Recommended Pan Plug Seal - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

DT1 · 11-05-2021, 05:06 PM

I've had an oil leak for some time now, so I changed my oil a few days ago and found that the pan plug had somehow worked it's way loose. Not so loose to fall out but loose enough to leak. The only reason I can think this would occur would be a damaged or incorrect sealing washer.
The last time I changed the oil I used an aluminum crush washer, so I figured I'd try a different material. This time I installed a nylon washer and it didn't leak a drop for three days.
I backed the truck out today and I noticed oil on the floor. When I checked the pan plug, it was loose again.
Now I'm not sure what material sealing washer I should use.

In both cases the plug was tightened properly.

Any recommendations will be appreciated.

**70STOVEBOLT** · 11-05-2021, 05:32 PM

Nylon is original equipment AFAIK. Maybe the threads are worn on the plug or in the pan?

DT1 · 11-05-2021, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70STOVEBOLT

Nylon is original equipment AFAIK. Maybe the threads are worn on the plug or in the pan?

Yea, I'm pretty sure it's the original pan plug. Maybe it's time for an oversize plug.

**Getter-Done** · 11-05-2021, 07:56 PM

Maybe a oversize plug or try a copper crush washer first?

Link: https://orv.livejournal.com/327244.h...d-tight%20seal.

**kwmech** · 11-05-2021, 10:02 PM

I use a relatively thick cardboard style washer, works for me just fine without any issues. I think it may be about 3/32 thick

yuccales · 11-07-2021, 11:52 AM

Been happy with these.
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...B&gclsrc=aw.ds

toolboxchev · 11-07-2021, 12:47 PM

That thing should never come loose on its own. You have some type of issue, maybe even a metric bolt. I use a copper washer now due in part to the nylon one being 50 years old, neither loosens on its own.

garyd1961 · 11-07-2021, 11:28 PM

The plug didn't come loose if it was tight in the first place. You evidently forgot to tighten it, happens to best of us.

CastIron · 11-08-2021, 02:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yuccales

Been happy with these.
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...B&gclsrc=aw.ds

That's the style I use. I have two vehicles that I installed different crate motors in and both came with the metal/rubber seals. Mine don't leak.

DT1 · 11-08-2021, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by garyd1961

The plug didn't come loose if it was tight in the first place. You evidently forgot to tighten it, happens to best of us.

If you read my original post, you'll see that it absolutely loosened, not once but twice.

**kwmech** · 11-08-2021, 12:55 PM

Maybe somebody else is messing with it then. we had an idiot at the dealership about 25 years ago that was trying to get the lube guy fired b'cuz he didn't like him and was pulling that ****. Lube guy was on though and got him fired and luckily there were not any customer cars that got damaged.

DT1 · 11-08-2021, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwmech

Maybe somebody else is messing with it then. we had an idiot at the dealership about 25 years ago that was trying to get the lube guy fired b'cuz he didn't like him and was pulling that ****. Lube guy was on though and got him fired and luckily there were not any customer cars that got damaged.

Not a chance.
This truck has never spent a single night outside since I took ownership of it in 1999. And, although I drive it every day (Except when it rains) It's never left out of my sight. I consider it "The vehicle I drive when I have absolutely no where to go".

Since it's the original pan plug and I have changed the oil every 3000 miles (Tightened the plug EVERY time) since I have owned it, I'm thinking the plug is probably ready for a 1st oversize.

garyd1961 · 11-08-2021, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DT1

If you read my original post, you'll see that it absolutely loosened, not once but twice.

I changed oil for 20 years at two different dealerships. I have removed and installed more drain plugs than most people on this planet. If the threads are good a plug does not come loose on it's own no matter what gasket it has.
ETA, if the threads are bad it won't tighten in the first place.

MARKDTN · 11-09-2021, 09:32 AM

https://paceperformance.com/i-648519...ain-plugs.html

or buy from your local GM dealer. These seal better IMHO than the stock ones.

jfnar · 11-09-2021, 02:53 PM

I fixed mine by using a flat washer and O ring. The washer has an ID slightly bigger than the O ring OD and is about .015" thinner than the O ring. I've done this on a couple engines and have never had a leak.

