Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Oil drain plug failure

[Tspanos]

My father was changing the oil in his '99 24v, went to tighten the plug and it felt as though it had stripped. Upon closer inspection the plug flange cracked, where it meets the body of the plug. The flange was machined to less than an 1/8", obviously not an enough. Now the fun part I get to hunt down a new plug. Piture file is too big

 

[WestTN]

drain plug failure

This is a common problem for people who did'nt know these plugs are weak. Now would be a good time to install the Futomo drain valve.

 

[McDowra]

I agree with WestTN

 

[EMDDIESEL]

Check out Genos. They offer the SUPER PLUG which has a very thick flange that will never crack (Provided you torque it properly) It also has a magnet in it.

I personally dont like the Drain valves. For one, its brass, and brass is not very strong, if someting were to hit it (Road debris) it will snap off, i have seen it happen on a Mustang. Also, since you dont unscrew the the plug and the threads actually go higher then the thickness of the pan you wont get all the oil out. I know somepeople have drilled holes in the threads to facilitate this. Use whatver works for you. I just have no problem removing the plug every 10k miles and at least i know ALL the oil is out and i dont fear road debris. My 2c

 

[Mingoglia]

I also have had the same concern about the drain valves... Although I don't currently use one, I think about it everytime I change the oil and have the oil run down my hand, down my arm, and into my shirt when I'm trying to turn my traditional drain plug the last few turns.

 

[EMDDIESEL]

I have a regular drain plug and there is an easy way to keep the oil off you. Just loosen the plug a few turns then move your hand away, most of the oil will be out in about 5 minutes. Then take the plug all the way, there will be only a small amount left at this point and it wont go everywhere, just turn the plug by the flange with your fingertips (The Super Plugs are great for this).

 

[JTroiano]

Has anyone thought that the factory plugs might be made weak for a reason? Maybe so Hercules won't pull the threads out of the pan? BMWs have made there drain plugs like this for years due to the pan being aluminum. Lexus makes there plugs out of softer metal, so that the plug will strip before the pan threads. Just an idea. I have to defend Cummins because we have the best diesel engine in our trucks. Now lift pumps are another story.

Jon T

 

[Tspanos]

Thank you, I am ordering a super plug from Genos. As for the existing plug it is a chrysler, not cummins part. Found out hard way as nearest dealer with Sat parts department is 45 min away and area cummins shop is something like ten I went there first. The cummins plug is 18 mm and looks alot like the super plug minus magnet. The shop did have a cummins part # listed for the 22mm plug with an indicattion it was chrysler part. Have another stock plug for now, but that will change with the next oil change.