oil drain plug leak

hi all,

i've had continued bad luck with attempts to fix my '02 3.8L oil drain plug leak. i believe it's weeped/ leaked for the past 6 or so years. last drain i used a integraded crush washer and o-ring. may have slowed it down, but didn't stop.

i don't believe my '00 to have the gasket material built into the plug like this '02. do i just need to replace the plug? no thread damage, i can put plenty of torque on it.
seems the '00 is a stamped pan where as this '02 is cast.

tia,
parker

I often apply a bit of RTV to the threads just for some extra sealing.

you can just pick up a replacement drain plug for about 10 dollars from any auto parts store.... the rubber o-ring does harden and won't seal after a few years i had to replace the one in my mustang and it worked like a charm

I suggest you make a close look at the rear side of the engine pan (if not already done) as the oil leak could be from the rear engine seal (between engine and transaxle), and the oil will slowly flow at the buttom of the pan, specially on or near the drain plug. I have replace the plug and the seal a few time before realizing that this leak was not about the drain plug but from the rear engine seal .

for ~$8 i did get a new plug with the rubber insert from ford. will report back if it fails.

thanks for all the thoughts!