What to do with a leaky drain plug?

[Technic_569]

I have a 86 fourtrax ATV that is leaking oil out of the drain plug. The drain plug is tight and their is a o ring on it. If i tighten it more then i'm afraid of stripping the bolt. I'm wondering what you guys would do in this situation?

Thanks, Riley

 

[yogitech]

you could try a copper crush washer. GL

 

[azotto]

My first thought is the o-ring has been overtightened and damaged. Try replacing it first and snug up the drain plug to recommended specs using a torque wrench. While you have it out, look closely at the sealing surfaces for scratches, gouges or cracks. Has the engine case taken a hit in that area that could be causing the problem? I used to ride with a guy that used teflon tape on his drain plug to help seal it up.
A 1986 has been in and out many times and with everything being aluminum, you may just have worn threads and need to helicoil the drain hole and replace the plug.

 

[BlindViper]

Put some form-a-gasket 2 on the threads and sealing surfaces.

 

[sberry]

Maybe a case cracked?

 

[nolatoolguy]

Well personally ide check the seal an gasket along with the surrounding area to double check that its not coming from there and looks like its off the drainplug. If you can post some pictures we might be able to help you some more.

 

[Full Size 66]

As the other guys said check the O ring, even if you see it as OK it may have microscopic damage, this has proven true with my own expierience. Then you can check the cases and threads for damage or streching

 

[Full Size 66]

As the other guys said check the O ring, even if you see it as OK it may have microscopic damage, this has proven true with my own expierience. Then you can check the cases and threads for damage or streching

 

[crewchief888]

replace the oring, and check the face of the case for damage.
i'd get an OEM oring from honda, that way you know it's the right size.