Checking for drain plug and or rusty oil pan.

[thwilson]

Anyone know of an easy way to see if drain plug is missing or if I have a rusty oil pan. Would rather not have to remove engine if possible.
I do have a serious oil leak somewhere and all the oil drained into the bilge.
Thanks in advance.
TW

 

[ggrizzard]

Which engine? Most marinized engines don't have drain plugs.
You could try putting a hand mirror under the pan...

 

[Ron20324]

First suspect would be the oil filter not tight, or the rubber gasket was either not intalled, or two of them are on there.

 

[thwilson]

Thanks for your inputs. Both suggestions sound like good places to start. Tom

 

[NYSail]

Pictures of engine set-up..... but best look as much as possible, use a white rag and touch dont wipe and see what you get. Oil pan gasket can fail..... when you say all.... you mean completely empty? If that is the case I would assume its under the pan.....

Good Luck!

 

[Ward H]

When I needed to inspect the steering cables in a very tight area, I bought a WiFi Endoscope connected to my cell phone. Worked like a champ. Cost about $35 on Amazon. Would be perfect to get a good like at the bottom of an oil pan.

 

[TomY]

I keep a couple of inspection mirrors in the chart drawer as they are often used on a boat(no need elsewhere, why is that?).

Don't forget your phone cam. I use that as well to show what's going on where I can reach, but can't get my eyes to.

 

[Benny17441]

1rst check the engine oil level. Check for a corroded oil line. Do you have a leaking water pump? Oil should not have gone to the bilge, it should be collected in the pan under the engine. Did someone drilled holes from the pan to the bilge? It is illegal to discharge oil into the waterways.