Leaking Oil Drain Plug
Rennlist Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 144
Likes: 124
Yeah that vac will work. No oil dripped when the plug was out. The air being pulled in through the the drain hole keeps the oil in
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,847
Likes: 1,779
From: Momence, IL
I apologize to those who may have had a leaky magnetic drain plug. In the years since we released them, we've sold tens of thousands and we have had reports of some leaking. Some have been a result of the sealing ring or having been over-torqued, but regardless we've always warrantied our drain plugs if a problem is reported to us. We just ask for a photo of the leaky plug and proof of purchase and we'll send out a replacement no charge.
With the frequent over-torqueing issues, we have since switched to a magnetic stainless steel drain plug body that eliminates the torqueing issues.
Also, many shops have had better results with the copper drain plug washers, but both the OEM aluminum or aftermarket copper ones both should work.
With the frequent over-torqueing issues, we have since switched to a magnetic stainless steel drain plug body that eliminates the torqueing issues.
Also, many shops have had better results with the copper drain plug washers, but both the OEM aluminum or aftermarket copper ones both should work.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 619
Likes: 342
From: Rockland county, NY
If it was me, I would try the o ring and get a peice of cardboard and monitor the oil level. Then maybe change oil early if I see oil under the car. But if it’s a slow drip I would ride it out.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 336
Likes: 18
From: Texas
Would there be a problem using one of these steel pipe end M18-1.5 plugs with seal-ring (but has no magnet)?
Example on Amazon (Amazon link is ,
Example on Amazon (Amazon link is ,
Last edited by stasha; Apr 8, 2024 at 10:30 PM. Reason: correction
Rennlist Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1,274
Likes: 1,075
From: South East USA
Why not just by the Porsche OEM Plug from FCP Euro or Pelican Parts? It's $6.19
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/por...an-90021902031
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/por...an-90021902031
Racer
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 336
Likes: 18
From: Texas
Why not just by the Porsche OEM Plug from FCP Euro or Pelican Parts? It's $6.19
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/por...an-90021902031
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/por...an-90021902031
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 750
Likes: 269
From: Tanagra
Oil change yesterday with new magnetic drain plug & washer from FCP Euro ($18) .. This One
No leak whatsoever.
FWIW, I've never had a problem with a leaking oil drain plug (in any of my cars). But then again I'm a bit OCD about cleaning the interface.
No leak whatsoever.
FWIW, I've never had a problem with a leaking oil drain plug (in any of my cars). But then again I'm a bit OCD about cleaning the interface.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1,274
Likes: 1,075
From: South East USA
Oil change yesterday with new magnetic drain plug & washer from FCP Euro ($18) .. This One
No leak whatsoever.
FWIW, I've never had a problem with a leaking oil drain plug (in any of my cars). But then again I'm a bit OCD about cleaning the interface.
No leak whatsoever.
FWIW, I've never had a problem with a leaking oil drain plug (in any of my cars). But then again I'm a bit OCD about cleaning the interface.
So it's an aluminum plug with a magnet inserted in the center. Good concept. I would not use a Steel plug in the Aluminum drain pan. I think that's asking for issues.
And I agree, It's all about using a new crush washer and cleaning the interface each time. I have over 20 oil changes on my Porsches (Aluminum Plug & Pan), and have not experienced any oil leaks. Being, as you say "OCD", has its advantages at times.....
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Instructor
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 162
Likes: 13
From: ATL
Sorry for bumping an old thread but since its on topic thought i’d ask here for advice.
My 2014 Boxster S came with unknown miles on the previous oil. The drain plug was definitely not leaking since it was bone dry and i had driven it a couple of times.
I did the oil change and made the mistake of reusing the previous plug and gasket (i know) and it started to leak very slowly. I think it was the OEM steel plug.
I bought another steel one (has the magnet) with new copper gasket from Amazon. Quickly swapped the plug without losing too much oil and replaced the exact amount lost with fresh oil. Torqued to 30nm and it leaked. Cleaned up and increased to 40nm and leaked. Cleaned up and increased to the OEM spec 50nm and still leaks. Very slowly but its there.
