Rookie changes oil, now it leaks.. Help

[mtbfish]

Got a 95 that will be a trail rig, nothing fancy just a beater. 22R, 5 speed, already dented in all for corners, with 260 K. Runs great, very happy so far. Decided to do some maint, and changed the tranny oil a few weeks ago, then did the transfer case yesterday. (Both were very clean and found no metal shavings on the magnets in the plugs), but both are now leaking from the drain plugs. I guess I did something wrong, but what to do to fix it? Should I have used some sort of locktight? Or replaced a washer? I know other vehicles have a copper washer, but I saw nothing on these when I removed them..
I also assume the fix will be draining them both again to get a clean seal of some sort... can the oil be reused if I take care in not contaminating it?

I know i'll get the jokes, but hopefully some real answers also... Thanks.

 

[KidVermicious]

If they're leaking from the drain plug, you need new crush washers. You might get away with just cleaning the plug and tank surface really well, but they're thirty cents or whatever at NAPA, why not use one?

You don't have to drain the oil to replace them. Just turn the truck upside down.

 

[P-Town-503]

You don't have to drain the oil to replace them. Just turn the truck upside down.

NICE!! I am going to try this next time! Yea, I use vegetable oil... I figured it's
healthier for my truck.. :biggrin2:


:whoo:

 

[KidVermicious]

I wouldn't do that. Trucks need protein, there's not enough in vegetable oil.

 

[mtbfish]

Thanks Kid, i'll go get a few washers. I wanted to do the two diffs also, would they all use the same washers or are the diffs different?

 

[KidVermicious]

Don't quote me on this, but I think the oil and tcase drain plugs are smaller than the diff plugs. I know they're different head sizes (14mm and 17mm).

 

[Chuckles89]

If you don't want to buy washers every time you change your oil, use this stuff and don't tighten the plugs so much.

 

[sam24th]

The diff drain plugs are different size than the tranny oil pan. Personally Id get a funnel and try to catch as much of the fluid as possible when draining it and then pouring it back in once you are done. No point in changing the fluid again if you ask me. I personally use a tiny bit of rtv on the plugs when I service my truck to insure there arent leaks.

 

[BucknutBob]

You don't have to drain the oil to replace them. Just turn the truck upside down.

A buddy and I did something like this when pulling an engine from a donor vehicle one time (seriously)--since the truck was a piece of junk, we took everything loose until the engine was ready to fall out and just rolled the truck off of it! More for the fun of it than anything, but it worked quite well, and saved us the hassle of yanking it with a hoist (LOL).

 

[Nervo19]

Thanks Kid, i'll go get a few washers. I wanted to do the two diffs also, would they all use the same washers or are the diffs different?

I'm only mentioning this because you say you're a rookie; make sure the fill bolts will come off before you drain the differentials. Someone put JB Weld on my rear diff fill bolt.:gun4:

 

[mtbfish]

Don't quote me on this, but I think the oil and tcase drain plugs are smaller than the diff plugs. I know they're different head sizes (14mm and 17mm).

The T case and the tranny have the same size drain bolts. I used new copper washers one all, and that corrected the leaking. I also found that the tranny had a crack in the pan at the drain plug... some liquid gasket and good vibs and I think its fixed... time will tell.

I haven't touched the diffs yet, but will be taking into consideration the comments received..

Thanks all!