Is '06 V6 oil plug supposed to have a gasket?

[sbbamafan]

If so I lost mine during last oil change. Reason is long and stupid, but I just changed the oil and put the plug in without one. I keep thinking there used to be one. I feel real stupid since I have done all the oil changes since new. This was my 5th at 30,000 miles. It is dripping. Just not sure if I am missing the gasket or jsut need to tighten a bit more - I'm always hesitant to over-tighten. I also hate to think I have to drain (and possibly toss) the Mobil1 I put in only a couple of hours ago.

 

[greasefingers]

I would go out and buy a new oil catch pan ($ 12) and drain the new oil into the new pan. Then make sure you have a gasket (it does not matter if it is metal or fiber any one will do at the auto parts store) then dump the oil back in.

 

[sbbamafan]

so the answer is - there IS supposed to be a gasket? Your suggestion is what created the problem. I bought a new catch pan this morning, but it was higher than my old pan. There really wasnt enough clearance to do the removal properly but I figured I'd be REAL fast in plug removal. Well I was Pretty fast but obviously not fast enough! The plug fell in the pan (but I knew it was too big to fall in the hole) so I left there. I went inside while it drained only to come out and find aobut 4 quarts of oil on my garage floor. WIFE IS ANGRY. The plug fell perfectly into the pan drain and plugged it. It overfloowed after reaching about a 1/4 capacity in the pan. When I pulled the plug, there was no gasket. The pan hole doe not look big enought that it would have allowed one to fall in it. Just not sure now if there was one or not...

BTW - I realized today that TSP is no longer available for grease spot removal. What works?

 

[Jacobzky]

you remind me of my very, very first ever oil change.
unplugged the drain plug, drain oil....... wait for a few minutes........ and guess what? i poured new oil and forgot to put drain plug. i even checked for leaks after the 4 qts of oil is poured.

 

[RamThis]

Spread kitty litter on the oil, and soak it in gasoline. let the gasoline evaporate over a few hours time, and sweep up the kitty litter. The gasoline will dissolve the oil in the concrete, and as it evaporates, it draws the oil up into the kitty litter, and out/off the concrete. Will make a bright white clean spot. That's how I clean my spills and it works like a charm.

 

[toto]

Brakleen is also very effective at removing fresh stains on the floor after you've soaked up/wiped up the fluid.

 

[greasefingers]

Yes a gasket is necessary on all drain plugs (tranny, oil pan, transfercase, and differentials. Many people use metal crush-washers. I use fiber washers.

Don

 

[dingo]

I like using the fiber gaskets. They make an audible crunch sounds as you tighten them so you know your pretty close to where the torque should be. Alternatively, some members here forgoe the drain plug altogether and install a Fumoto Valve. I was thinking of doing this but I'm just being lazy about it.

 

[sbbamafan]

I have a fumoto on my boat and love it.