Topic: Oil Tank Drain Leak seeks help

[Bob Wessner]

I've had an annoying oil leak from around the drain plug for what seems like forever. I've always used new crush washers and recently, even used a new drain plug and new crush washer. Still the leak. Makes a mess on the garage floor (unless I put some paper towels under it) and eventually gets on the brake switch, pipes, etc.

I pulled the tank and below is how the drain looks. After 40 years, it's scored (see pic below), but I would have thought a crush washer would still handle this. Not so. I plugged the holes for the oil hoses, installed a new washer and the plug and filled the tank with water. Sure enough, water begins to seep/drip around the drain and washer. I tried to pinpoint where the leak was located by 'carboning up' a washer in candle flame, but the carbon didn't transfer well to the drain opening.

I thought about trying to find a oil resistant rubber washer to conform better, but I'm concerned that over time with the pressure of the bolt and heating/cooling it might not retain the necessary tension on the bolt. Another thought was some sort of fiber washer.

I guess the best solution might be to redress the end of the drain. Any ideas on how best to to this? I'm considering a wet stone or fine file, but am a little concerned about keeping it square to the rim, etc. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[MCRider]

I think a broad flat file or anything such would work fine.

A wet stone about the size of a deck of cards sounds ideal, would keep it flat. I'll bet its easy to dress that up.

Curious problem.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Somebody send Bob an oil tank so he doesn't have to do all that.

[Bob Wessner]

I guess I'll give the wet stone a try, that is unless Jerry sends me a tank before I get to it.

[Bob Wessner]

OK, I know everyone is waiting to hear how this turned out and I wouldn't want you all going into a weekend wondering  .

The problem became evident immediately once I started with the wet stone. At around the 2:00 position in the pic there was a low area running from the inner rim to the outside. Oddly, in the pic is looks to be one of the cleaner, scar-free areas. Once cleaned up, a 10 min. test with hot water in the tank proved all is well. One more leak down.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Good, because I don't have a spare. Damn near 2 of everything else though.

Clean it up good before reinstalling.

[Don R]

How about a nylon or teflon washer like on a car?

[Bob Wessner]

Clean it up good before reinstalling.

Did that as well. I now have one of the cleanest tanks in this hemisphere. Discovered they appear to be galvanized inside. You would never have known otherwise.

[Bob Wessner]

How about a nylon or teflon washer like on a car?

I considered this. I was never able to locate a local source for any, metric or otherwise, that would reasonably fit and center. Hopefully, problem is solved now though.

[chrislib]

while I dont recall off the top of my head, if the thread size for the plug is 10mm you might want to go to your local Toyota dealer and pick up an oil drain plug gasket. they are a metal core with a fiber/rubbery coating, might do the trick.