Oil Drain Plug Sealer
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Oil Drain Plug Sealer
Bill Graham wrote:
> I've been told about various sealers for the oil drain plug. Is this
> inlue of a copper washer, in addition to, what about plumber's pipe
> tape?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bill Graham
Why not just use a copper washer?
If you don't have a washer or can't get one (which seems odd) you can
apply a very thin bead of TRV gasket maker (available at any auto parts
store for a couple of dollars/euros/whatever) to the flat area of the
plug where it would normally contact the crankcase. Tighten normally
after giving the RTV a minute or two to form a "skin".
Cheers,
C
> I've been told about various sealers for the oil drain plug. Is this
> inlue of a copper washer, in addition to, what about plumber's pipe
> tape?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bill Graham
Why not just use a copper washer?
If you don't have a washer or can't get one (which seems odd) you can
apply a very thin bead of TRV gasket maker (available at any auto parts
store for a couple of dollars/euros/whatever) to the flat area of the
plug where it would normally contact the crankcase. Tighten normally
after giving the RTV a minute or two to form a "skin".
Cheers,
C
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Oil Drain Plug Sealer
I've got washers. I was just looking for more "what, why" info to educate
myself.
Thanks,
Bill
> Bill Graham wrote:
>> I've been told about various sealers for the oil drain plug. Is this
>> inlue of a copper washer, in addition to, what about plumber's pipe
>> tape?
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Bill Graham
>
> Why not just use a copper washer?
>
> If you don't have a washer or can't get one (which seems odd) you can
> apply a very thin bead of TRV gasket maker (available at any auto parts
> store for a couple of dollars/euros/whatever) to the flat area of the
> plug where it would normally contact the crankcase. Tighten normally
> after giving the RTV a minute or two to form a "skin".
>
> Cheers,
>
> C
>
myself.
Thanks,
Bill
> Bill Graham wrote:
>> I've been told about various sealers for the oil drain plug. Is this
>> inlue of a copper washer, in addition to, what about plumber's pipe
>> tape?
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Bill Graham
>
> Why not just use a copper washer?
>
> If you don't have a washer or can't get one (which seems odd) you can
> apply a very thin bead of TRV gasket maker (available at any auto parts
> store for a couple of dollars/euros/whatever) to the flat area of the
> plug where it would normally contact the crankcase. Tighten normally
> after giving the RTV a minute or two to form a "skin".
>
> Cheers,
>
> C
>
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Oil Drain Plug Sealer
Even without the washer it will probably only leak a vanishingly small
amount of oil if torqued properly. The copper washer is there so that
it deforms slightly and forms a tight seal (without any undue wear and
tear to the crankcase or oil plug. I generally replace the washer at
every oil change. They're dirt cheap. You can buy a whole bag of them
for the cost of one oil filter.
Cheers,
C
Bill Graham wrote:
> I've got washers. I was just looking for more "what, why" info to educate
> myself.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bill
>
>
>>Bill Graham wrote:
>>
>>>I've been told about various sealers for the oil drain plug. Is this
>>>inlue of a copper washer, in addition to, what about plumber's pipe
>>>tape?
>>>
>>>Thanks,
>>>
>>>Bill Graham
>>
>>Why not just use a copper washer?
>>
>>If you don't have a washer or can't get one (which seems odd) you can
>>apply a very thin bead of TRV gasket maker (available at any auto parts
>>store for a couple of dollars/euros/whatever) to the flat area of the
>>plug where it would normally contact the crankcase. Tighten normally
>>after giving the RTV a minute or two to form a "skin".
>>
>>Cheers,
>>
>>C
>>
>
>
amount of oil if torqued properly. The copper washer is there so that
it deforms slightly and forms a tight seal (without any undue wear and
tear to the crankcase or oil plug. I generally replace the washer at
every oil change. They're dirt cheap. You can buy a whole bag of them
for the cost of one oil filter.
Cheers,
C
Bill Graham wrote:
> I've got washers. I was just looking for more "what, why" info to educate
> myself.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bill
>
>
>>Bill Graham wrote:
>>
>>>I've been told about various sealers for the oil drain plug. Is this
>>>inlue of a copper washer, in addition to, what about plumber's pipe
>>>tape?
>>>
>>>Thanks,
>>>
>>>Bill Graham
>>
>>Why not just use a copper washer?
