Leaking LN Magnetic Drain Plug!

[Frodo]

Originally Posted by jaykay

I think I have been using the same one for ten + years. I have not thought or had reason to replace it

Haven't checked on exactly how old mine is, but it's gotta be similar to jaykay's.

Originally Posted by piper6909

I never use a torque wrench on an oil plug. I just snug it up by feel. Is this the first time you changed the oil on the car, or is it just the first time for this new plug? If it's the latter, just tighten it up as you normally have done in past oil changes. Before pulling it completely, you may simply try snugging it up a bit more and see what happens. If it still leaks, there must be a problem with the washer or the plug.

Yeah, this has been my approach as well. I had never had a drop of oil from my Boxster in the 14 years I had owned her (excluding the now-fixed RMS seal, which was so miniscule that it never amounted to a 'drop' that actually hit the floor). Then, after the last oil change, I noticed a very few drops over the next week or so. I just tweaked it a bit tighter and haven't had a problem since. Part of my issue (embarrassed to admit, since they're dirt cheap) is that I'd been re-using the crush washer—probably 4 or 5 times. (Have never once had a problem with that practice.) I'll definitely replace it next time.

[Htci]

Regarding swapping out the plug without draining oil, you can have a helper apply vacuum via shop vac to oil fill in trunk while you swap out bolt. Little to no oil should come out the drain plug. I’ve done this before to get oil sample for analysis without having to worry about draining all the oil. We didn’t have shop vac form a complete seal over the oil fill line but rather regulated the vacuum by hovering the vacuum near the orifice. Good luck!

[Frodo]

So...what did you decide to do?

Not having ever used a torque wrench on an oil plug, I can't imagine draining all that expensive oil without trying it. I think you really have to crank pretty hard to strip these out (maybe someone else with a differing experience will chime in here). When I had my issue (last time I changed the oil), I just turned it the tiniest amount further and that did the trick.

If you do drain the oil, I would think you could catch it in a clean container and re-use it.

[piper6909]

Originally Posted by Frodo

Part of my issue (embarrassed to admit, since they're dirt cheap) is that I'd been re-using the crush washer—probably 4 or 5 times. (Have never once had a problem with that practice.) I'll definitely replace it next time.

Don't be embarrassed, I do the same! HAHA! Even on my Subarus! In fact, the parts guy at the Subaru dealer told me they can be reused. To me it's not about the cost. For some reason I tend to get everything else, but forget the crush washer until I'm halfway into the oil change. I haven't had any leaks either.

[Frodo]

Originally Posted by piper6909

To me it's not about the cost. For some reason I tend to get everything else, but forget the crush washer until I'm halfway into the oil change.

EXACTLY!
(I basically got lazy and didn't bother to explain...but typically that's exactly what happens to me! And probably a lot of other people too..)