Oil Drain Plug Gasket

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
 
Admiral said:
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/1939-48-ford-engine-oil-pan-drain-plug-copper-gasket-38-40-60hp/

Fiber
19593_1-B.jpg

https://thirdgenauto.com/product/1939-48-ford-engine-oil-pan-drain-plug-gasket-38-40-60hp/
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to.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F12%2F57-462.jpg
 
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
 
cadillac512 said:
Personally I like a high quality fiber gasket.
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Kube said:
I believe the fiber type seals better.
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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.

35fordtn said:
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
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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.
 
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 said:
I used a rubber o'ring from the hardware store. No problem over many years.
John
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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.
 
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.
 
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
 

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


Terry
 
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