What would you do?

[MysticGold04]

I think I know what most would do on this site regarding my situation, but I thought I'd ask nonetheless.

I'm currently into my current oci 3800mi and was wanting to get to 5k before draining. I have a Suzuki Forenza and apparently you are supposed to change the drain plug gasket after every change, well I didn't and just noticed it was leaking ever so little. I have a fumoto valve waiting to be installed. I could tighten the drain plug, but do not want to risk stripping it as it's aluminum. So, I am electing to remove the bolt, install the fumoto, and refill. I'm debating on changing the filter - an ST will be taking the Pure One's place that is on there currently. What do you all think?

 

[Papa Bear]

Tighten the drain plug "ever so little" to stop the leak and go to 5K.
I have a '93 Accord and only remember changing the drain plug gasket 3 times.

 

[sw99]

I would keep an eye on it. You dont want to strip it out.

 

[m2200b]

I'd run as is and just simple green the oil smudged area at 5K. I guess you may want to use something that is easier on the aluminum but I'd rather clean oil than replac ethe alumunium pan.

 

[Mr_Incredible]

If it's just a tiny drip here and there, I'd tighten it just a smidgen. If you have a torque wrench you could work your way up to where it is and go a lb or two over. That's not much.

Otherwise, if the drip is a big one and you are really emotionally invested in your current fill, you could scrub out your collection pan (or maybe get a new one), scrub all the dirt and grit from around the drain plug, and drain it. Then pour it back in using a funnel and a paint strainer just in case there's a piece of grit in it.

 

[Gradient]

I'd loosen it half a turn, and re-tighten it with a torque wrench to the correct spec. (I think it is 26 ft-lbs).

 

[Dick in Falls Church]

My guess is that you are using non-synthetic. And you now have some 76% of the planned use of the oil. Assume $2 per quart, 5 quarts and a $7 oil filter---that's $17.
So if you drain it out now, take care of the drain plug leak, you'll have thrown away $4.08 of "good" oil and filter.
Golly, in some places that will buy you a beer!

 

[hominid7]

I turn my gasket over each time, and end up replacing it about once every 4 or so oil changes.

If the sump is cold (i repeat only if its cold) and you have a quick hand, one can change the plug without loosing more than about 1 oz of oil. Involves holding your finger over the drain hole while you replace the gasket with the free hand. It's possible, ive done it! But dont recommend it

 

[alreadygone]

If plugs were that easy to strip, 90% of Walmart and other quick lubes(yes, probably me too) would be buying an oil pan with every oil change. Take a wrench and give it a little pull, then forget it till next due service.

Bob

 

[The Critic]

Quote:

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If plugs were that easy to strip, 90% of Walmart and other quick lubes(yes, probably me too) would be buying an oil pan with every oil change. Take a wrench and give it a little pull, then forget it till next due service.

Bob

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Agreed.

The 3/8" Drive Bolt I removed from a Honda transaxle was so tight, the washer was literally welded to the plug. The 3/8" drive was almost rounded off. It took a 1/2" Drive (16" long) + 1/2 to 3/8" adapter, plus a lot of force to remove the plug. No damage to the threads as far as I can tell. I reinstalled it with 60-70 ft-lbs of force to get it to seal, as I had no spare plug/washer on hand. No leaks to this day...

 

[MysticGold04]

Well, I decided to tighten it just a smidge, and see what happens... If its still leaking in a few days, I'll change it. There is not much dripping from it, as the dipstick still says its full. Thanks for the help!

 

[Shannow]

degrease the area thoroughly, and apply a smear of silastic until your next change.