>>
>>If you don't have a washer or can't get one (which seems odd) you can
>>apply a very thin bead of TRV gasket maker (available at any auto parts
>>store for a couple of dollars/euros/whatever) to the flat area of the
>>plug where it would normally contact the crankcase. Tighten normally
>>after giving the RTV a minute or two to form a "skin".
>>
>>Cheers,
>>
>>C
>>
>
>
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Oil Drain Plug Sealer
That was my plan as well, to replace it every time. I haven't needed a
torque wrench with the last few cars I've had (didn't fix them myself). When
I worked on my own the last time before this Audi, it was a SAAB 99. Always
borrowed one then.
Thanks Chris,
Bill
> Even without the washer it will probably only leak a vanishingly small
> amount of oil if torqued properly. The copper washer is there so that
> it deforms slightly and forms a tight seal (without any undue wear and
> tear to the crankcase or oil plug. I generally replace the washer at
> every oil change. They're dirt cheap. You can buy a whole bag of them
> for the cost of one oil filter.
>
> Cheers,
>
> C
>
> Bill Graham wrote:
>> I've got washers. I was just looking for more "what, why" info to educate
>> myself.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Bill
>>
>>
>>> Bill Graham wrote:
>>>
>>>> I've been told about various sealers for the oil drain plug. Is this
>>>> inlue of a copper washer, in addition to, what about plumber's pipe
>>>> tape?
>>>>
>>>> Thanks,
>>>>
>>>> Bill Graham
>>>
>>> Why not just use a copper washer?
>>>
>>> If you don't have a washer or can't get one (which seems odd) you can
>>> apply a very thin bead of TRV gasket maker (available at any auto parts
>>> store for a couple of dollars/euros/whatever) to the flat area of the
>>> plug where it would normally contact the crankcase. Tighten normally
>>> after giving the RTV a minute or two to form a "skin".
>>>
>>> Cheers,
>>>
>>> C
>>>
>>
>>
>
torque wrench with the last few cars I've had (didn't fix them myself). When
I worked on my own the last time before this Audi, it was a SAAB 99. Always
borrowed one then.
Thanks Chris,
Bill
> Even without the washer it will probably only leak a vanishingly small
> amount of oil if torqued properly. The copper washer is there so that
> it deforms slightly and forms a tight seal (without any undue wear and
> tear to the crankcase or oil plug. I generally replace the washer at
> every oil change. They're dirt cheap. You can buy a whole bag of them
> for the cost of one oil filter.
>
> Cheers,
>
> C
>
> Bill Graham wrote:
>> I've got washers. I was just looking for more "what, why" info to educate
>> myself.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Bill
>>
>>
>>> Bill Graham wrote:
>>>
>>>> I've been told about various sealers for the oil drain plug. Is this
>>>> inlue of a copper washer, in addition to, what about plumber's pipe
>>>> tape?
>>>>
>>>> Thanks,
>>>>
>>>> Bill Graham
>>>
>>> Why not just use a copper washer?
>>>
>>> If you don't have a washer or can't get one (which seems odd) you can
>>> apply a very thin bead of TRV gasket maker (available at any auto parts
>>> store for a couple of dollars/euros/whatever) to the flat area of the
>>> plug where it would normally contact the crankcase. Tighten normally
>>> after giving the RTV a minute or two to form a "skin".
>>>
>>> Cheers,
>>>
>>> C
>>>
>>
>>
>
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Oil Drain Plug Sealer
Bill Graham <whgraham@nc.rr.com> wrote in message news:<BBD59BFC.20EE9%whgraham@nc.rr.com>...
>
> > Even without the washer it will probably only leak a vanishingly small
> > amount of oil if torqued properly. The copper washer is there so that
> > it deforms slightly and forms a tight seal (without any undue wear and
> > tear to the crankcase or oil plug. I generally replace the washer at
> > every oil change.
> That was my plan as well, to replace it every time.
While this may be the *proper* (as in 'factory recommended') thing to
do, I think it's a bit retentive, so I simply reuse them until
they start looking a bit flattened out and *then* replace them. As
you mentioned, it really doesn't leak much even if you leave the
washer completely out and use no sealant of any kind. It's not like
there's any significant pressure in there ...
--
C.R. Krieger
(Been there; done that)
>
> > Even without the washer it will probably only leak a vanishingly small
> > amount of oil if torqued properly. The copper washer is there so that
> > it deforms slightly and forms a tight seal (without any undue wear and
> > tear to the crankcase or oil plug. I generally replace the washer at
> > every oil change.
