Oil bolt problem?
 

Ok, so I pulled out of my garage today and to my horror I found this:

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ySA9u-4T0P8/SZ...0/IMG_0962.jpg

Quick survey of engine bay revealed nothing, but on the bottom of the oil pan I saw this;

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ySA9u-4T0P8/SZ...0/IMG_0964.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ySA9u-4T0P8/SZ...0/IMG_0965.jpg

I changed the oil about a month ago. And this is the first sign of an oil leak. I did get my tires changed on Friday at a local place, but they should have no reason to touch the oil bolt. The spray pattern seems to indicate that it may have happened while driving.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ySA9u-4T0P8/SZ...0/IMG_0972.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ySA9u-4T0P8/SZ...0/IMG_0973.jpg

With the car jacked up I found the bolt was very loose, finger loose. So I tightened up with a wrench. It was a very slow leak, and so it never went dry, but I am just watching it now to check for any more leaking oil. Anyone ever have some mysterious oil pan bolt loosening?

there is a chance that it vibrated loose.

Sometimes people only finger-tighten the drain bolt. They tell themselves they'll remember to fully tighten it in a bit. Even a minor distraction can make you forget.

The bolt won't vibrate loose in my experience.

This is why I leave the wrench on the floor so I wilt forget to tighten the bolt.. and even if I did that I end up checking it again just to be sure..

Dan

I did that when I changed my diff fluid on my 8..

Also, don't forget to change the crush rings once in awhile.. I had it on other cars before where it leaked because the washer was too worn out.

I've heard it's best to replace them every oil change. Granted nobody does, but I'd definitely do it in light of this issue.

Yeah, Thats what my toyota dealer told me 10 years ago and the parts guy used to just include them with the filter I bought from them. I now use the oil suction thingy to change oil. I haven't taken the drain plug off in over 4 years on my FD.

A what?

I was thinking of getting a quick oil drain valve. However, my money is better served elsewhere (i.e. food and rent) for now. http://www.quickoildrainvalve.com/

This is what I have..

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...d+extractor.do

I've bought it from them about 6-7 years ago and been using it on my rotaries. Good thing is that filter is on the top so you don't have to go underneath. I also used this to change me rad fluid and such (via AST line).

You could get similar item thru other vendors.. I bought it from them because I could find it anywhere else back then..

Personally, this is best $80 I've spent to this date! And I highly recommend it.

Interesting. Looks like a good investment for my future plans.

I haven't heard of a drain plug vibrating loose. As long as it never went dry :icon_tup:.

I change my washer every time, dealer gives it to me with the filter.