew. That ultra gray permatex is great. Its real thick and stands up to about anything.

Replacement oil is cheap compared to replacing an engine that has been run out of oil. I hate oil leaks so when I fix one if I have to spend an extra $15 to refil it I dont feel too bad. But you should be able to make it to the next service.

If anyone asks just tell them....

"Its not an oil leak...its dust control"

jtanguay · « **Reply #11 on:** May 01, 2007, 11:06:54 am »

Quote from: "burn_your_money"

Doesn't is make the bolt the lowest point on the pan though? Sitting nice and pretty waiting for that rock to come along and rip it off?

it barely sits another cm or so lower... i simply love it! I will be using the port to do my oil sampling with the bypass filter when i get a roundtuit. :lol:

MacGyver · « **Reply #12 on:** May 01, 2007, 04:23:50 pm »

Since it sounds like your current plug tightens up fine, I wouldn't worry about it till next change.
Then, when the oil's dranied, have a check & make sure some idiot didn't scratch or damage the plug gasket mating surface on your pan.
You can use a honing stone to smooth the sealing surface if need be.
Same on the plug, since it's threading in ok, double-check the sealing surface carefully for damage. No need to replace it if it's not damaged.

I know the OEM VW gaskets are copper, but for reasons I can't explain I've never been a fan. I bought a pack of nylon ones & use them, find I can reuse them each several times and they seal very well. Also quite forgiving of incorrect torquing.

Good luck

VW Scully · « **Reply #13 on:** May 01, 2007, 07:26:28 pm »

Thanks MacGyver!

I think that's what I'll do

.

p.s. Got any of those Nylon washers lying around???

jtanguay · « **Reply #14 on:** May 01, 2007, 08:45:43 pm »

Quote from: "VW Scully"

Thanks MacGyver!
I think that's what I'll do .

p.s. Got any of those Nylon washers lying around???

i bet home depot has some

or some kind of plumbing store perhaps...?