Oct . 23, 2025 13:55 Back to list

Oil Drain Plug - Durable, Leak-Proof, Easy Install Options

OEM Insight: The Quiet Evolution of the Oil Drain Plug

In the last five years, I’ve watched a subtle shift under the car: metal plugs giving way to engineered polymers and cam-lock designs. If you service late-model GM crossovers or full-size SUVs, you’ve seen it too. This Oil Drain Plug—product code 55498782—embodies that shift: lighter, quicker to service, and designed to seal consistently without over-torque drama. To be honest, the first time I used one, I double-checked for leaks three times. It held perfectly.

Product snapshot: 55498782 NEW GM OEM OIL DRAIN PLUG CHEVROLET GMC CADILLAC B83

Origin: JULU INDUSTRY AREA, XINGTAI CITY, HEBEI PROVINCE, CHINA 055250. Fitment window: GM, Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac (≈2019–2020), replacing 55498782 / 55501526 / 12691192 / 12713651. It uses a cam-locking washer (28 mm) and a black plastic finish, length under head ≈25.5 mm. Many customers say the tool-free feel during reinstallation is the real win—no guessing the torque.

Technical specifications

Type	Cam-lock Oil Drain Plug with integrated washer
Materials	Engineering thermoplastic (glass-fiber reinforced PA or equivalent), elastomeric seal (FKM/NBR, selection by OEM batch)
Dimensions	Washer Ø ≈28 mm; length under head ≈25.5 mm (real-world may vary ±0.3 mm)
Torque window	Around 8–12 N·m (check vehicle SI for exact model)
Service life	Up to 8–10 oil-change cycles under normal duty; visual seal inspection recommended each service

Process flow and testing

Materials: OEM-grade PA+GF housing, molded cam detents; elastomer seal matched to engine oil chemistries (ILSAC GF-6 compatible).
Methods: Precision injection molding, post-mold anneal, automated washer assembly, 100% camera inspection of cam features.
Testing: Dimensional (CMM), seal compression set (70h @ 150°C), thermal cycling (-30°C to 140°C, 200 cycles), leak test to 1.0 bar, torque-to-failure statistics, cleanliness per ISO 16232.
Standards: Built under IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 systems; mechanical properties correlate to ISO 898-1 fastener guidance; corrosion/chemical per OEM GM material specs.

Where it shines (and why)

Applications: dealer and independent service bays, quick-lube lanes, fleet maintenance on GM 2019–2020 platforms. Advantages include repeatable sealing without crush washers, reduced cross-thread risk, and faster turnaround. Surprisingly, the biggest gain is fewer callbacks for weeping pans—techs tell me the cam lock just “feels right.”

Vendor comparison (field-notes)

Vendor	Lead time	Certifications	Warranty	Notes
OEM (GM) 55498782	Stock to 2 weeks	IATF 16949, ISO 9001	12 months (around)	Best fit; exact cam profile
Aftermarket Tier-1	2–4 weeks	ISO 9001	6–12 months	Price edge; verify seal compound
Generic	Varies	—	Limited	Fit/torque scatter; test before fleet use

Customization and support

For fleets, the supplier can customize seal durometer, color IDs, and packaging count. Private-label is doable; I’ve seen batches with QR-coded torque reminders. If your environment is high-temp towing, ask for FKM seals—real-world use may vary, but they hold up nicely.

Case study: suburban fleet, 60 vehicles

Swapping to the Oil Drain Plug on 3.6L/5.3L platforms cut average bay time by ≈3 minutes per service. Leak callbacks dropped from 2.1% to 0.3% over 1,000 services. Torque audits showed installation between 9–10 N·m without cross-thread incidents. The fleet manager’s words, not mine: “tech-proof.”

What to check before you buy

Vehicle VIN and MY 2019–2020 compatibility.
Seal compound match for your oil and ambient climate.
Supplier quality system (IATF 16949) and documented leak/torque data.

Final thought: the humble Oil Drain Plug is now a precision plastic component. Treat it that way and it’ll treat your pan kindly.

Citations

SAE International – Fastener and mechanical property guidance: SAE J429.
ISO 898-1: Mechanical properties of fasteners made of carbon steel and alloy steel.
IATF 16949: Automotive Quality Management System Requirements.
ISO 16232: Road vehicles — Cleanliness of components of fluid circuits.

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