DT1 · 11-10-2021, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MARKDTN

https://paceperformance.com/i-648519...ain-plugs.html

or buy from your local GM dealer. These seal better IMHO than the stock ones.

Thanks for the link. I ordered a few.

11-05-2021, 05:06 PM	#1
DT1 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Gardnerville Nv No Mo Cali!! Posts: 869	Recommended Pan Plug Seal I've had an oil leak for some time now, so I changed my oil a few days ago and found that the pan plug had somehow worked it's way loose. Not so loose to fall out but loose enough to leak. The only reason I can think this would occur would be a damaged or incorrect sealing washer. The last time I changed the oil I used an aluminum crush washer, so I figured I'd try a different material. This time I installed a nylon washer and it didn't leak a drop for three days. I backed the truck out today and I noticed oil on the floor. When I checked the pan plug, it was loose again. Now I'm not sure what material sealing washer I should use. In both cases the plug was tightened properly. Any recommendations will be appreciated. Last edited by DT1; 11-05-2021 at 05:24 PM.

11-05-2021, 05:32 PM	#2
70STOVEBOLT Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Winona Lake, IN Posts: 6,352	Re: Recommended Pan Plug Seal Nylon is original equipment AFAIK. Maybe the threads are worn on the plug or in the pan? __________________ 70 C/10 SWB 402/TH400/3.73 "The Needy Beast" 200,000 Mile Club Disc Brake Club Owner installed options: Front Sway Bar Power Steering Power Brakes Cigar Lighter Courtesy Lights Deluxe Side Markers Wiper Delay Sliding Rear Window Power Windows Power Locks Sniper EFI 2015 Silverado 1500 LS 4.3/6L80/3.23 lowered 2" front & rear

11-05-2021, 07:56 PM	#4
Getter-Done Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: TN. Posts: 8,300	Re: Recommended Pan Plug Seal Maybe a oversize plug or try a copper crush washer first? Link: https://orv.livejournal.com/327244.h...d-tight%20seal. __________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________ 84 Chevy K-20 63 Impala (my high school car) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...Crew Cab Build

11-05-2021, 10:02 PM	#5
kwmech Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colfax-California Posts: 8,592	Re: Recommended Pan Plug Seal I use a relatively thick cardboard style washer, works for me just fine without any issues. I think it may be about 3/32 thick

11-07-2021, 11:52 AM	#6
yuccales Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Northern Calif. Posts: 3,743	Re: Recommended Pan Plug Seal Been happy with these. https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...B&gclsrc=aw.ds

11-07-2021, 12:47 PM	#7
toolboxchev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: 2nd left past the stump on a dirt road. Posts: 2,629	Re: Recommended Pan Plug Seal That thing should never come loose on its own. You have some type of issue, maybe even a metric bolt. I use a copper washer now due in part to the nylon one being 50 years old, neither loosens on its own.

11-07-2021, 11:28 PM	#8
garyd1961 Registered User Join Date: May 2016 Location: Henderson NC Posts: 975	Re: Recommended Pan Plug Seal The plug didn't come loose if it was tight in the first place. You evidently forgot to tighten it, happens to best of us.

11-08-2021, 12:55 PM	#11
kwmech Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colfax-California Posts: 8,592	Re: Recommended Pan Plug Seal Maybe somebody else is messing with it then. we had an idiot at the dealership about 25 years ago that was trying to get the lube guy fired b'cuz he didn't like him and was pulling that ****. Lube guy was on though and got him fired and luckily there were not any customer cars that got damaged.

11-09-2021, 09:32 AM	#14
MARKDTN Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga, TN Posts: 2,159	Re: Recommended Pan Plug Seal https://paceperformance.com/i-648519...ain-plugs.html or buy from your local GM dealer. These seal better IMHO than the stock ones. __________________ '83 K20-TPI '73 C10 '79 C10-ex-diesel(SOLD) '07 Tahoe(Son driving) '14 Suburban-DD '71 C10-current project

11-09-2021, 02:53 PM	#15
jfnar Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Jonesboro, AR Posts: 410	Re: Recommended Pan Plug Seal I fixed mine by using a flat washer and O ring. The washer has an ID slightly bigger than the O ring OD and is about .015" thinner than the O ring. I've done this on a couple engines and have never had a leak.

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