Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Oil drain plug failure

[TEasley]

The last time I had the oil changed, the plug was leaking and making a spot on my driveway, so I got under it to tighten it instead of taking it back to the shop that changed it. When I tried to tighten it, the flange on the plug finished shearing off, and made a real mess before I could get a bucket under it. They took care of it, but I can see all kinds of possibilities for catastrophic damage if I hadn't noticed the puddle.



The design of the plug invites failure, and needs to be cleaned and checked while it's out of the pan. Most oil change places aren't going to do that, so now I recommend inspecting it while it's out or changing it occasionally.



I change the oil at approx 3000 mi intervals, so the plug has been in and out about 50 times.



I'm sure this has happened to others, but don't remember reading it here.



Tom

 

[HPetrat]

My drain plug was fine, but after looking at it (and reading some threads here), I bought a heavy duty plug from Geno's and have been very happy with it.

It has a much heavier flange and a male drive instead of a weak internal square drive.



If you are changing the oil every 3000, (your sig shows 2X4) have you considered a Fomoto valve?

I have read some threads here from members who seem very satisfied with them and Geno's carries them as well.



Just some thoughts,



HP

 

[MHalloran]

But the EZ drain plug from genosgarage.com . Install it and never remove it again. I've had one on my '96 for 10 years. Check it out. It works great. Mike

 

[TEasley]

Thanks, guys. I have a Geno's catalog. Will check it out.



Tom

 

[Glen Pratt]

I second what Mike said about the EZ drain plug. Works awesome. I use K&N HP-4003 oil filters with the 1 inch nut on the bottom and don't even get dirty.

 

[Regcabguy]

Genos "heavy duty oil plug failure"

My drain plug was fine, but after looking at it (and reading some threads here), I bought a heavy duty plug from Geno's and have been very happy with it.

It has a much heavier flange and a male drive instead of a weak internal square drive.



If you are changing the oil every 3000, (your sig shows 2X4) have you considered a Fomoto valve?

I have read some threads here from members who seem very satisfied with them and Geno's carries them as well.



Just some thoughts,



HP

I rounded off the nut on the heavy duty one without much effort. Returned to a new stock one on my old '99. Next change on the '07 is going to be with the Fumotu.

 

[HPetrat]

I rounded off the nut on the heavy duty one without much effort. Returned to a new stock one on my old '99. Next change on the '07 is going to be with the Fumotu.

First time I have heard of any one doing that, I always use a 1/2" drive 6-point socket on a flex bar and never have a problem.



I have removed many a drain plug from all kinds of "friends" vehicles who made the attempt first with a cresent wrench or even an open end wrench. #@$%!#@$%!



Apparantly, I never get tired of welding nuts onto striped-off oil plugs:-laf



HP

 

[SFlowers]

i bought a drain plug from genos that uses a hose that you screw in to drain ... . works really well, i have one on both my trucks... . worth the investment

 

[Bob4x4]

It is a fairly common problem. The torque specs are incorrect in some year svc manuals not helping the situation. I prefer the fumimoto valve as a good fix on the 4x4s. The 2xs don't have a lot to protect it from anything you might run over in the road.



Bob

 

[Regcabguy]

Fumoto for me. Si!

When I serviced my '07 at 3500 miles the stock plug practically fell off. After priming and changing the oil filter,I replaced the stock plug and gave it a yank. Dumped in the balance of oil and test drove. Leaking oil plug. I had it twice as tight as it came from the factory. Another tug fixed the leak. The stock plugs spook me. Fumoto going on in 1500 more miles.