hate tight sump plugs ? try this ....

[jono]

A little trick taught to me by an automotive engineer 30 years ago (when I was in kindie ) been my practice ever since, and as a result never had to replace a sump plug, never had one not come out, never had to apply excessive force, never had one leak.....never had to do an oversize thread repair since !

 

thread tape and an O - ring.

 

I have upped the thread tape from thin water plumbing rubbish to decent grade water pipe thread tape, up to gas thread tape if it is about. Usually three or four turns of tape on sump plug is enough, then select a nice tight fitting fat O ring in place of a crush style copper, aluminium or fibre washer, then do plug up to see the O ring squash BUT NOT SQUASH OUT and not much more than finger tight really. Take care that not too loose though or you will be screaming ! Good practice is to renew tape each oil change, the O - ring too but been stretched over two changes, maybe three depending on its condition.

 

disclaimer is if you stuff things up and lose your oil, engine, gearbox, don't blame me !Sufficient thrad tape seems to be the anti leak and anti come loose agent'

Edited October 9, 2014 by jono

[Dee2]

My oil-pressure sensor always seems to leak around the threads where it screws into the oil pump.  I'm going to try some of that plumber's teflon tape on the threads.  Maybe that will stop the leak.

[DaveT]

It may also stop the sensor from working as it is an insulator. Just be sure to check.

[Dee2]

It may also stop the sensor from working as it is an insulator. Just be sure to check.

 

Thanks for the tip, I'll limit the length of coverage on the treads.

[Adam N.D.J.]

It will not effect your grounding. If it does then there is more there to worry about than a leak.  The purpose of the tape is to squish in to the threads and fill any small gaps, the majority of the thread will cut through the tape and make good contact.  I always use thread tape on all pipe threads and/or fluid containment plugs.  Not to mention it is cheap stuff, you can usually get a roll for less than a dollar and will last for a fairly long time.  I keep a log of rolls in the garage as it has uses not just on cars but around the house too. -Adam-

[Dee2]

It will not effect your grounding. If it does then there is more there to worry about than a leak.  The purpose of the tape is to squish in to the threads and fill any small gaps, the majority of the thread will cut through the tape and make good contact.  I always use thread tape on all pipe threads and/or fluid containment plugs.  Not to mention it is cheap stuff, you can usually get a roll for less than a dollar and will last for a fairly long time.  I keep a log of rolls in the garage as it has uses not just on cars but around the house too. -Adam-

Good to hear about your experience.