I recently bought a 98 ranger in good shape and noticed the factory drain plug had a slow drip. So on my next oil change I look at the plug and it looks like there is a built in rubber washer on the factory plug. I usually put on a new copper washer every drain on my other vehicles. Are these plugs usually switched out every few changes or should I just buy a regular plug with a new copper washer.

 

If this was mind... I would take a look at the rubber gasket, does it look ok !

Check around the Drain Hole for any damage.

Then I would take a small straight edge and put it across the drain hole in a number of positions and see if the area is flat.

If all is OK, I would then try another Rubber Gasket... (if that is stock and I do not know).

Have you always owned the truck ? If so then it sounds like the part wore out, but if you haven't it could have taken hit in that area and needs attention !

Just thinking out loud !

 

Not sure if it is stock because I just bought it so maybe not. Does yours just have a regular plug with copper or aluminum washer

 

Not sure, I guess I never looked.
I drain the oil clean the Plug nd reinsert, done, tight, no leaking... OK !

Sorry !

 

There's no gasket at all on mine... like that way when I bought the truck new.

 

Gregoryb,

I did a web check and found only the rubber washer/gasket on the drain plugs.

So based on my finding I would suggest a new drain plug !

Do some checking on the pan before hand and check online just to be sure about the gasket.

Ltr / Luck

 

Just wanted to give a shout out to see if anybody recommends installing a magnetic drain plug on the engine oil pan. Dorman makes one #090-036 Lots of makers put them on the diff. and automatic trannys so thought it would be a good idea. I know the filter should catch most of that just saying.

 

Can't hurt. But engines really don't create alot of metallic particles unless something goes horribly wrong. Automatic transmissions naturally create metal shavings as the bands and clutches wear so magnets are almost always used to trap that stuff. The biggest contamination problem with the engine is carbon which a magnet won't do anything about.