Sump drain plug: common defects and their signs

1. Thread damage
   • Oil stains appear on the sump guard.
   • Oil level lowers.
   • Oil pressure warning light is on.
   • Engine power lowers.
2. Wear-out of drain plug gasket
   • Motor oil consumption increases.
   • Oil stains appear in the car parking place.
   • Pressure in the lubrication system lowers.
   • Knocking can appear during engine work.

How to repair or replace an oil sump drain plug?

The oil drain plug gasket is replaced together with motor oil. The oil drain plug itself has no specified lifetime limit. It may need replacement in case of thread damage.

This procedure can be performed on your own. Consult the car manual before starting because action sequence can vary for cars of different models. In general, to replace the oil sump drain plug you need to do the following:

1. Prepare a container for draining oil.
2. Unscrew fasteners and remove the sump guard.
3. Unscrew the defective plug and drain the oil.
4. Clean the oil sump drain hole from oil.
5. Install a new sealing gasket onto a new component.
6. Install the plug into its place and tighten it observing the torque specified by the manufacturer.
7. Reinstall the sump guard onto the car.

You need to check the condition of oil sump drain hole thread during component replacement. If the thread is damaged then other action plan is required, sometimes it includes replacement of the sump. In this case it is recommended to contact a service station.

Replace the sealing rings after every unscrewing of the sump drain plug.
Inspect the sump drain plug during every motor oil change.

Types:

1. By presence of sealing ring in the kit:
   • with the ring;
   • without the ring.
2. By sealing ring material:
   • rubber;
   • copper;
   • aluminum.
3. By presence of magnet:
   • with a magnet;
   • without a magnet.