What to Do About Oil Leakage from the Oil Drain Plug?
3 Answers
Here are the methods to deal with oil leakage from the oil drain plug: 1. Oil leakage from the drain plug requires different approaches depending on the situation. 2. If the leakage is minor, it might be caused by a deteriorated sealing washer. You can try applying sealant around the plug, which usually solves the problem. If the leakage persists after applying sealant, replace the sealing washer. 3. If the oil pan is deformed, it can break the seal between the drain hole and the plug, leading to oil leakage. Solution: Replace the oil pan. 4. If the plug threads are stripped, the only solution is to replace the oil pan. An extreme alternative is to weld the drain hole shut and switch to using an oil exchange machine instead of gravity draining. The oil drain plug is typically located at the bottom of the oil pan for easy visibility and access. This design facilitates complete oil drainage and cleaning of the oil pan.
I also encountered engine oil screw leakage last time, don't panic yet. If you're doing it yourself, first wear gloves and wait for the engine to cool down for half an hour before operating. Use a jack to lift the car and lay some old newspapers to catch the oil. Try tightening the screw with a socket wrench - sometimes it's just that the mechanic didn't tighten it properly during maintenance. If it still leaks after tightening, nine times out of ten the gasket is damaged. You can buy a new gasket at an auto parts market for just a few bucks - make sure to get one that matches your vehicle. When tightening the screw after replacing the gasket, don't over-tighten it as excessive force can damage the threads. After finishing, start the car and let it idle for a few minutes, then check underneath to see if there's still any leakage. As a reminder, if there are oil stains where you parked, use sawdust to absorb them cleanly to avoid polluting the ground.
The auto repair shop owner taught me this trick: First, clean the oil stains around the screw to better observe the exact oil leakage point. Common causes are either a loose screw or a cracked aging gasket. If the screw is loose, simply tighten it according to the torque specified in the vehicle manual—keeping a torque wrench at home is quite practical. If it's a gasket issue, be careful not to let any residual gasket debris fall into the oil pan when removing the screw. Before installing the new gasket, remember to apply a thin layer of oil on both sides to enhance the seal. Additionally, mechanics often skip replacing the gasket during oil changes to save time, so we car owners need to keep an eye on it. Prolonged oil seepage can lead to oil loss, so remember to check the dipstick frequently.
