Oil Drain Plug Gasket

[Admiral]

It's time to change the seal that goes on my car's oil drain plug. A small amount of oil is weeping out. It looks like I can get a copper gasket like the car has now or a fiber gasket. Is one better than that other? Any preference?

Copper
https://thirdgenauto.com/product/193...et-38-40-60hp/

Fiber
https://thirdgenauto.com/product/193...et-38-40-60hp/

[cadillac512]

Personally I like a high quality fiber gasket. Copper is good, but work hardens when tightened and doesn't conform to irregularities next time unless you anneal it. Buy a handful of good fibers to have on hand, check and snug it up after a few days and it's good.



Terry

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Admiral

It's time to change the seal that goes on my car's oil drain plug. A small amount of oil is weeping out. It looks like I can get a copper gasket like the car has now or a fiber gasket. Is one better than that other? Any preference?

Copper
https://thirdgenauto.com/product/193...et-38-40-60hp/

Fiber
https://thirdgenauto.com/product/193...et-38-40-60hp/

[Kube]

I believe the fiber type seals better.

[35fordtn]

Fiber is what I prefer. Some prefer copper... If you use copper it will work well but you need to be sure both mating surfaces have no burs.

On a side note I see your car is a 36 Does it have a later oil pan with the large plug? If not both of the gaskets you shared would be too large if it's a original 36 pan

[Admiral]

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Originally Posted by cadillac512

Personally I like a high quality fiber gasket.

Originally Posted by Kube

I believe the fiber type seals better.

Thanks, guys. I was leaning toward fiber as well. Seems like it will conform better to a somewhat irregular surface should the pan or plug be less than perfect. For less than $2 I'll get a stack of them.

Originally Posted by 35fordtn

On a side note I see your car is a 36 Does it have a later oil pan with the large plug? If not both of the gaskets you shared would be too large if it's a original 36 pan

Thanks for the heads up. I'm running a 59L block, so yes, my car should have the large drain plug. The threaded portion is gigantic, around 2 inches in diameter.

[Krylon32]

I prefer fiber. I always thought the copper gaskets needed to be replaced after each use as they take a shape and won't re-conform on the second use?

[oldford2]

I used a rubber o'ring from the hardware store. No problem over many years.
John

[Zeke3]

Originally Posted by oldford2

I used a rubber o'ring from the hardware store. No problem over many years.
John

I do not recommend using a rubber o-ring for an oil drain gasket unless either the oil pan or the drain plug are machined with a counterbore to retain the o-ring.

[oldford2]

Originally Posted by Zeke3

I do not recommend using a rubber o-ring for an oil drain gasket unless either the oil pan or the drain plug are machined with a counterbore to retain the o-ring.

Think about it

[Zeke3]

Thought about it and I still do not recommend using a rubber o-ring to seal a joint that is not designed for it. Rubber is an elastomer and will not resist the force of tightening the plug. It may squeeze out on one side or tear as the plug is being tightened. I am glad it has worked for you, but I won’t be using one on my car.

[hotcoupe]

I have used copper and fiber, but my drain plug gasket of choice is leather. These are machine cut, and fit snug in the recess of the drain plug. No leaks.
Tom

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by hotcoupe

I have used copper and fiber, but my drain plug gasket of choice is leather. These are machine cut, and fit snug in the recess of the drain plug. No leaks.
Tom

[cadillac512]

Originally Posted by hotcoupe

I have used copper and fiber, but my drain plug gasket of choice is leather. These are machine cut, and fit snug in the recess of the drain plug. No leaks.
Tom

Great and elegant solution, Tom. Well done! I'm going to do the same next oil change...thank you!


Terry