Curmudgeon

I've checked with both Ford & Lincoln dealers for the 2.7 drain plug. Which of the two plug configurations you get seems to be a matter of dealer inventory. The plug with the tabs/no ratchet is the latest version, but they're all equally functional and $1.95. I also carry a spare.

gscallan09

TexasRedfish

I don't have the part number on hand but my plugs are the version with the 3/8 square (not the finger tab). I bought it at a local dealer. I think it was $2.50 or so.

Tascaparts.com has the OEM plugs for even cheaper. But gotta pay shipping. Order some other things to make the shipping worth it (ie oil filters, cabin filters, etc).

gregsf150stx

That just doesn't look too sturdy. How many turns to get it off? 1 1/2?

And how many turns for the typical metal bolt? at least 10-12?

anyways, looks like 1.81 at the local dealer here.

Curmudgeon

1/3 of a full turn/120 degrees to remove/replace.

MichaelInCalifornia

As an engineer, I think its a good design. The o-ring is now a radial seal instead of a face seal and does not rely on torque to effect a seal. It is also fairly tolerant of dimensional tolerances on molding plastics. You also can't cross-thread or otherwise screw up re-installation.

Unfortunately, it isn't conducive to using a Fumoto valve. You could do one, but you would want to make a one-piece valve, including the quick turn feature and the o-ring.

Bolt turns have no effect on either type of plug. On a common plug, you seal with a crush (copper or nylon) washer. As long as you get enough torque, threads don't matter.

What would be cool, is to add a center bore and side port so you could untwist it and have it flow straight down into a pan.

Napalm

I was going to say it's 1/3rd turn and it's fairly sturdy.

more importantly you can't strip it out by over tightening, you can't crimp/cut the o ring and it has an hump in the pan for those fingers on the side. It just about can't back out on it's own either.

Pretty good design overall. Far ore importantly here it goes into a plastic pan. Something I think gets lost on some when they hear this the first time. it's a plastic oil pan too - non structural. so you don't want a metal plug in there.

Napalm

I figure it's a matter of 2 years or so - and you'll see a fumoto or other plastic plug integral drain.

I mean it would be easy enough to do. My biggest issue with the 2.7 oil change - is the speed that the oil comes out of the hole. I mean I swear it shot about 2 feet straight out.

TexasRedfish

Yup, the first 2 seconds of taking the plug out, the oil shoots out like a rocket. I always try to hurry up and move my hand out the way...and never win.