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- 92 & 16 Meyatas
I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that it's the tech's fault. Drain plugs on CX-5s have a tendency to weep (mine and several others here) and I found a few drops on my garage floor once too. I do my own servicing and I'm due for a change. I'm prepared this time with Permatex Drain Plug Sealant.
The last time I checked to see if my drain plug was weeping again (third time) was about 1500 miles ago and sure enough it was. I have never bothered to torque the plug to the recommended setting because 1) in 50 years of changing oil I have NEVER had to do this before and have NEVER had one leak like this one has, including two Miatas. 2) I didn't have an 8mm hex socket to do it with and 3) I have always trusted my "wrist torque wrench". By that time though I had acquired the necessary 3/8" drive socket and torqued it to 30#, figuring if it continued to weep for another 1500 miles it was no big deal as it was a pretty slow leak. So here we are 1500 miles later and time for an oil change. When I dropped the plastic trap door there was no sign of a leak. So what that tells me is that, for whatever reason, the proper torque setting is more important than you would think on this thing. And BTW, when I torqued it mid-change, it felt like I had wrist-set it to maybe the low end of the recommended torque range (23# ft) and I had the wrench set at the top end (30#) to be sure. So needless to say, I'm going to continue to torque it to 30# from now on and in addition, use Permatex drain plug sealant to be extra sure the leak doesn't reappear. (2thumbs)
I just did that too. If you've never done it before, it's easiest to start with a front corner, put a jack stand under it and work you way around the back until you get back to the one you started with. I use a floor jack and two jack stands to get the job done.I need to rotate my tires tomorrow. I do that myself with two 12v scissor jacks. I was looking in FSM and I could use my floor jacks at a few certain spots but think I will stick with the scissors this time.
you mean "drain plug washer" with rubber gasket? That's what it looks like, anyway.I've been using these - drain plugs with rubber gasket. They seal very well. I get them at Autozoone - about 4 for 3.00
I'll be changing my oil in about a month so will see if Fumoto has leaked at all. Not likely though... I need to rotate my tires tomorrow. I do that myself with two 12v scissor jacks. I was looking in FSM and I could use my floor jacks at a few certain spots but think I will stick with the scissors this time.
I have no leaks on my 2014 CX5. I follow directions and clean the surface of the pan where the new washer sits and tighten the plug to 25 LB/FT.
That may be, but this part seems unusually finicky for a simple drain plug. I believe it has to do with the ultra-thin sealing washer that is used on the SkyActiv pan. On two previous Miatas I used the same washer for well over 100k miles each, never worried about torque and never had a leak. Only difference was the washer was twice as thick as the one on this engine.thats what i figured, you follow the maint directions and you should have no leaks!