Small oil drip

[Qxxx4]

check it out, around the bottom of the pan where the oil drain plug is, there was a bunch of oil. I remember when i changed it over a week ago i didnt have shop towels so i just powerwashed the bottom and dont remember if i cleaned around this, but the oil doesnt appear that dark around it (looks new). Whats weird is where it pooled up is not near the plug, but rather at the base of the pan.

Anyways, today I took a good look at it, and noticed some chipping at what appears to be some sort of coating on this pan. Particularly around the bolt (see pic). The bolt isnt drastically dripping, its not even coming from around it. i just touched some oil on the bolts face towards the front of the vehicle. I dont think I overtightened, and i tried to see if it was a little loose it definately isnt.

The leak looks more like its coming from the front diff side though, there should be a brownish coloured liquid in there right? its been sweaty for a while now, maybe its getting bad now?

I used the 4wd this weeked going up a muddy dirt mountain to get to a cottage...believe it or not, the tires on my 20's grabbed without effort. I was surprised....i feel like a prick going "off roading" on 20's...thank god i got 45 profiles.

Anyways, oil filter surroundings are dry, nothing on skid plate, didnt have enough lighting to see if anything is coming out side of engine. As of yesterday i had close to 1000km since i changed the oil and the level was max, wasnt on a level surface when i checked today but it was close to 3/4 on dipstick because of the level im sure (i also did 500km since yesterday and she likes to burn oil)

[AJRK]

You changed the oil last yourself right? Did you replace the drain plug gasket? That could do it.

[Pwnin O'Brien]

That's what I was gonna suggest. You should always replace the crush washer when you change the oil. You can get them pretty cheap at the auto parts store. I also would recommend using a brass bristle brush and cleaning the thread/mating surface of the oil plug thoroughly. You can also get a replacement magnetic oil plug at your local auto parts store for pretty cheap.

I would recommend cleaning the area around your oil plug and diff. plug, driving around, then see if you have any leaking oils.

[Qxxx4]

thats it? really? ok next time ill definately replace the gasket... i must have overlooked that! hopefully ill be safe for another 3-4k! ill just keep a close eye on the dipstick/drain plug.

I had a fear i tightened it too much and possibly damaged the base of the pan, but i put like, armstrength torque, didnt push too hard on the ratchet, and the oil filter is hand tight.

im glad its nothing big. it MUST be the drain plug gasket. anyone know what size it is, wouldnt mind getting a new magnetic one too thanks for the tip

[Pwnin O'Brien]

Well the gasket you can get from your local auto parts store, I'm sure they will be able to help you find the washer. If you want to see a pic, you can check it out at CourtesyParts.com (Part #: 11026-R50005). They're also pretty cheap from Nissan.

When I changed my oil last, I was cleaning the oil plug off and noticed that there had been a crush washer that was so crushed onto the bolt that you could barely see it. I had to carefully pull the washer off with a mini screwdriver.

Also, you can get a magnetic oil plug from CourtesyParts.com (Part #: 340-0006). The oil plug isn't a normal maintenance replacement item, but if your oil plug is looking a little worn, then I would recommend it.

Also, when you remove the oil plug to drain the oil, make sure you thoroughly clean around the oil plug opening in the oil pan. Make sure you don't have any of that stuff that's peeling from your oil pan under the bolt head. You might also want to use a brass bristle brush around the oil plug hole, just to be safe.