Leaky drain plug, '91 with 80k miles

[dquarasr2]

OK, the first two times I changed my oil I've had a problem with the drain plug leaking. The first time I just cinched it up a little tighter (along with tightening all the oil pan bolts, many of which were barely finger-tight) and it quit leaking. This time, however, the plug is tight and it's still weeping and dripping a little bit.

I always try to use a minimum amount of torque to snug up the drain plug, and on other cars I've never had a problem.

I used a copper crush washer this time. Should I try replacing the crush washer with aluminum or do you think the oil pan or drain plug is toast? If it's the pan (which I wouldn't feel badly about replacing as the gasket needs to be replaced anyway, already have one, just trying to delay the inevitable), what's a good source?

(Also, I could use a passenger-side door courtesy light lens, know a good source?)

I e-mail'd "nsxpartsguy" about the lens but did not receive a response.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Larry Bastanza]

I always try to use a minimum amount of torque to snug up the drain plug, and on other cars I've never had a problem.

Why not use 33 ft. lbs. w/aluminum washer as recommended?

I would do that before anything else. If it still leaks, then you can consider the pan and how to address it. Some folks have rethreaded it, I prefer to replace it but not 100% required. I just do not want one ever coming back.

JMO,
LarryB

 

[ak]

Try replacing the drain plug along with the new crush washer as Larry mentioned. I had the same problem with an old integra and it turned out to be the plug. It's cheaper to try a new plug first I would not try tightening any harder than what the manual recommends.

 

[nsxhk]

I had this problem for a while. New plug didn't work for me. Turns out the drain plug surface was a little warped. I ask the machine shop to 'fix' it and they did. So far no leaks.

Henry.

 

[dquarasr2]

OK, thanks for all the replies!

 

[Hugh]

Get a Fumoto Valve and you'll never have to deal with the damn drain plug again. The part number you need to order is F-106. it comes with a soft blue washer. Discard that and use an OEM crush washer. Anything over 20 lb/ft of torque will crush the washer so keep that in mind. You want to orient the Fumoto so the lever is not pointing straight down.

 

[Stephen@NCAutoUSA]

Get a Fumoto Valve and you'll never have to deal with the damn drain plug again. The part number you need to order is F-106. it comes with a soft blue washer. Discard that and use an OEM crush washer. Anything over 20 lb/ft of torque will crush the washer so keep that in mind. You want to orient the Fumoto so the lever is not pointing straight down.

Bringing this back from a few months ago because I just bought one of these.

So I discard the washer provided and use the OEM crush washer, then I want to move the fumoto so the lever is not pointing straight down? I'm wondering why it can't be straight down.

 

[scorp965]

Bringing this back from a few months ago because I just bought one of these.

So I discard the washer provided and use the OEM crush washer, then I want to move the fumoto so the lever is not pointing straight down? I'm wondering why it can't be straight down.

Concern over a nasty bump popping open your oil release valve would be my guess... not a likely situation, but why not install the valve in such a way that this situation would be impossible?

 

[Stephen@NCAutoUSA]

Concern over a nasty bump popping open your oil release valve would be my guess... not a likely situation, but why not install the valve in such a way that this situation would be impossible?

Yes, sorry. I was confused about the position and everything, since I've only seen the valve for a few min then I put it back in it's package and it's not with me right now. I'm pretty clear now.

Thanks

 

[OLDMNSX]

I use FRAM SURE DRAIN valves on my cars. I get them off e-bay for about $10 each. You need a SD-2 for your NSX. Just get on e-bay and search for "FRAM SURE DRAIN"

Also, there is no way for this one to get opened without the drain nipple installed. I used to see them in Schucks, Wal-Mart etc, but don't anymore. I think that they were listed a around $15 and were slow to move, so were pulled. Sorry I don't have a picture.

Brad

 

[NSXclear]

Another option is to buy an Oil Extractor Pump.

Griot's Garage has this pretty cool Oil Extractor that I use which makes this job a little easier and it also pulls out a little more oil than draining.

I have one and it makes the job a little cleaner.