Oily oil pan

[K8G_BLK]

I did my first oil change since buying my 21 with 54,000 miles (bought last November) yesterday and noticed the oil pan was quite...oily. I didn't notice at the time, but looking at the pictures now, could the drain plug not have been tightened properly have caused this? It should be turned all the way to the tabs, right? The oil level was fine on the dipstick. I'm thinking I should just clean it and see if it get oily again now that I know the drain plug is back on properly.

Also, my used oil smelled like gas, a lot. Is that normal?

 

[LocoEngineer]

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but I was under the impression that Ford plastic drain plugs are one time use, meaning a new one should be installed when doing an oil change.

As far as gas in oil smell, how long was the previous oil used? Excessive idling, short drives? Both can lead to the oil not getting hot enough to burn away moisture and fuel.

 

[KCM]

I would say yes that the plug is not fully screwed in. There is a definite stop when it is fully screwed into the pan, and you will feel a slight snap when you unscrew it. I screw mine in by hand but have to use pliers to get it loosened. As for one time use, I would say no. They are pretty durable and I have changed the oil in my Fusion a half dozen times with no issues with the original plug. I do keep a spare on hand just in case a tab breaks off. Previous owner installed a quick change drain plug in my Explorer and am due for my first change soon.

My Fusion does have a slight bit of leakage at the plug whenever I change oil, but not enough to get the pan wet other than around the plug. Since yours is not fully screwed in, maybe that is what happened. The plug has a single o-ring to seal, so may not be fully seated.

 

[cheetoduster]

I'd degrease/clean the area thoroughly and check on it in a 1,000 miles or so. Could just be residue from draining the oil and leaving a drop or two on the pan at the drain hole. Over time that still will drip and migrate everywhere. Also keep an eye on the front axle for leaks.