> That was my plan as well, to replace it every time.
While this may be the *proper* (as in 'factory recommended') thing to
do, I think it's a bit retentive, so I simply reuse them until
they start looking a bit flattened out and *then* replace them. As
you mentioned, it really doesn't leak much even if you leave the
washer completely out and use no sealant of any kind. It's not like
there's any significant pressure in there ...
--
C.R. Krieger
(Been there; done that)
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Oil Drain Plug Sealer
warp2_shadow@yahoo.com (C.R. Krieger) wrote in message news:<a8a578a8.0311110712.c043ca9@posting.google.c om>...
> Bill Graham <whgraham@nc.rr.com> wrote in message news:<BBD59BFC.20EE9%whgraham@nc.rr.com>...
> >
> > > Even without the washer it will probably only leak a vanishingly small
> > > amount of oil if torqued properly. The copper washer is there so that
> > > it deforms slightly and forms a tight seal (without any undue wear and
> > > tear to the crankcase or oil plug. I generally replace the washer at
> > > every oil change.
>
> > That was my plan as well, to replace it every time.
>
> While this may be the *proper* (as in 'factory recommended') thing to
> do, I think it's a bit retentive, so I simply reuse them until
> they start looking a bit flattened out and *then* replace them. As
> you mentioned, it really doesn't leak much even if you leave the
> washer completely out and use no sealant of any kind. It's not like
> there's any significant pressure in there ...
I changed the oil today and used a new washer, but I saved the old one
just to have as a reference. No leaks. I'm assuming that the Fram I
put in there is good enough. I did not have one of those German
filters.
> Bill Graham <whgraham@nc.rr.com> wrote in message news:<BBD59BFC.20EE9%whgraham@nc.rr.com>...
> >
> > > Even without the washer it will probably only leak a vanishingly small
> > > amount of oil if torqued properly. The copper washer is there so that
> > > it deforms slightly and forms a tight seal (without any undue wear and
> > > tear to the crankcase or oil plug. I generally replace the washer at
> > > every oil change.
>
> > That was my plan as well, to replace it every time.
>
> While this may be the *proper* (as in 'factory recommended') thing to
> do, I think it's a bit retentive, so I simply reuse them until
> they start looking a bit flattened out and *then* replace them. As
> you mentioned, it really doesn't leak much even if you leave the
> washer completely out and use no sealant of any kind. It's not like
> there's any significant pressure in there ...
I changed the oil today and used a new washer, but I saved the old one
just to have as a reference. No leaks. I'm assuming that the Fram I
put in there is good enough. I did not have one of those German
filters.
#9
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Oil Drain Plug Sealer
Bill Graham wrote:
> warp2_shadow@yahoo.com (C.R. Krieger) wrote in message news:<a8a578a8.0311110712.c043ca9@posting.google.c om>...
>
>>Bill Graham <whgraham@nc.rr.com> wrote in message news:<BBD59BFC.20EE9%whgraham@nc.rr.com>...
>>
>>>>Even without the washer it will probably only leak a vanishingly small
>>>>amount of oil if torqued properly. The copper washer is there so that
>>>>it deforms slightly and forms a tight seal (without any undue wear and
>>>>tear to the crankcase or oil plug. I generally replace the washer at
>>>>every oil change.
>>
>>
>>
>>>That was my plan as well, to replace it every time.
>>
>>While this may be the *proper* (as in 'factory recommended') thing to
>>do, I think it's a bit retentive, so I simply reuse them until
>>they start looking a bit flattened out and *then* replace them. As
>>you mentioned, it really doesn't leak much even if you leave the
>>washer completely out and use no sealant of any kind. It's not like
>>there's any significant pressure in there ...
>
>
> I changed the oil today and used a new washer, but I saved the old one
> just to have as a reference. No leaks. I'm assuming that the Fram I
> put in there is good enough. I did not have one of those German
> filters.
Fram filters are crap. Perhaps adequate if you change your oil VERY
regularly at 3-5k miles. Nothing more.
I prefer Wix or Hastings filters.
Cheers,
C
> warp2_shadow@yahoo.com (C.R. Krieger) wrote in message news:<a8a578a8.0311110712.c043ca9@posting.google.c om>...
>
>>Bill Graham <whgraham@nc.rr.com> wrote in message news:<BBD59BFC.20EE9%whgraham@nc.rr.com>...
