TacitBlue Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 I changed the MT oil in my 1998 SE and I now have a slight drip about a few drops a day. I'm thinking of either using plumbers tape, or possibly Silicone Permatex. I'm thinking the silicone will not work well because I would need to get the female threads on the bottom of the tranny perfectly clean in order for the silicone to make a good seal, but with the oil always doing a slow drip even after you wait while draining it, that's going to be nearly impossible. SO I figure plumbers tape? Anybody have this problem and what have you done? Thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Precise1 Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 I would use a washer, malleable metal, metal and rubber or plastic in that order. Unscrew it enough to measure the major diameter and go buy the appropriate item. Tube sealant won't work and I doubt teflon tape will also. B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5523Pathfinder Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 I usually use a nice blob of RTV on the threads. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TacitBlue Posted March 21, 2012 Author Share Posted March 21, 2012 You can't use a washer as the drain plug is just a male threaded plug, not sure of the name, but I think it's called a tapered threaded plug. Can you use the RTV sealant with oil on the threads coming out of the tranny drain hole? just putting it on the drain plug threads? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5523Pathfinder Posted March 21, 2012 Share Posted March 21, 2012 Well, usually you would do it when the plug is dry, but it smears upon install. I would drop the threads down a bit, apply about half way around, then tighten. You can wipe off the excess or smear it around the plug. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Precise1 Posted March 21, 2012 Share Posted March 21, 2012 You can't use a washer as the drain plug is just a male threaded plug, not sure of the name, but I think it's called a tapered threaded plug. Can you use the RTV sealant with oil on the threads coming out of the tranny drain hole? just putting it on the drain plug threads? I'm sorry, I read MT but had an AT picture stuck in my head. Yes, I used plumbers tape, about 2.5 windings opposite threading direction so it doesn't come off. No leak problems. Derek, you have luck with RTV on oily threads? How do you clean them well enough? What brand/kind? B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nunya Posted March 21, 2012 Share Posted March 21, 2012 I've used RVT on greedy stuff on a few occasions, mainly when putting back together rear brakes/axles in 1 tons. You can only wipe it down so many times before you get mad at that 1 drip that keeps forming Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5523Pathfinder Posted March 21, 2012 Share Posted March 21, 2012 I have been using RTV on threaded drain plugs for years. Usually I use the orange(or red) nissan RTV that has been available to me. We have some genertic TIFCO silcone here and I have used both the red and the black. Like I said, I usually do it when I am performing the fluid service so I can clean the threads of any residue(I dont get carried away, just wipe with a clean rag). I put a small bead along the bottom of the threads so it pushes up as I tighten it. Obviously not all the RTV stays on the thread, but it seals it none the less. I have double checked time after time and they stay dry. I have done this on my own rig and they do not leak either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unccpathfinder Posted March 21, 2012 Share Posted March 21, 2012 Its a pipe thread...tighten it a lil more.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Precise1 Posted March 22, 2012 Share Posted March 22, 2012 I have been using RTV on threaded drain plugs for years. Usually I use the orange(or red) nissan RTV that has been available to me. We have some genertic TIFCO silcone here and I have used both the red and the black. Like I said, I usually do it when I am performing the fluid service so I can clean the threads of any residue(I dont get carried away, just wipe with a clean rag). I put a small bead along the bottom of the threads so it pushes up as I tighten it. Obviously not all the RTV stays on the thread, but it seals it none the less. I have double checked time after time and they stay dry. I have done this on my own rig and they do not leak either. Ahh, maybe the type of RTV is better or something. I've never had luck unless I could clean everything very well; any oil and it wouldn't bond. B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k9sar Posted March 22, 2012 Share Posted March 22, 2012 throw a little stop-leak in it. That will take care of it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Towncivilian Posted March 22, 2012 Share Posted March 22, 2012 (edited) throw a little stop-leak in it. That will take care of it All that will do is thicken up the MT oil by a grade or two and probably just slow the leak. Edited March 22, 2012 by Towncivilian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unccpathfinder Posted March 22, 2012 Share Posted March 22, 2012 And sure its gear oil and not regular oil from the valve cover or rear main seal? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TacitBlue Posted March 23, 2012 Author Share Posted March 23, 2012 And sure its gear oil and not regular oil from the valve cover or rear main seal? I'm 99.9% sure it's the MT oil as I wiped the bottom of the transmission, and around the drain plug and after a day or two, the last couple of threads on the drain plug are oily. I just bought a small tube of Permatex 82180 Ultra Black Maximum Oil Resistance RTV Silicone Gasket Maker - 3.35 oz. at the local Auto Zone. I'll try the method of just back the threads out a little and applying the silicone. I would try the plumbers tape, but I don't want to o have to deal with draining and refilling the tranny. I tried tightening it some more, even with a little extra leverage from a breaker bar, it didn't turn, I hope I can get it loosened. Thanks for all the tips. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrT Posted March 24, 2012 Share Posted March 24, 2012 I don't want to o have to deal with draining and refilling the tranny. I'm not a mechanic but I doubt you'll ever seal it up without draining it. It's not that bad. You can prob do it in under 30min. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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