Oil change question: oil drain plug was replaced without crush washer, mechanic mentioned something
01-25-2006, 05:42 AM
#22
AudiWorld Uber User
I 2nd the spigot idea. I stripped the inner threads on my oil pan and got a Fumoto valve
<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/42525/fumoto.jpg"></center><p>(crappy pic, I know) since the valve is threaded from end to end, unlike the OEM drain plug, it sealed up the leak that I caused by stripping the pan threads. $35 or so shipped and I never have to remove a plug again for oil changes. FYI, if you have a 14mm drain plug like mine, you will need to remove the turbo oil return line to install the valve, so have a gasket handy.
01-25-2006, 06:10 AM
#23
AudiWorld Uber User
I'm going to agree with the incompetence part, as I have stripped pan threads myself, however...
a fellow B5er pointed out that there is also an issue with the drain plug. It's not threaded completely and the washer does not compensate for the lack of threads. In the end, you are only using like 1/2 of the threads in the drain pan. That puts all the torque on only part of the aluminum threads and I don't know if I've seen another car with such a funny drain plug. I can't remember all the cars I worked on when I was a mechanic briefly, but of the 3 that I maintain now (Toyota and Pontiac, too) only the Audi had the partially threaded drain plug.
01-25-2006, 06:41 AM
#24
afaik, the drain bolt isn't tapered shaped, so I wouldn't worry about any splitting of the oil pan.
Just put a new crush washer on, assuming Jiffy Lube used your oem drain plug bolt. I wouldn't put it pass them to forget to put it back in, and then install a drywall screw in it's place, when the previous owner came back to complain. :/
01-25-2006, 07:08 AM
#25
the copper washer is to seal|gasket between pan and screw
now since you dont have one i wouldnt worry to much about until next oil change unless it leaks. if it does then its basically another oilchange or a quick removal of the plug. putting your gloved finger into the drain whole and replugging the screw with a gasket. either way i would skip the mechanic and DIY
01-25-2006, 07:15 AM
#26
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I was going to give this mechanic the benefit of the doubt until I saw this
It's possible you haven't given us all the relavent data but based on what you have told us I'd have to say this guy is looking for some easy money. Go elsewhere.
01-25-2006, 07:28 AM
#27
AudiWorld Uber User
I once forgot about the washer and had to remove the plug after an oil change. If you're quick...
you won't lose more than 8 ounces of oil. It'll be messy, but it won't be TOO messy
01-25-2006, 08:50 AM
#30
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haha same here except I dropped the plug into the oil pan I had under the car
I also forgot to empty the pan and since its only a 6qt one and already had 4qts of the oil oil I had a massive mess on my hands
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