So I have approximately 5500 miles on my engine in my '04.5. Freshly rebuilt 5 months ago. Now I noticed a small leak by the inspection cover about a month ago, so I took it back to the shop and we pulled the tranny, found the leak and it was one of those small 7/16th or 11/16th small oil valley plugs on the passenger side rear of the block, right below the cam if I remember correctly. We put new ones in twice and it doesn't wanna stop leaking. I don't lose huge amounts of oil and the shop in question is being completely awesome about it, but my question is has anybody replaced these before? Because twice now we pulled the tranny replaced the plugs and at this point we really don't see what we could have done differently. Thanks!

 

If the oil is leaking by the cam cover on back of engine double check and make sure the cam seal isn't the culprit. I was sure I had a rear main seal leaking but after pulling the tranny I found it was a simple 2 dollar fix....yes I did go ahead and replace the rear main while it was down that far .

Hope you 'git er done'

 

It wasn't the rear main or the cam seal, once we had the rear cover off you could clearly see everything bone dry except for the oil valley plug closest to the bottom, pass. side. 100% sure that's where it's coming from, is there a specific way to install these little plugs that look like tiny bottlecaps? Twice we've changed 'em and twice the leak remains. And we did the cam seal while we were at it.

 

Might try some thread locker to see if it will help seal the leak.

 

Thanks for trying to help me out, I really appreciate it. But I am inclined to believe you don't have the slightest clue what you're talking about. I wish I had a picture of one of these and then you could tell me if you see any threads on it. They tap into place. Believe me if I can figure out a way to tap the hole without getting any metal shavings in there it would already be done.

 

Just because there are no threads doesn't mean that thread sealer will not work to 'close' whatever gap you have leaking. I have seen many use Locktite on those plugs.


CD

 

Don't have to have threads to use sealer. The sealer will seal the sidewall just like it seals the gap in the threads. You could also try rtv silicone after cleaning the area of oil really good. If its such a small leak that may help.


When you come on DTR, consider that there are people here that know more than you and can help you.

 

I assume this is a small cup-plug, like a frost plug on the side of the block. They do require a sealer on them when installed. What type are you using?

 

That is exactly what they are. 7/16ths I believe. Dunno exactly what was used for sealant but it was a light grey. It looks like we're gonna jb weld it at this point.

 

I use to use aviation permatex on my freeze plugs, this was on gas motors though, this was sealing off the water jacket also, not the oil galley.
Worked good for me, plus it doesn't harden, just coat the sides of the plug,,,,,, hope you get it, I hate oil leaks.