Anybody ever used an O-ring on an oil pan plug?

[stuckmotor]

I was changing the oil In my old Ranger pickup and noticed that the plastic washer around the O-ring was broken. I had a box of assorted Harbor Freight O-rings and sealed the plug with the one that fit best. It's not leaking now and I'm considering leaving it on until the next oil change. Have any of you done this? For all I know some oil pans may come from the factory with O-rings around the plug.

 

[oldnslo]

Personally I would be worried that the unsupported O-ring will extrude over time.

 

[RustyA]

New Ford drain plugs are around $8.00...

 

[Doughknob]

I have had oil pan plugs with o-rings. But…..the bolt head is made such that it is concave and traps the o-ring when tightened. If not a concave bolt head, I’d not do it……

 

[5030]

If it fails and you loose your oil, you are screwed.

 

[Doofy]

Not knowing the O-ring composition, I'd be leery of the oil softing it. Not worth the risk.

 

[ponytug]

I sure wouldn't. Neither the pan, nor the plug is designed to keep an o-ring in place and the o-ring will for certain flow out with probably catastrophic consequences. To get out of the back of beyond, sure. To make it to the auto parts store, sure. Anything else would be a thumbs down from me.

Do you have 1/16-1/8" copper around that you could make a washer out of? When you have it cut to size, get it hot and let cool slowly to soften it.

All the best,

Peter

 

[CalG]

The auto parts store will sell you a pack of drain plug sealing washers for a couple of bucks.

There are bonded rubber and solid copper types. Pick some up! Just for the piece of mind.

 

[stuckmotor]

Thanks everybody.
I'll replace the O-ring with a washer or bolt and washer depending on what's available from my Ford dealer.

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

I sure wouldn't. Neither the pan, nor the plug is designed to keep an o-ring in place and the o-ring will for certain flow out with probably catastrophic consequences. To get out of the back of beyond, sure. To make it to the auto parts store, sure. Anything else would be a thumbs down from me.

Do you have 1/16-1/8" copper around that you could make a washer out of? When you have it cut to size, get it hot and let cool slowly to soften it.

All the best,

Peter

You can buy a variety pack of copper washers at auto parts in help section.