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Onan Drain Plug Leak [message #304792]

Tue, 02 August 2016 20:35

thainglo

Messages: 132
Registered: March 2015
Location: Iowa

Karma: 2

Senior Member

When I changed the oil in my Onan last summer, I just screwed the drain plug back in and filled it up with oil. Everything was fine until I ran the generator for a few hours during my almost-Branson trip to run the AC. When I got back to the house, the Onan had developed a small leak around the drain plug.

I checked the FSM but t didn't see any specifics on the washer or o-ring for the drain plug. Anyone have a lead on the right way to seal up the drain pan and plug? Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

Matt

Matt Sladek 1976 Eleganza II Coralville, IA

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Re: Onan Drain Plug Leak [message #304793 is a reply to message #304792]

Tue, 02 August 2016 20:55

Bullitthead

Messages: 1411
Registered: November 2013

Karma: 5

Senior Member

Isn't that pan made of sheet metal? It may have a crack around the drain plug bung. Clean it off with brake cleaner and examine it carefully. If a magnifying glass will still not show you the leak, drain the oil and put 2 cups of diesel fuel in there and observe...diesel will seemingly get through any possible opening. If it turns out to be the plug/pan mating surfaces, use a copper crush washer to make the seal. Don't forget to drain the diesel back out.

Terry Kelpien ASE Master Technician 73 Glacier 260 Smithfield, Va.

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Re: Onan Drain Plug Leak [message #304794 is a reply to message #304792]

Tue, 02 August 2016 21:16

thainglo

Messages: 132
Registered: March 2015
Location: Iowa

Karma: 2

Senior Member

Thanks Terry. I'm certain I didn't change the crush washer on last oil change. Any idea on size?

Matt Sladek 1976 Eleganza II Coralville, IA

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Re: Onan Drain Plug Leak [message #304800 is a reply to message #304794]

Tue, 02 August 2016 22:49

Bullitthead

Messages: 1411
Registered: November 2013

Karma: 5

Senior Member

Oh wow...I wish I did have an idea, but it's been 2 years since I messed with that pan when I put the genset in its home. On another current thread someone has been unable to find the washers in 3 different parts stores and I'm sure I've seen them there, so I may be having that CRS syndrome that seems to happen when you acquire too many toys to play with. There is a GMCer on here that is the Onan authority and maybe he will chime in. It might be handy to just get all the sizes available where ever you can find them (within reason) and carry the extras with you as they can save the day in many situations.

Terry Kelpien ASE Master Technician 73 Glacier 260 Smithfield, Va.

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Re: Onan Drain Plug Leak [message #304802 is a reply to message #304793]

Wed, 03 August 2016 00:08

Ken Burton

Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana

Karma: 10

Senior Member

Now I am confused. Without checking it again, I thought that was a cast aluminum piece. I remember aluminum welding one and re-tapping it. Maybe I'm thinking about some other engine.

If it is not cracked I would get the either aluminum or copper washer and try to reseal it.

Do not over torque it.

You could probably find one in here:
http://www.harborfreight.com/54-piece-washer-seal-assortment-67667.html

or here:

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=copper+washer

Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana

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Re: [GMCnet] Onan Drain Plug Leak [message #304811 is a reply to message #304802]

Wed, 03 August 2016 08:40

USAussie

Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia

Karma: 6

Senior Member

Ken,

IIRC the oil pan is cast aluminum screwed to the bottom of the block. It has a steel cover screwed to it with screws as well.

Regards,
Rob M.
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426

-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Ken Burton
Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2016 3:08 PM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Onan Drain Plug Leak

Now I am confused. Without checking it again, I thought that was a cast aluminum piece. I remember aluminum welding one and
re-tapping it. Maybe I'm thinking about some other engine.

If it is not cracked I would get the either aluminum or copper washer and try to reseal it.

Do not over torque it.

You could probably find one in here:
http://www.harborfreight.com/54-piece-washer-seal-assortment-67667.html

or here:

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=copper+washer

Ken

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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426

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