Any suggestions about what I should try next? Maybe try an aluminum plug? Rubber seal? Teflon tape?
I am hoping the pan isnt hosed.
Thanks for any help.
My 2014 Boxster S came with unknown miles on the previous oil. The drain plug was definitely not leaking since it was bone dry and i had driven it a couple of times.
I did the oil change and made the mistake of reusing the previous plug and gasket (i know) and it started to leak very slowly. I think it was the OEM steel plug.
I bought another steel one (has the magnet) with new copper gasket from Amazon. Quickly swapped the plug without losing too much oil and replaced the exact amount lost with fresh oil. Torqued to 30nm and it leaked. Cleaned up and increased to 40nm and leaked. Cleaned up and increased to the OEM spec 50nm and still leaks. Very slowly but its there.
Any suggestions about what I should try next? Maybe try an aluminum plug? Rubber seal? Teflon tape?
I am hoping the pan isnt hosed.
Thanks for any help.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1,274
Likes: 1,075
From: South East USA
A few suggestions...
1) First, I would replace the Crush Washer with an Aluminum washer, and the drain plug with an OE Aluminum Plug (If your plug was steel it was not a Porsche OE plug). You can buy these from FCP Euro or Pelican Parts for under $10. I have over 17 Oil Changes on my Cayman and still use the original drain plug. I purchased a 20 pack of the Aluminum Washers back in 2015 for 26 cents each. I use a new crush washer each oil change, yet reuse the drain plug. I have never experience an oil leak.
2) I would not try to salvage the oil. Drain the oil, and fully clean the Oil Pan hole surface. Use the new aluminum crush washer and aluminum drain plug. Torque to 50 NM (do not under torque). Yes, this seems like a lot, yet if you are using a good, as in accurate, torque wrench it will seat the drain plug properly without any damage to the Pan or Plug.
If the previous owner used a steel drain plug, it may have damaged (distorted) the drain hole in the pan. Try using the OEM aluminum parts and hopefully your pan is OK.
Best of luck.....
FYI.... Steel Oil Drain Plugs can leak more frequently because the steel expands at a lower rate than the Aluminum Pan. Thus opening up gaps for the oil to seep through. Best to stay with an Aluminum Drain Plug in an Aluminum Pan..
1) First, I would replace the Crush Washer with an Aluminum washer, and the drain plug with an OE Aluminum Plug (If your plug was steel it was not a Porsche OE plug). You can buy these from FCP Euro or Pelican Parts for under $10. I have over 17 Oil Changes on my Cayman and still use the original drain plug. I purchased a 20 pack of the Aluminum Washers back in 2015 for 26 cents each. I use a new crush washer each oil change, yet reuse the drain plug. I have never experience an oil leak.
2) I would not try to salvage the oil. Drain the oil, and fully clean the Oil Pan hole surface. Use the new aluminum crush washer and aluminum drain plug. Torque to 50 NM (do not under torque). Yes, this seems like a lot, yet if you are using a good, as in accurate, torque wrench it will seat the drain plug properly without any damage to the Pan or Plug.
If the previous owner used a steel drain plug, it may have damaged (distorted) the drain hole in the pan. Try using the OEM aluminum parts and hopefully your pan is OK.
Best of luck.....
FYI.... Steel Oil Drain Plugs can leak more frequently because the steel expands at a lower rate than the Aluminum Pan. Thus opening up gaps for the oil to seep through. Best to stay with an Aluminum Drain Plug in an Aluminum Pan..
Last edited by 981KMAN; Jul 27, 2024 at 03:51 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 137
Likes: 39
From: Toronto
I've always used an aluminum plug and gasket and never had leaks as long as they're torqued to spec.
The problem I do have with the OEM plug is they're soft and have the tendency to strip if the person doing the oil change isn't careful.
I've since bought an external head aluminum drain plug to replace it and am no longer worried about rounding out the 8mm OEM plug.
The problem I do have with the OEM plug is they're soft and have the tendency to strip if the person doing the oil change isn't careful.
