Leaking transmission drain plug

[Chester11]

Hey folks:

I have a small leak from a drain plug. I stripped it 2 years ago, and used a time sert to fix the threads. I must not have installed it straight because there is a slight drip. (Talking a couple drops after sitting overnight). I have tried to tighten it down without going full gorilla.

I can't replace the pan - the drain is in the transmission case. Basically the trans would have to come out to replace the case.

At this point I'm looking for the least hacky solution - but am leaning toward a dap of JB Weld on the bottom of crush washer. I thought about using plumbers tape on the threads, but am hesitant to remove the plug and possibly make it worse. Any ideas to stop the bleeding?

 

[4WD]

So is this a non tapered plug going into an aluminum case?

 

[Chester11]

It is an aluminum case, not sure about the taper. It's honda plug with a crush washer.

 

[WyrTwister]

I think I would try non-hardening Permatex on the drain plug . Or Teflon tape on the drain plug . And replace what ever kind of washer / seal on the drain plug .

Is the drain plug on the bottom or side of the transmission case ?

 

[4WD]

So if you orphaned the plug with epoxy or … can you put an aftermarket plug in the pan like this B&M?

 

[Chester11]

Originally Posted By: WyrTwister
I think I would try non-hardening Permatex on the drain plug . Or Teflon tape on the drain plug . And replace what ever kind of washer / seal on the drain plug .

Is the drain plug on the bottom or side of the transmission case ?


Side of the case.

 

[KrisZ]

I would use teflon tape on the drain plug.

 

[Ursatdx]

Teflon and lose the aluminum crush washer.
Find a teflon washer the same size.
Trying to crush an aluminum washer on aluminum threads has
always seemed silly to me.

 

[BigD1]

Permatex #2 should do the trick. Clean the bolt off really good, and then let the #2 get tacky before installing it.

 

[JamesBond]

Has it been leaking for 2 years or did it just start? What vehicle?

 

[Chester11]

Originally Posted By: JamesBond
Has it been leaking for 2 years or did it just start? What vehicle?


Good question - it's such a small leak it could have been going on for a while. The AC really puts out a lot of moisture on the garage floor. I noticed a few oil drops because it was parked in a different spot outside.

As I'm sitting here thinking, I probably should look deeper and make sure the leak isn't coming from somewhere else.


09 Honda CRV.

 

[Chester11]

Definitely the trans drain plug. You can see the fluid seeping between the pain and the crush washer. We are talking a few drops overnight.

I cranked it down a bit and so far the time sert has held. The torque spec is about 25lbs, but I'm pretty far over that now.

Thanks for the advice folks.

 

[Chester11]

Hey folks:

Just an update here if anyone is interested. No visible leak after cranking down the drain plug.

I'm not sure if the time-sert loosens over time or if I just created the problem by not cranking it down enough. (I could be gun shy after stripping it out once already.)

Thanks for the help guys. I'll look at Permatex or teflon tape if it keeps leaking.

 

[WyrTwister]

Do you use Lock-Tite on the time-cert ?

Congrats on stopping the leak .

Wyr
God bless

 

[Chester11]

Originally Posted By: WyrTwister
Do you use Lock-Tite on the time-cert ?

Congrats on stopping the leak .



I did use a bit of lock tite when I put the time sert in.

Those kits are really cool. Expensive, but cool.

 

[WyrTwister]

I have watched videos of them being used to repair stripped spark plug holes .

 

[Chester11]

Well...I'm back to stumped.

I'm still seeing a tiny drops of fluid after driving about 20min. It doesn't appear at the drain plug (but could be getting pushed by air movement).

Making me nuts....I hate to take it to a trans shop for such a small leak. I guess it is 10 years old.

 

[WyrTwister]

Did you try Permatex # 2 ?

 

[Chester11]

Not yet - I'm having a bit a trouble finding No 2.

Do I put it on the threads or the crush washer?

 

[WyrTwister]

Defiantly on the threads . On the crush washer might be a good idea , too .