Topic: 78 550K oil drain plug leak

[ugmold]

Hi folks,

My 78 550k leaks a bit of oil at the drain plug. It uses a single metal washer, not sure if its stock, anybody know of something that works better?

Thanks,
ugmold

[bryanj]

Should be a soft alluminium washer and they work fine unless it has been previously overtightened cracking the oil pan. If it is cracked the only answer is another one but all 500 and 550 fours will fit

[Ichiban 4]

Yeah..

Would just like to back-up what Bryanj said: that the washers should be aluminum.  That way they flatten-out a little/conform to the surfaces a little better.  After a few years though..they may become galled-up from repeated tightening/re-tightening..and need to be replaced..that's all I'd add.

Was wondering if somewhere along the line..someone substituted a steel washer for the aluminum..which could lead to leaking problems?

Another thing: after you tighten the drain plug..go back after the engine is hot..re-tighten.  Sometimes the expansion of a hot engine will loosen them a little.

You can still get the OEM washers @ most Honda dealers that sell OEM parts.  Also..most traditional hardware stores should carry aluminum washers in the correct size.

Ichi

[ugmold]

So I finally got a new drain plug which I had actually bought for my CT-70. It is magnetic with a cooper, crush washer, guess what? Still leaks. I can't see any visible cracks...is there a typical place it cracks? Wondering if JB Weld might stop it.

ugmold

[Sporkfly]

It'll stop it alright... If you don't plan on changing your oil!

[BobbyR]

You may have some worn threads. Neatly wrap some teflon tape on the bolt thread to take up the space.

[Bob Wessner]

You may have some worn threads. Neatly wrap some teflon tape on the bolt thread to take up the space.

Just make sure the tape is suitable for petro chems. It's a different color, foget which though.

[ugmold]

Good point about the threads. I also did not closely inspect the pitch of the threads of both plugs as I swapped them in a manner as to not lose oil. (I had just changed it recently added a steel washer which made things worse.)

ugmold

[BobbyR]

You may have some worn threads. Neatly wrap some teflon tape on the bolt thread to take up the space.

Just make sure the tape is suitable for petro chems. It's a different color, foget which though.

It is Yellow you spoil sport.