Oil Pan Drain Plug dumb question

02Edge · #1 02-22-2010, 10:12 AM

Did my first oil change on my 02 Ranger and was prepared to replace the drain plug gasket only to find the gasket is very difficult to remove. On my Mustang, the gasket is a nylon washer that slides right off but the Ranger's gasket is a metal washer with a rubber-looking center. Some quick attempts to remove it with a finger nail and small pry tool were unsuccessful. Are these things press-fit on? The plug does not leak, I just thought it wouldn't hurt to replace what is probably the original washer/gasket. Any tips on removing it before I go at it with vice grips, torches and screwdrivers?

DHEM · #2 02-22-2010, 04:35 PM

put it on and torque it to 20-ft-lbs. shouldn't leak

STL · #3 02-22-2010, 04:39 PM

Never have replaced mine. Always made sure it was clean of any debris and put it back on

littleblue · #4 02-22-2010, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STL

Never have replaced mine. Always made sure it was clean of any debris and put it back on

100k plus, never replaced, never leaks...

02Edge · #5 02-22-2010, 05:36 PM

hmmmm....ok! thanks guys!

XJ88 · #6 02-22-2010, 10:04 PM

i have 170k miles, no leak

ajocampo · #7 05-06-2011, 11:30 AM

Awesome, good to know also

Tommy2 · #8 05-06-2011, 11:43 AM

Yea, it still looks good. I'd reuse it.

I usually put a dab of black RTV Ultra on the bottom of threads/gasket on my cars if the gasket looks a little rough. Never leaks.

You can replace the plug. Just go into NAPA with it and they'll get you a new one for around $5. After 80xxx miles I did it with my Focus. Head was getting a little rounded.. Cheap insurance. So you might want to replace the plugs every couple years or so.

webster426 · #9 05-06-2011, 08:34 PM

150k miles and mine leakes. Nothing major but need to get a new one

pooleo · #10 05-06-2011, 08:56 PM

260k on plow rig, no leak. But the head is starting to round, I will buy another for the next oil change

Clinton · #11 05-06-2011, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tommy2

Yea, it still looks good. I'd reuse it.

I usually put a dab of black RTV Ultra on the bottom of threads/gasket on my cars if the gasket looks a little rough. Never leaks.

You can replace the plug. Just go into NAPA with it and they'll get you a new one for around $5. After 80xxx miles I did it with my Focus. Head was getting a little rounded.. Cheap insurance. So you might want to replace the plugs every couple years or so.

Great advice dude!!

djfllmn · #12 05-07-2011, 04:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tommy2

You can replace the plug. Just go into NAPA with it and they'll get you a new one for around $5. After 80xxx miles I did it with my Focus. Head was getting a little rounded.. Cheap insurance. So you might want to replace the plugs every couple years or so.

i replaced mine too...figured better safe than sorry...i replaced mine around 50K

silverbullit · #13 09-08-2011, 01:09 PM

anyone know what size the oil drain plug is on a 97 3.0. the previous owner installed a quick drain and i want to install a normal plug again