Bought and (finally) installed the fumoto oil drain plug/valve based on feedback on this forum. I can't get it to stop leaking. The leak isn't from the valve portion of the plug, it just doesn't seem to seal well; either the threads or the seat to the oil pan.

Couple possibilities:
Scared to tighten it too much more due to brass construction.
I did NOT use a crush washer. Should I have?

Either way I have to take it off. Should I reinstall the OE drain plug with a new crush washer, reverting back to the setup I didn't really have any trouble with? Or should I re-install the fumoto with a new crush washer?

Want to avoid wasting any more oil than necessary.

Thanks!

 

use the crush washer, thats why its leaking

 

Stock drain plug has always work for me on every car Ive ever had. I got a new one a couple of times on my integra cause the edges would round alittle over time. Havent replaced one on the EVO yet but I will soon. I have never had any leaks from an oil drain plug. Just replace the crush washer. I torque mine but than agian im ****. and dont want to f*&k up the pan over tightenting it

 

I also jsut bought one but have not installed it yet.

It comes with a rubber seal, do you use the rubber seal and the crush washer? Or just one fo them?

 

thanks for the replies so far...

coco, I didn't add or remove a rubber seal when I installed, but I can't remember if there was a rubber seal on it. I did NOT use a crush washer, as the fumoto instructions didn't mention to do so. Hindsight and Joey's response is leading me to think the crush washer is necessary.

 

I have one on my GSX, F150 and one waiting for the EVO. They all came with a felt/paper gasket to replace the crush (metal) washer. I haven't had any leaks with the older cars, but I have yet to install it on the IX yet.

/<

 

I know it's kind off subject, but I got to use my fumoto for the first time yesterday. It made my oil change so easy. Also not leaks EVER.

 

I would think using a rubber washer and the crush washer would be redundant and may casue a leak, hopefully other people who have installed it can chime in on which one they used.

 

blindclown, k_fabec, do you guys remember if you used a metal crush washer when you installed it? thanks for the feedback.

Maybe I just haven't tightened mine enough?

I also sent an email to fumoto regarding the use of an OE metal crush washer. Will report back any response.

 

Did you use the crush washer or the rubber washer that came with the valve? or both?

 

in my first oil change (2000 miles) i changed the oil drain plug with an OEM one. new washer too.

probably i will be changing my oil every 2000 miles and i will be using a new OEM plug every time. 5-6 dollars its not a crazy amount to spend in every oil change...

 

anyone have a link to what you guys are talking about? thanks

 

SLVR: here is an old thread... https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sh...ghlight=fumoto

Somewhat cryptic response from Fumoto copied here. I further clarified that I was asking about the OE metal crush washer, but no response since: "The reason why you have the leaking is you did not use the crush washer. You must use the crush washer which came with the valve for the proper installation."

I did double-check that I have the rubber washer installed. Also tightened it up some more with pliers. If it leaks again, I'm taking it off and going back to the less-exotic, yet more reliable drain plug.

 

Please update me on what happens. I will be installing mine in a few days and want to get it done right.

Thanks!

 

coco... Someone from Fumoto called and took care of my (our) questions:

Use only the rubber washer that comes with the valve. Do NOT use an OE-like metal crush washer in addition to the rubber one.

Tighten it. I let all the discussion about the brass construction scare me into undertightening it. I used a pair of channel lock pliers with some tape over them so the teeth wouldn't cut into the valve. So far, no drips...

Nice customer service from Fumoto, and thanks for the replies to this thread.