palfer Posted October 11, 2014 Share Posted October 11, 2014 have a small leak at the drain plug on my 97 2.2 Impreza. Tried a new plug and washer but still leak a tiny amount. Seems as though the washer is only flush to pan about 3/4 around. Pan doesn't seem out of round but can't get the new washer totally flush. Plug threads in easy enough no undue force needed. Appreciate any suggestions. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmdew Posted October 11, 2014 Share Posted October 11, 2014 Subaru Parts? The metal crush gasket should seal fine. If not I'd pull the plug and check the hole for defects, dented, cracked... Pretty thick metal so you could sand flat if needed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
palfer Posted October 11, 2014 Author Share Posted October 11, 2014 Replacement is aftermarket. New gasket is much thicker, thought that would be better. Suggest getting a new plug/gasket from the dealer? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmdew Posted October 11, 2014 Share Posted October 11, 2014 Yes, Subaru parts! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jp98 Posted October 11, 2014 Share Posted October 11, 2014 I put a Fumoto Valve on my Outback over 10 years ago and have never had a problem with leaks. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted October 12, 2014 Share Posted October 12, 2014 get a Subaru drain plug gasket (washer). if the drain plug isn't Subaru, get a Subaru drain plug. i've seen aftermarket plugs and gaskets leak. clean the mating surface up really good on the oil pan. i never replace Subaru drain plug gaskets (the washer) - i've run them over 100,000 miles many many times. get Subaru parts and be done with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ocei77 Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 (edited) Also, the washer is direction specific. The larger flat side goes to the nut. If reversed, it will leak. O. Edited October 13, 2014 by ocei77 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
palfer Posted November 1, 2014 Author Share Posted November 1, 2014 got the new plug and crush washer. oriented the washed as mentioned. much better but still a slight leak. Weird, never struggled with this on any other Subaru. Any thoughts? Is thread sealant or Teflon an option to try and stop it completely? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fairtax4me Posted November 2, 2014 Share Posted November 2, 2014 The seat for the drain plug is clean and flat? What type of washer are you using? Copper works best on these. Aluminum works also but not as well. I've seen the area under the plug flange pitted and galled from having the plug tightened down with dirt still on the pan or under the plug flange. This usually needs to be cleaned up with a fine file or sand paper. Wipe a blob of grease in the hole to keep shaving and dirt out of the threads. I've seen people glue/seal the washers to the pan. This makes it more of a pain to get it to seal next time since the glue doesn't really hold. The washer falls off and then you have to clean it and re-glue it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CNY_Dave Posted November 3, 2014 Share Posted November 3, 2014 Couold the pan have a pinhole or tiny crack near the plug? I noticed on mine the threads are made from a piece spotwelded to the pan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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