What to use on a leaking diff plug ?

[TheLoneRanger]

Hi all. I just replaced my Cherokee diff cover with one made from stainless steel. It has a normal steel fill plug. I noticed oil seeping out the plug, and retightened, with the same resulting small drip.

Normally, most diff plugs don't require sealing, but this combo of SS and steel wants to leak.....

I'm using Mobil 1 80W-140 synthetic gear oil.
What's the best stuff to use to seal the plug threads?

Thanks,
TLR

 

[INDYMAC]

Did you use a crush washer?

 

[Tempest]

I use permatex thread sealant. Seems to be very good.

 

[meep]

teflon tape wrapped around plug generously.

 

[Gary Allan]

"normal steel" plug is truly a plug. Is this a hex head bolt type thing?

If so, a washer, as was suggested, would be appropriate. I'd go nylon. With a washer the bolt/plug needs to provide nothing except tension. The washer does the sealing.

 

[PT1]

Try some white loctite. It is for hydraulic fittings and seals oil/grease fittings while providing a medium strength threadlocker. I use it on everything that holds oil. Harley Davidson uses it on drain plugs from the factory.

 

[PW01]

Quote:

---

teflon tape wrapped around plug generously.

---

I agree!

 

[Ignatz]

I use pipe dope with Teflon on crush washers that I have to use over, but Teflon tape on a pipe plug would probably be best. Especially with stainless.

 

[1sttruck]

I use the 'white loctite' for sealing and kind of locking threads. It looks and smells like plumber's teflon sealing compound, which what I also use if I don't have one the expensive tiny tubes of the loctite. The specs on the plumber's teflon compound are very good.

 

[TheLoneRanger]

Thanks for all the replies, guys.
The plug is indeed a pipe type plug, with nothing to fit a washer under.

I wrapped the plug in teflon tape, and it seems to be sealing now. I also picked up a tube of Permatex thread sealant as a backup.
That plumbers teflon sealer sounds like it would be good to have on hand too. Probably cheaper than the automotive type sealer I bought.....

 

[gtx510]

A dab of hylomar might work since it isn't broken down by oil and never really dries anyways.

 

[TheLoneRanger]

Quote:

---

A dab of hylomar might work since it isn't broken down by oil and never really dries anyways.

---

I've heard of Hylomar, but haven't seen it in my area.....