White Thread Compound

[bucknekkid]

I took the oil plug out for an oil change a few minutes ago, and when it came out there was a white compound on the threads and around where the o-ring seats... The o-ring was shot, but what is the white stuff ?...
Initially I thought it was a tape, but am certain now it isn't...Is there some sort of white thread lock I'm supposed to use or should the o-ring be adequate ?...

I don't want to put it back together and have it leaking...
Any suggestions ?...

[Dan]

I would think it might be pipe dope or teflon tape.

[toorglide]

the "o" ring is all i gots, no runs no drips no errors

[Ironhead]

hmmm, might have been teflon tape, but I guess you said it aint, not sure then, can't imagine it being pipe dope on a drain plug

[bucknekkid]

I'm certain it's not Teflon Tape as this stuff has hardend, unlike the tape I have worked with in the past... I thought pipe dope also, but I don't know...
I figured a plug and o-ring would be all I should need, but I didn't think it would hurt to ask...

[Ironhead]

I think you woul be fine with just the O ring

[autotec]

It was probably thread sealant. I use it on all of the plugs that have a pipe thread on them. But like everybody has already said, as long as there is a o-ring, you should be fine.

[vlade]

They make a white teflon "spread" on too jus like the plumbers tape, found in a lowes plumbing section most likely.

[Crocodile56]

The white compound is an OEM thread sealer, same as pipe dope! Some techs use it, some don't, old skool chit..... I use a small dot of RVT on the plug threads and replace the "O" ring with a teflon washer.

[bucknekkid]

Thanks all for responding... I cleaned the sealer from the plug and used a fresh o-ring, no leaks so far... Makes me happy !...

[yochanon]

It should be 'anti-seize' compound, to keep the steel plug from binding badly with the aluminum case. The service manual says to use it on all steel threads going into aluminum, like spark plugs and drain plugs etc.

[Tucson_Tim]

It's most likely teflon paste. I use it. I saw it recommended on the "Fix My Hog" DVD. While I believe the o-ring is sufficient and the teflon paste is not necessary, I use it for insurance. The DVD said to NOT use teflon tape, as a piece could possibly dislodge inside the motor.

[gruss]

It's most likely teflon paste. I use it. I saw it recommended on the "Fix My Hog" DVD. While I believe the o-ring is sufficient and the teflon paste is not necessary, I use it for insurance. The DVD said to NOT use teflon tape, as a piece could possibly dislodge inside the motor.

True Tim, and in addition, the teflon tape produces too slippery of a surface, and will allow overtightening of the plug, possibly causing the case to crack under the pressure....

Take note all, "DONT" use teflon tape on drain plugs....They just keep on going into the case until "CRACK", and your out about 2K for 10 cents worth of tape...IMHO

[Glyde]

Probably loctite 565. Its gas and oil resistant, for use on metal threads. I use it only for the threads on the petcock gas tank connection.

http://www.ellsworth.com/display/productdetail.html?productid=1008&Tab=V

[vlade]

either what you dont need goobs of the stuff a little smear off yur finger any more jus squuezes out into/outo yur threads.
Ive seem some think they gotta use the whole tube on one joint.