Lesson for newbs, seasoned wrenchers too... Case oil plug mistake.

[slodave]

I've changed my oil plenty of times in my 911 over the years and have even reused a crush washer when I have dropped the new one into the old oil bucket or just forgot to buy one. Yesterday, though....

Time for the biennial smog check, so time to change the oil. This time, instead of completing the task all at once, I drained the oil from the tank, cleaned the plug, put new washer on and installed. For the main case plug, I took it out, cleaned it off, took the old washer off, and set it on the rear bumper pad. Off to dinner I went. Came back and promptly reinstalled the plug and dumped in 9.5 fresh qts. of oil. Kinda cleaning up and I noticed 3 crush washers, there should be two! These days I keep a spare set. Look at the case plug and dammit! No washer.

The short of it, I was not willing to risk having the plug start weeping down the road. Posted my stupidity on FB and got a couple of responses from those who have been there. I decided to go for it and was able to remove the plug, hand it off to my dad while I had my right thumb plugging the case hole. I was able to get the plug out and in, while losing less than a cup of oil.



The lesson: Don't put the damn plugs down and walk away until the new washers are put on!

[Howard M]

Thank goodness you had a metric thumb!

[SoCalSK8r]

Same thing happened to me yesterday. I was able to pull the plug, insert the washer and put plug back in and I only lost a few tablespoons of oil. Not too shabby

[Targa Me]

I've never forgot the crush washer BUT I have stopped midway while doing a project and upon returning forgetting exactly where i left off and made a similar mistake.

So I guess the lesson here should be to either complete the task or leave yourself a simple note or reminder. Doesn't have to be a written note; could be something like placing the drain plug and washer next to each other.

[ToddM]

Not nearly as bad draining the oil, installing a new filter, putting in fresh oil, starting the car, realizing you have no oil pressure, shut it down, get out to find a lake of oil under the car because you never did put the plug back in, never mind the washer!

What I did find amazing is while I thought that nothing would ever grow on that patch of already barren dirt for the next 100 years, the next season all kinds of wonderful plants and flowers blossomed. Go figure.

[OsoMoore]

Originally Posted by Howard M

Thank goodness you had a metric thumb!

My wife is SAE but I grew up wrenching VW's - imagine the problems!

On a similar note - whenever taking anything apart in the car I have my camera at hand and take copious pictures. Its quick, and I've lost track of the number of times I end up checking the pics when I can't remember exactly how a piece was rotated, or I need to be sure which bolt went in which hole.

[ShakinJoe]

Less than a cup!!! Pretty good with crap in your pants!

This should be a contest amongst us.

[SCadaddle]

How about draining the oil from your Type IV engine via the strainer plate (1 central bolt) because the previous owner must have used red loctite on the actual drain plug only to find that your big plastic used oil container...you know....the one with the big circular plastic lid that you forgot to remove. Exxon Valdez take 2.

4 quarts of used motor oil on a finished concrete surface goes a long long way.

[brp914]

Originally Posted by ToddM

Not nearly as bad draining the oil, installing a new filter, putting in fresh oil, starting the car, realizing you have no oil pressure, shut it down, get out to find a lake of oil under the car because you never did put the plug back in, never mind the washer!

What I did find amazing is while I thought that nothing would ever grow on that patch of already barren dirt for the next 100 years, the next season all kinds of wonderful plants and flowers blossomed. Go figure.

Ha! btdt - Except I put the drain plug in finger-tight. Tighten it later, right? Go for 40 mile drive. Engine light comes on. What?! Get out and see block-long trail of oil leading to the rear of my car. Follow the oil trail back and find drain plug on side of the road. No engine damage - phew!

[HawgRyder]

Been there with forgetting to put the plug in!
But in my case it was at the drag strip...big block Ford...very large pan...14 quarts of oil on the ground!
Very sheepish look on my face as I tried to stop the oil from running into the next pit.
Never have forgotten the plug since then.
Bob

[maui44]

I think using what Targa Me & OsoMoore posted is the best way to go to avoid this type of thing that can happen to anyone.

[racetek]

If you really want to make a mess just leave the oil filter loose. Did this once on a vintage race car at the race track, in a shared garage, right where everyone had to drive through to the track. Never did it again because everyone kept reminding me of it.

[slodave]

Good stories! I always seem to get worried after putting 5 qts in, thinking, did I put the drain plug back and always end up looking under the car to make sure there isn't a large puddle forming.

[wearl]

me and freind in garage talking while changing oil in my acura. poured in oil , checked dipstick , no oil. forgot to put in plug . 5 quarts oil under car. my buddy laughed so hard he pissed his pant, and will never let me forget