Drain plug gasket

[wn1998]

Just started my second arx clean cycle on a 97 cavalier. As I was draining my used oil into from my drain pan into the empty quarts I realized that my rubber gasket had fallen off the plug and into the oil. I had already re-inserted the oil drain plug and had filled the car with the fresh 5w30 and bottle of ARX. Is the lack of this rubber gasket going to cause serious leak issues during my final 1000 mile clean phase in Illinois?

I am thinking that the cold weather will make the metal drain plug contract thus allowing oil to slowly drip?

Should I be ok for the 1k interval which will probably take a month?

 

[Al]

Boy,...I believe if were me I would go to PepBoys and get a replacement and make a switch. In any event..I know you can pull a plug and stick another on on there without loosing more than a few ounces of oil at most-and hopefully you will do the job when the oil is cold.

If you have someone handy you can pull it off..hold your finger there and have the other person put the washer back on.

I just wouldn't chance a major screw up with the plug leaking or coming off.

 

[Mickey_M]

quote:

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Originally posted by wn1998:
Just started my second arx clean cycle on a 97 cavalier. As I was draining my used oil into from my drain pan into the empty quarts I realized that my rubber gasket had fallen off the plug and into the oil. I had already re-inserted the oil drain plug and had filled the car with the fresh 5w30 and bottle of ARX. Is the lack of this rubber gasket going to cause serious leak issues during my final 1000 mile clean phase in Illinois?

I am thinking that the cold weather will make the metal drain plug contract thus allowing oil to slowly drip?

Should I be ok for the 1k interval which will probably take a month?

---

Were it me, I'd head down to Pep Boys and pick up a drain plug and new gasket (you should have a few around anyway - reusing a gasket forever is an invitation to trouble).

Put a clean drain pan under it, loosen the old drain plug, place the new one with gasket in reach, and do a quick change when the old one comes out.

Now retrieve the drain plug from the pan with a magnet, and carefully pour the drained oil back in using a funnel.

 

[XS650]

If it's not leaking no problem. Millions of cars have drain plugs with no rubber gaskets and their drain plugs don't fall out.

 

[doctormdds]

I have done this exact thing except it was on an automatic transmission. When I "finished" the job I found the drain plug gasket! I did exactly like Al suggested except I did it with no help. I removed the drain plug and inserted my finger in the hole. With the other hand I placed the washer back on the bolt and then I quickly re-installed the drain plug. I lost a negligeable amount of ATF, probably less than two tablespoons. Of course, it would be easier to have someone help put the washer on while you have your finger int he drain hole. I'm with Al,
don't take a chance, replace the washer.

 

[427Z06]

As XS650 stated, I highly doubt the drain plug would fall out without the gasket.

However, I didn't change the aluminum crush washer on my Honda one time and the oil would drip out of the plug a few drops over night. With a fresh load of synthetics I didn't really want to waste, I did the "switchero" that doctormdds and Al suggested without any help. Lost at most 8 oz of oil.

Obviously, I did this when the engine was cold so I wouldn't burn myself and the oil wouldn't flow out as easily.

 

[wileyE]

You can take a shop vac and lay the hose in the oil fill hole at the valve cover. Don't really need to push it in or seal it, just make negative pressure at the opening. Pull the plug and nothing but maybe a drop will come out. I saw a guy do it at one of those monkey-lube places and it worked.

 

[wn1998]

Since I have been told my drain plug shouldn't fall out, I think I am going to just keep an eye on the oil level and run my 1k oci and than do the switcheroo when I go into my arx rinse. Thanks for the replys

 

[lyle]

Next time you change your oil, replace your plug with a Fumoto Valve. You'll never have to worry about losing a gasket or removing the plug again.

www.fumotovalve.com