Oil drain plug leak?

[4runherpow]

Hey guys,

So I changed the oil yesterday and this morning I noticed a slow leak (small 2-3tbls puddle) on the garage floor.

The drain plug does indeed have a drip. I did remove the previous gasket washer (which was aluminum). I did replace it with a new copper washer meant for drain plus (all I had) and the same plug.

I did notice a little corrosion around the drain plug when I removed it. It was bone dry before I removed it.

So my idea was get a new oem drain plug and aluminium washer, and try to quickly replace the plug without making a huge mess (we'll see).

Question is, do you think this is the right route, or should I go with one of those Dorman rubber coated plugs since it seems like theres some mild corrosion.

I'm asking because I don't want to have to do this again and keep making a mess.

Thanks!

 

[88Center]

Go to your local dealership and make sure you get the proper washer. They are specific size.

I used a different washer one time and it leaked. It was a slightly different size.

Do you have any rust around the drain plug or hole? Post a pic.

 

[NCHornet]

It would sure be a help if we had a photo of this corrosion you reference in your post. Being that you used a washer that wasn't made for this vehicle, or even an oil pan in general, and the fact it wasn't leaking prior to the oil change, the best advice is to use the correct washer for this oil pan plug. No need to go to the Stealership for this washer you can buy them on Amazon for much less. Just be sure to enter the correct vehicle information and it will show you the correct washer. You can also look up the Toyota part number and enter that on Amazon. It will pull up the genuine Toyota Part as well as the correct aftermarket washer. Hope this helps. If it still leaks we really need see a photo showing the corrosion you speak of. Be sure you don't over torque that drain plug, it doesn't require much for the correct seal. IIRC it's around 15 ft lbs or less, but look this up for the correct spec. NCH

 

[Hungryhawk]

The aluminum washers are called crush washers because thru cold form to irregularities at final torque. Also the develop leaks less oftet.
Copper washers is from older cars-used them for years, and still have some. These cars had steel oil pans and steel drain plugs. Must keep clean when reinstalling.
I much prefer the crush type single use washers. There are hard aluminum washers that look okay but do not actually work -no crush.

 

[Cezar]

If it was me I would drain the oil, use 120 grit and then 300 grit sandpaper on the mating surface of the oil pan, cleaning before and after with brake cleaner, and then use a fresh OEM crush washer (the ones with the bit of fabric material on them), and also do the same cleaning/sanding treatment to the flat on the bolt.

And then put the oil back in.