GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I took my Vibe in two days ago for an oil change. Yesterday, my wife and I noticed on the floor of the garage there was a wet spot. I thought maybe it was water because it had rained earlier. I checked it out and sure enough it was fresh, clean oil. There was also a spot under my car where it was sitting in the driveway. And I thought I seen something under the car when I was leaving work earlier but I didn't check it out. I checked around the oil filter and the drain plug. It looked as though the oil was dripping from the plug, but I couldn't tell. The good news is that it wasn't that low on oil. It was only down a half of a quart. I put that much in and took it in this morning. They looked at it and it was the neoprene seal around the drain plug. It had cracked and was leaking from there. Thank goodness it wasn;t something like them cross threading the drain plug.I planned on starting to change my own oil after this oil change anyways, but this really helps me make that decision. So for all you self oil changers out there, you may want to check the drain plug next time you service your Vibe.

Just be careful when changing the oil that you do not ruin the seal. I have always changed my own oil but I always double check myself when putting the plug back it. I have seen more than I my share of plugs that were too tight. It is like putting a part on the engine that is related to the cooling. Don't squish the gaskets and let the sealer squeeze out. I wish that they made torque wrenches with a small amount of torque or to advise people(who have air tools) to set it at a max psi when doing maintenence to their vehicles. That damn plug with the seal can be quite costly.

They should always, ALWAYS install a new seal everytime the oil is changed. If they're not giving you a new seal, they are ripping you off. I would ask if a new seal was used and if as a rule they install a new drain plug seal with every oil change. If that is not their policy, I would find another mechanic.

I'll have to keep an eye on that. oil change tomorrow. hopefully no screw ups or leaks.

quote:They should always, ALWAYS install a new seal everytime the oil is changed. If they're not giving you a new seal, they are ripping you off. I would ask if a new seal was used and if as a rule they install a new drain plug seal with every oil change. If that is not their policy, I would find another mechanic.What about if you change your own oil? And if this is the case, where do you get seals at?

quote:They should always, ALWAYS install a new seal everytime the oil is changed. If they're not giving you a new seal, they are ripping you off. I would ask if a new seal was used and if as a rule they install a new drain plug seal with every oil change. If that is not their policy, I would find another mechanic.What?! No way. That's like saying you should replace the weather-stripping on the doors every time you open them.I change my own oil. The Vibe, my Nova and my previous Sunbird all had the rubber and metal washer/seal with the oil plug. I've never had to replace one in 6 years with the Sunbird and 12 years with the current motor in the Nova.

Thanks Scott. I thought that sounded a little odd, but I haven't ever changed my own oil in any of my cars. I want to start with the Vibe because I want to run full synthetic and it will be cheaper for me to do it myself.The dealership said that the seal was faulty. I wonder if they overtightened it or something like that.

I feel that the seal was cracked because they overtightened it. Your car is to new for it to have dryrotted. I always like doing things to my car myself---because I know it is done right. James

quote:I feel that the seal was cracked because they overtightened it. Your car is to new for it to have dryrotted.I agree but that would be hard to prove.

quote:What about if you change your own oil? And if this is the case, where do you get seals at? When I bought the oil filter from Toyota last time, they gave me a little rubber gasket with it as well...I couldn't figure out what it went to, so I threw it out...might've been new seal for the drain plug?

That is your new oil drain plug gasket, use it! Toyota (at least my dealer) gives a new gasket with each filter. I can't speak for the vibe/matrix, but I know the one on my camry was only good for one or two oil changes before it starts to leak through. I don't think they were designed to be reusable.-Chad

Every time I buy an oil filter, they always come with a drain plug washer. I have never asked for one. Either at a GM Dealer, Toyota Dealer or Nissan Dealer. Just a friendly way of saying, 'change your drain plug washer' I guess. I thought all of the 'quick lube' places always put on a new washer, or at least they claim they do. I feel fuzzy and warm inside when I change the oil, filter and washer.I gotta go change the weatherstripping on my doors. see ya.

quote:That is your new oil drain plug gasket, use it! Sure would be helpful if they TELL YOU WHAT IT IS when they hand it to you...lol...oh well, I'm do in under 500 for another change, I'll make sure I change it then!

So if you want to get a drain plug seal, do you have to go to the dealership to buy your filters? Or is there a drain plug seal included when you buy a filter from an auto parts store? If not, can you get a seal from the auto parts store?Thanks for the input everyone!

Ok now we ARE talking about the drain plug crush washer---Let's leave the oil filter out of this.I'm sure you can get the crush washer at the dealer BUT you do not have to change that everytime you do an oil change. It is made to be reused. It is soft and flexable to give a nice seal without wrenching down on the drain plug --I don't know why people have to have a drain plug so mule tight . When you do that it smashes that washer ,spliting and hence a leak.Myself ---I like a torque wrench when I do work. It takes all the guess work out. When you reinstall the drain plug ---tight yes--but don't overdo it. James