Oil Plug Will not Stop Leaking

[55 Fargo]

Hey all, tried different gaskets today, have a nylon replacement drain plug gasket on now. This plug will not stop dribbling.

I have no idea how now to correct this. Could or does anyone have any ideas, not sure why this has started to leak as bad.

Thanx Fred

[aero3113]

Is it the plug or is there a small crack in the weld? If it is the plug you can use some permitex sealer on it.

[55 Fargo]

Is it the plug or is there a small crack in the weld? If it is the plug you can use some permitex sealer on it.

Hi Aero, it is seeping right around the bottom of plug.

I think it is that, maybe there is a crack or pinhole, but do not see anything. What permatex sealer should I use?.....Thanx Fred

[aero3113]

I think permitex 2B non hardening would be good.

[55 Fargo]

Okay I have some of this, just a light coatingon threads and gasket?

Hey Aero thanx for trying to help me out........

[aero3113]

Put it on the threads and when you tighten it down it will go on the gasket.

"Hey Aero thanx for trying to help me out........ "

Any time

[Joe Flanagan]

Fred, I use Permatex Ultra Black and it is resistant to oils. It's also pretty easy to get off if you need to.

[55 Fargo]

Fred, I use Permatex Ultra Black and it is resistant to oils. It's also pretty easy to get off if you need to.

Hi Joe, I use this stuff also, but should I be using this on the threads of the drain plug?

I guess will have to clean it up evrey oil change......Thanx Fred

[Joe Flanagan]

Maybe a little on the threads and some under the head of the bolt? You would have to deal with it every oil change, though. I've had success with a wire brush and lacquer thinner. The stuff that's on a flat surface will just scrape off. The best thing would be to find out why it's leaking. I know you just dropped the pan and reinstalled it but maybe when you feel like it you could drop it again and check for a crack or a pinhole somewhere.

[P-12 Tommy]

It sounds like a stress crack around the hole.

Tom

[michael.warshaw]

teflon tape to build up the threads?

[55 Fargo]

It sounds like a stress crack around the hole.

Tom

This could be part of it, but I had a good look and feel, the opening where the drain plug gasket seats into, is distorted.

I have used some permatex 2, on the threads, and bit on gasket. So far no leaks, but it has only beena short time.

I will pull th pan again for correct repair when time permits, the Wife is not amused with all my time being spent on this car this past week.

Michael thought of teflon tape, as the threads are not super tight, and no doubt is leaking around them.....Thanx to all for the help, will complain againlater, if leaks begin, I can live with some drips, but not if it is an ounce a day, thats a quart a month.............Fred

[55 Fargo]

And Fred, as it will also leak while you are driving, it will lube the bottom of your vehicle as you cruise down that dirt road:D

That oil and dirt will combine to provide you with some 21st century "undercoatney":eek:

Hi Shel, I think these old flatheads are prone to some oil leaking. This drain plus all of a sudden got to be a bit much, so gave the drain plug a coating of permatex #2, stopped the leaking so far.

I will pull the oil pan and correct, either a swap or send in for repairs.

The oil pan bolt hole seat, where the plug and gasket sit, is somewhat distorted, no wonder it could not seal, the threads could have been a bit tighter too.

So by coating with the permatex, no doubt is stopping the weeping of the oil, at least for a while, or at least a slow down. I see no leaking so far, been about 6 hours.

Undercoatney, certainly would not hurt....Fred

Pic of the extra plug, 1 copper gasket, 1 nylon NAPA gasket, 1 steel, that was on the plug on my engine, the metal gaskets all lok roughed up, the one on my engine had a rubber type surface on it, not sure if someone tried RTV before I got this engine....

Edited March 23, 2010 by Rockwood