What size and what material is proper for our drain plug bolts?

 

Not sure the size but the material is aluminium.

 

It would be steel and a M18 X 1.5

If you need a replacement right away most auto parts stores carry this size but their computer might not show it as an application. Need to look at the display to see if it's there. the Dorman part number is 090-167 at Oreilly, Autozone, NAPA ....

If you're replacing it I'd suggest getting a magnetic one. I have one from FCP. http://www.fcpgroton.com/product-exe...+Plug-Magnetic
I think the stock gasket is aluminum but you can use the plastic/nylon ones too, it's recommended to replace it each time.

 

already have the magnetic plug, thanks...and when I got my car, the guy I bought it from had a bunch of drain plug washers for some reason, and he gave them to me. My dumb a$$ used the last one without measuring it.

 

the plastic and nylon ones are horrible.
i work at a oil change place and about 80 percent of the vehicles that we put a plastic or nylon gasket on come back within a month with leaks so just go with an aluminum gasket

 

I purchased about 20 of the washers when a indi Volvo place closed down. Walmart (don't even start) put a copper one on once and it leaks for 5,000 miles.

 

The Volvo ones are aluminum. They are the size of a quarter and the hole is the size of a dime.

 

18 mm = 18 X 0.0394 in = 0.71 of an inch (just over 7 tenths of an inch)

And since decimal inch rulers aren't readily available, you'll have to convert to fractional 16ths:

Multiply 0.71 x 16 to get the number of 16ths inch.

0.71 x 16 = 11.36

11.36 = the number of 16th's of an inch. This is the numerator of the fraction. Apply the rules for rounding.

11.36 rounds to 11 because 0.36 is less than 0.5

Therefore, 0.71 in. = (approximately) 11/16ths of an inch

Or . . . . . (wait for it) . . . . . . . you could just say they are 18MM. Oh ya, I did say that. If you can't do metric, then it's 11/16ths

The Dorman part number good at NAPA, Autozone, Oreilly ... is 095-016 in aluminum.

And quit using those vise-grips to take out the plug !!

 

Kiss: actually, rounding down would be a BAD idea. if it's meant to take an 18mm, and 18mm = 11.36/16ths, then 11/16 is probably going to be too small for the bolt to fit through. The things you learn in machining classes....

 

Through the marvels of "clearance" the tricky folks at Dorman market an 11/16 that also fits an 18mm I was just amazed !!

You're really making me work for this one. (Good for you!)

Dorman AutoGrade - Oil Drain Plug Gasket





Type : Aluminum Size : 11/16", 11/16"SO, M18 Inside Diameter : 0.720"/18.29mm Outside Diameter : 1.060"/26.92mm Thickness : 0.080"/2.03mm Brand : Dorman - AutoGrade - Boxed

 

we have clearance, Clarence...

 

LOL, it amazes me as to which threads get the most post/attention. By the time he gets those silly washers and changes his oil (at this rate), the motor would be locked up.

Put down the gun, post your address so someone can ship you some of the washers. LOL

 

As long as it's fun, it's worth it. I was just trying to take a poke at the guy who said it was the size of a dime after I had said 18mm. To me size of a dime isn't all that helpful after you already have the exact size.

But then someone takes a poke at me because I'm rounding a decimal point. I love this forum

 

It was just meant to be a fun fact about the washer, I didn't think anyone was going to take it so seriously. If its a huge deal, pony up the $0.75 and get it from the dealership. Oh wait, the dealership is evil on the VolvoForums. I forgot.

 

It's not a big deal, like I said I was just having fun with it.

 

Same here...and i doubt going two says over on my oil change is gonna lock up my motor.

 

LOL, you guys are funny. If you can't have fun, go back to bed (sleep).

 

Wow, how long can we keep a thread going about oil drain plug washers...?

I just get a few dollars worth when I restock my oil filters. Pretty cheap at IPD:
Oil Pan Drain Plug Seal Washer

Especially if you shop during their garage sale in May... extra 10% off.

BTW: I've re-used them multiple times w/o leaks; maybe 3 or 4x.

 

Yeah the auto parts store I normally go to didn't have them in stock - I'll find one tomorrow since I will have a bit more time.

 

Found it at NAPA of all places. I bought a 10 pack of them, along with a 10 pack for the wife's Saab - and still got change back from a $10.