Oil Drain Plug Issue

[chadsy]

Hey guys,

New to the board and so far have found a lot of valuable info from lurking. I just bought my truck about a month ago. I went to change the oil this morning and found that instead of a normal plug, there was almost like a "cap" shaped device there instead. Curiosity got the best of me and I got to playing with it, I unscrewed it and noticed that it was attached to a nut INSIDE the oil pan that was helping keep this cap from leaking oil from the drain plug area. I went forward with changing the oil and now have a small leak coming from the area.

This is my first oil change ever and it would have been SO MUCH easier had it been a normal plug. I'm hoping the leak is just a combination of oil from the filter and stuff that dripped onto the skid plate.

Has anyone heard of a drain plug with this style and could I instead remove this and replace it with an oversized or rubber plug? And if so, would leaving the nut in the oil pan present a problem? I'm really not mechanically inclined and removing the pan seems like a real PITA.

Thanks in advance,

 

[shootmymime]

what happens is stupid people mess up threads on the drain plug so they have to use a universal plug to seal it back. i know exactly what your taking about. yes your leak could be from the left over on the skid plate from the oil filter. (i hate where its located) when you do an oil change spray down the area of the oil filter and drain plug with break cleaner (removed any oil). that will help clean the area, prevent smoke if oil has gotten onto any hot surface as well as minimize the thought of an oil leak from left overs on the skid.
keep and eye on where the drip is on the ground in relation to the drain plug (because it should fall right through the hole and not hit the skid plate)

good luck!

BTW why doesn't someone do a easy write up on changing the oil and any tips or tricks one might have learned for new people like this new member!!! i think it would be a great benefit for some! ps glad to have you with us

 

[Supergleep]

Here's one I've had bookmarked for a long time

4Runners.org - Changing Your Oil