>>
>>>>Even without the washer it will probably only leak a vanishingly small
>>>>amount of oil if torqued properly. The copper washer is there so that
>>>>it deforms slightly and forms a tight seal (without any undue wear and
>>>>tear to the crankcase or oil plug. I generally replace the washer at
>>>>every oil change.
>>
>>
>>
>>>That was my plan as well, to replace it every time.
>>
>>While this may be the *proper* (as in 'factory recommended') thing to
>>do, I think it's a bit retentive, so I simply reuse them until
>>they start looking a bit flattened out and *then* replace them. As
>>you mentioned, it really doesn't leak much even if you leave the
>>washer completely out and use no sealant of any kind. It's not like
>>there's any significant pressure in there ...
>
>
> I changed the oil today and used a new washer, but I saved the old one
> just to have as a reference. No leaks. I'm assuming that the Fram I
> put in there is good enough. I did not have one of those German
> filters.
Fram filters are crap. Perhaps adequate if you change your oil VERY
regularly at 3-5k miles. Nothing more.
I prefer Wix or Hastings filters.
Cheers,
C
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Oil Drain Plug Sealer
That's what I could find locally without driving all over town. I will be
sure to change frequently.
Any opinions on the Lucas products i.e. Oil Stabilizer?
> Bill Graham wrote:
>> warp2_shadow@yahoo.com (C.R. Krieger) wrote in message
>> news:<a8a578a8.0311110712.c043ca9@posting.google.c om>...
>>
>>> Bill Graham <whgraham@nc.rr.com> wrote in message
>>> news:<BBD59BFC.20EE9%whgraham@nc.rr.com>...
>>>
>>>>> Even without the washer it will probably only leak a vanishingly small
>>>>> amount of oil if torqued properly. The copper washer is there so that
>>>>> it deforms slightly and forms a tight seal (without any undue wear and
>>>>> tear to the crankcase or oil plug. I generally replace the washer at
>>>>> every oil change.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>> That was my plan as well, to replace it every time.
>>>
>>> While this may be the *proper* (as in 'factory recommended') thing to
>>> do, I think it's a bit retentive, so I simply reuse them until
>>> they start looking a bit flattened out and *then* replace them. As
>>> you mentioned, it really doesn't leak much even if you leave the
>>> washer completely out and use no sealant of any kind. It's not like
>>> there's any significant pressure in there ...
>>
>>
>> I changed the oil today and used a new washer, but I saved the old one
>> just to have as a reference. No leaks. I'm assuming that the Fram I
>> put in there is good enough. I did not have one of those German
>> filters.
>
> Fram filters are crap. Perhaps adequate if you change your oil VERY
> regularly at 3-5k miles. Nothing more.
>
> I prefer Wix or Hastings filters.
>
> Cheers,
>
> C
>
sure to change frequently.
Any opinions on the Lucas products i.e. Oil Stabilizer?
> Bill Graham wrote:
>> warp2_shadow@yahoo.com (C.R. Krieger) wrote in message
>> news:<a8a578a8.0311110712.c043ca9@posting.google.c om>...
>>
>>> Bill Graham <whgraham@nc.rr.com> wrote in message
>>> news:<BBD59BFC.20EE9%whgraham@nc.rr.com>...
>>>
>>>>> Even without the washer it will probably only leak a vanishingly small
>>>>> amount of oil if torqued properly. The copper washer is there so that
>>>>> it deforms slightly and forms a tight seal (without any undue wear and
>>>>> tear to the crankcase or oil plug. I generally replace the washer at
>>>>> every oil change.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>> That was my plan as well, to replace it every time.
>>>
>>> While this may be the *proper* (as in 'factory recommended') thing to
>>> do, I think it's a bit retentive, so I simply reuse them until
>>> they start looking a bit flattened out and *then* replace them. As
>>> you mentioned, it really doesn't leak much even if you leave the
>>> washer completely out and use no sealant of any kind. It's not like
>>> there's any significant pressure in there ...
>>
>>
>> I changed the oil today and used a new washer, but I saved the old one
>> just to have as a reference. No leaks. I'm assuming that the Fram I
>> put in there is good enough. I did not have one of those German
>> filters.
>
> Fram filters are crap. Perhaps adequate if you change your oil VERY
> regularly at 3-5k miles. Nothing more.
>
> I prefer Wix or Hastings filters.
>
> Cheers,
>
> C
>