I don't remember the OEM bolt.. but I've read maintenance procedures and they state to replace the bolt each change. So I've been buying M14-1.50 bolts (Doorman part 65324) with each change.

There's been other part numbers listed in the aftermarket catalogs, but regardless, this is the right thread, length, and I love the built in gasket and pilot point. There was another Doorman part that has the nylon washers. I hate those. I always feel like the bolt is not torqued enough and will come loose. I think those are designed so you can buy new nylon washers and keep the bolt.

My question is... Am I the only one following instructions and replacing the bolt every oil change? I'm sure I could get 2-3 changes out of a bolt...

I suppose when your vehicle is designed to go 6,000-8,000 miles between service intervals, why risk it?

 

Where did you read that it should be replaced on every change? This is what I followed:

http://www.wk2jeeps.com/engine/3.6L_oil_and_filter_change.pdf

 

There's no separate gasket, I've replaced mine a couple times since new, not sure why. I've also used both of these on other vehicles, they are very well made.

http://magneticdrainplugs.co/
http://goldplug.com/

 

Had my oil changed a few days ago and the mechanic pointed out that the oil pan is plastic…

Dan

 

While on the discussion of different drain plugs, take a look at the Fumoto Valve (with short nipple it is just a bit lower than the OEM drain plug), 3/8" ID hose and the Fumoto protective clip. If you have the V6, with the filter on top, it is about as easy an oil change as there is. Access filter from the top (no mess) and drain the oil directly into a container for recycling.

 

I put the Fumoto qwik valve on my V6 when I did the first oil change, and you are right about how easy the oil change is. When you see it installed it is tucked up behind a frame rail and protected from damage. I don't use the hose, just put a drain pan under the valve and open it up.

And on any vehicle I have ever owned, I have never replaced the drain plug, let alone at every oil change.

 

I had a fumoto valve on my little car for a decade or so, and had quite a few friends try them on JK's only to figure it out late. People like to google but need to start doing a couple more searches and put the word "broken" in front and "reviews" after whatever they're googling. Never increase the odds.

 

I like my vacuum operated pump that sucks the oil out through the dipstick tube. No mess, no fuss, no crawling around on my back looking for a valve or drain plug, finding jack stands or ramps, or finding a shallow enough container for the spent oil, and then getting it to a recycle center. The pump is much more convenient than the fumoto valve, and quicker, without any risk of extra stuff breaking. I always worried about catching my WJ's valve on some underbrush.

Now the QL on my overland makes finding the drain plug and filter a much easier task and I rarely resort to the vacuum pump.

 

OMG first world problems.

Having to find a container shallow enough? It's a JEEP, I use a plastic file container from WalFart that was like $3 as a drain pan.

Ramps? Jack Stands? It's A JEEP, I lay down on the carpeted floor (yeah, I have area rugs in the shop) and just reach under.

Hell, if I used a vacuum pump I'd never get to inspect my halfshafts/cv-joint boots etc.

Vacuum pump?!? Harrrumph. :wave: :cheers: