03 Tacoma Oil Leak...Drain Plug???

Looked under the truck today to find a half-dollar size oil spot underneath the truck. Looks as if it may be coming from the drain plug, as I got underneath there and took a ratchet and it seemed as if it were a little loose. Most of the oil was centered around the plug, so I am thinking that is the culprit. After looking at the engine it doesn't appear there is anythign leaking from the motor itself. Thus, if the oil continues to leak and I find that it is not the drain plug, is it most likely a bad gasket or seal on the oil pan????

When I get home I plan on removing the skid/shield that sits below the oil pan to get a better look, but for now, just wanted to hear from you guys and see if you have had similar problems

Thanks!

 

If a gasket wasnt' used on the oil plug the last time the oil was changed my guess is that is your problem and I would start there.

 

The rubber O ring or stripped drain plug. I believe you can buy a petcock oil drain plug. That would eliminate both problems. You will still have to take it off occasionally to check for metal particles on the magnet but not near as much.

 

Can you buy the drain plug from autozone? If in the event it is not the drain plug, and possibly the oil pan, how difficult of a project is that to remove?

 

Mines got a very slow leak too from the drain plug I think the gasket is broken or cracked.

 

Gasket material is CHEAP--Try the EASY stuff first. they may even have the correct size gasket at the hardware store- plumbing section.

 

I do know that on MOST vehicles--ITS A PAIN IN THE ASS.
Not difficult--time consuming and DIRTY.
Did my wifes car--a couple times-IT was a BITCH--exhaust was in the way.

 

Just incase check to see if the oil filter is loose.
Couple weeks ago i nearly flipped my shit cause my truck had a slow leak somewhere, turns out the filter was just a tiny bit too loose somehow.

 

The drain plug gasket should always be replaced each time the plug is removed.
When I bought my new oil filter from the dealer, a new gasket was included .
I think its a crush type gasket (one use only).

 

I thought I had read somwhere that if you wanted to remove the oil pan there was a shit ton of other stuff you had to remove prior to that???

 

i haven't had a drain plug gasket in 6 years

 

Maybe the front diff, if you are 4WD.

 

Every time I leave one off mine leaks...Lucky you