Small oil leak (With pictures)

**zach1288** · 01-04-2013 11:25 AM

I was changing my oil today and noticed oil on my oil pan. I have never seen any oil on the ground where I park so it must be a slow leak. I looked all around and could not find a source. The only thing that comes to mind is that the oil plug was leaking and that the air from the moving car was blowing it along the oil pan? Are you suppose to change the washers on these plugs? Thanks.

Click image for larger version.

Name: photo1wi.jpg
Views: 87
Size: 117.1 KB
ID: 110809

Click image for larger version.

Name: photoydd.jpg
Views: 89
Size: 66.2 KB
ID: 110810

**Obeisance** · 01-04-2013 11:34 AM

from what I've read in other threads, you are supposed to change the crush washer on the plug with each oil change. Alternately, you could get a valve that lets you change the oil easily without tools.

**zach1288** · 01-05-2013 05:59 PM

Thanks.

**rage-wrx** · 01-05-2013 06:01 PM

Do you do your oil changes yourself? If you do, then yes, every oil change needs a new washer. When I buy my filters I get the washers with them.

Yes, you can use a Fumoto quick drain valve. Haven't used it myself, but I hear that it is painstakingly slow.

**Terminal Kuz** · 01-05-2013 06:02 PM

Originally Posted by Obeisance

from what I've read in other threads, you are supposed to change the crush washer on the plug with each oil change. Alternately, you could get a valve that lets you change the oil easily without tools.

I've worked with those valves before on trucks. They take forever for coolant to drain, oil would take even longer. Would not recommend the valves

**zax** · 01-05-2013 07:59 PM

Originally Posted by Obeisance

from what I've read in other threads, you are supposed to change the crush washer on the plug with each oil change. Alternately, you could get a valve that lets you change the oil easily without tools.

That's overkill. But I've replaced mine every 4-5 oil changes.

**T0rque** · 01-05-2013 11:27 PM

change your drain plug washer

**06scoobyrex** · 01-06-2013 09:23 AM

Yes you need to replace it everytime you remove the drainplug... A crushwasher creates a seal everytime it is decompressed from tightening the drainplug...

**SD_GR** · 01-06-2013 10:28 AM

Originally Posted by Terminal Kuz

I've worked with those valves before on trucks. They take forever for coolant to drain, oil would take even longer. Would not recommend the valves

A truck sump can exceed 50l whereas a car sump is typically 5l. I use a Fumoto valve in two different cars, love it.

Anyway, you can change the crush washer without a full oil change. Use your thumb and work fast. Make sure the new washer goes on the right way though and have top up oil handy since inevitably you'll lose some.

**T0rque** · 01-06-2013 01:39 PM

Originally Posted by 06scoobyrex

Yes you need to replace it everytime you remove the drainplug... A crushwasher creates a seal everytime it is decompressed from tightening the drainplug...

Correct

**Front Kick** · 01-06-2013 01:50 PM

I think I'm having the same problem. I changed my oil but forgot to do the washer, and not I think it's leaking slightly. That, or I need to replace the entire pan. Sucks because now I'll need to change the oil AGAIN, right?

**SD_GR** · 01-06-2013 02:13 PM

Originally Posted by Front Kick

I think I'm having the same problem. I changed my oil but forgot to do the washer, and not I think it's leaking slightly. That, or I need to replace the entire pan. Sucks because now I'll need to change the oil AGAIN, right?

No. See post above. Use thumb.

**nsibanez** · 01-06-2013 05:11 PM

youll need to replace your oil pan if you strip the drain hole out and tightening the drain plug doesnt wrk. or you can get an oversized drain bolt

**zach1288** · 01-07-2013 08:24 AM

I'm just going to wait until I change the oil next to change the washer. It's such a small leak.

Should I use a metal washer or rubber gasket? I see both kinds for the WRX.