Multiple Leaks

[shoon]

So, when I drilled and tapped the transmission housing to put the plug in, I might have ran the tap a little too far in (being an NPT tap, I think I might have made the hole to big.) It was fine for months, but just recently (probably with the heat) its started leaking quite a bit. I used a 1/8" 27 NPT tap and a corresponding plug. The plug is a small brass one, and its just about bottomed out. However, I also used liquid teflon because I didnt have any teflon tape.. perhaps that is my mistake right there? Would I be ok to put a couple wraps of t-tape on the plug, or am I likely going to need a new plug?

coincidentally, my oil level switch just started leaking as well.. both at the same time. I used a new gasket on it, and both surfaces were clean so I dont know wtf goes on there either.

 

[shooff82]

Teflon tape the **** outta both of 'em! I've never used the liquid stuff so idk about the durability of it.
As far as suddenly leaking, idk. Maybe you're right about the heat, but I don't live where you do.

 

[sperold]

Maybe the tranny wall wasn't thick enough to give you lots of threads in contact. You can't really make it too large as pipe is qualified by the outside diameter, and no tap will be bigger than the specified outside diameter. Usually pipes are mounted in thickened bosses.
Use the tape version of the teflon. That should do it, as shodff82 has suggested.
If it gives you grief and you don't want to mess with JB weld or anything like that, you can buy a neopreme plug that has a toggle on the top that you swing down and it makes the plug fatter, thus sealing the hole. They know about them at Marinas. Just keep an eye on it to make sure the heat is not too much for it.

 

[shoon]

Tore into it today, and have to say liquid teflon is garbage. Put 2-3 wraps on the drain plug and tightened it back down, have to say it felt a lot more snug going in then it did coming out; so I am fairly confident that is dealt with.

As for the oil level switch, I noticed it was slightly loose, so I pulled it out wrapped it with teflon tape and tightened it back down nice and tight.

$50 in fluids and an oil stain on the driveway later, If there is something to be learned from this, its that liquid teflon is not suitable on the SHO!