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MG MGA - Back Axle Drain Plug Weeping

I can't get the plug to stop weeping. I tried PTFE tape which seems to dissolve in the oil. Then I tried Red Hermetite. Always the same dampness, even with 150 ft-lbs torque.

The oil is EP80W-90 GL-4.

Any suggestions, please?

Cheers

Dave
Bolney Coupe

Don't know if its available in the UK, but I use a sealant specifically made for differentials & transfer cases: Permatex 81182 Gear Oil RTV Sealant; never a drop of leakage.
Nick Kopernik

Clean up the female threads with a tapered pipe tap. Install a new plug using Teflon tape, and no more leak. It does not have to be terribly tight.
Barney Gaylord

Even better than teflon thread tape is Loctite 561 sealant stick - it is magic stuff.
Mike
Mike Ellsmore

I hate to ask this question but what kind of plug do you have in the rear. I once had a friend with the same problem and he had a plug for a pipe fitting with a square head on it. These threads were tapered. We took it out and put the proper plug in and it quit leaking.
GK George

Thanks for your comment.

It is a taper thread, my guess BSP, with a 7/16 square female drive. See also Barney's advice to clean up the female thread in the casing with a taper tap.

I will get a new plug anyway and try the sealing solutions suggested. My daughter is holidaying in Sarasota and I have asked her to get me a tube of Permatex 81182 since it is not available in UK.
Bolney Coupe

This thread was discussed between 30/12/2016 and 04/01/2017

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