I've since bought an external head aluminum drain plug to replace it and am no longer worried about rounding out the 8mm OEM plug.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 162
Likes: 13
From: ATL
A few suggestions...
1) First, I would replace the Crush Washer with an Aluminum washer, and the drain plug with an OE Aluminum Plug (If your plug was steel it was not a Porsche OE plug). You can buy these from FCP Euro or Pelican Parts for under $10. I have over 17 Oil Changes on my Cayman and still use the original drain plug. I purchased a 20 pack of the Aluminum Washers back in 2015 for 26 cents each. I use a new crush washer each oil change, yet reuse the drain plug. I have never experience an oil leak.
2) I would not try to salvage the oil. Drain the oil, and fully clean the Oil Pan hole surface. Use the new aluminum crush washer and aluminum drain plug. Torque to 50 NM (do not under torque). Yes, this seems like a lot, yet if you are using a good, as in accurate, torque wrench it will seat the drain plug properly without any damage to the Pan or Plug.
If the previous owner used a steel drain plug, it may have damaged (distorted) the drain hole in the pan. Try using the OEM aluminum parts and hopefully your pan is OK.
Best of luck.....
FYI.... Steel Oil Drain Plugs can leak more frequently because the steel expands at a lower rate than the Aluminum Pan. Thus opening up gaps for the oil to seep through. Best to stay with an Aluminum Drain Plug in an Aluminum Pan..
1) First, I would replace the Crush Washer with an Aluminum washer, and the drain plug with an OE Aluminum Plug (If your plug was steel it was not a Porsche OE plug). You can buy these from FCP Euro or Pelican Parts for under $10. I have over 17 Oil Changes on my Cayman and still use the original drain plug. I purchased a 20 pack of the Aluminum Washers back in 2015 for 26 cents each. I use a new crush washer each oil change, yet reuse the drain plug. I have never experience an oil leak.
2) I would not try to salvage the oil. Drain the oil, and fully clean the Oil Pan hole surface. Use the new aluminum crush washer and aluminum drain plug. Torque to 50 NM (do not under torque). Yes, this seems like a lot, yet if you are using a good, as in accurate, torque wrench it will seat the drain plug properly without any damage to the Pan or Plug.
If the previous owner used a steel drain plug, it may have damaged (distorted) the drain hole in the pan. Try using the OEM aluminum parts and hopefully your pan is OK.
Best of luck.....
FYI.... Steel Oil Drain Plugs can leak more frequently because the steel expands at a lower rate than the Aluminum Pan. Thus opening up gaps for the oil to seep through. Best to stay with an Aluminum Drain Plug in an Aluminum Pan..
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 162
Likes: 13
From: ATL
I've always used an aluminum plug and gasket and never had leaks as long as they're torqued to spec.
The problem I do have with the OEM plug is they're soft and have the tendency to strip if the person doing the oil change isn't careful.
I've since bought an external head aluminum drain plug to replace it and am no longer worried about rounding out the 8mm OEM plug.
The problem I do have with the OEM plug is they're soft and have the tendency to strip if the person doing the oil change isn't careful.
I've since bought an external head aluminum drain plug to replace it and am no longer worried about rounding out the 8mm OEM plug.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 144
Likes: 124
For some reason I always have an issue with FCP euros drain plug. It’s happened to me twice. The FCP euro plug and the OEM plug from pelican (Part#: PAF-008-309-A-OEM) are a bit different. Different enough to cause my pan to leak. As soon as I swap to the OEM plug no issues at all. The FCP starts to leak after a couple weeks and hard driving. Might not happen to everyone but that’s what I noticed with mine.
Last edited by Andydna15; Jul 27, 2024 at 05:08 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 162
Likes: 13
From: ATL
For some reason I always have an issue with FCP euros drain plug. It’s happened to me twice. The FCP euro plug and the OEM plug from pelican (Part#: PAF-008-309-A-OEM) are a bit different. Different enough to cause my pan to leak. As soon as I swap to the OEM plug no issues at all. The FCP starts to leak after a couple weeks and hard driving. Might not happen to everyone but that’s what I noticed with mine.
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/por...an-90021902031