Stripped oil pan plug threads!?!
- Thread starter Skidmarkart
- Start date
AeroNautiCal
Explorer
Perhaps consider this technique which I've successfully used.
Remove the longer sump plug, drill and tap it for the widest bolt you can fit, then magnetize that wide bolt and use it as your sump drain plug after sealing in the longer one which appears to work.
That way, the original, damaged thread stays sealed, and your magnetized plug within a plug does all the work.
Remove the longer sump plug, drill and tap it for the widest bolt you can fit, then magnetize that wide bolt and use it as your sump drain plug after sealing in the longer one which appears to work.
That way, the original, damaged thread stays sealed, and your magnetized plug within a plug does all the work.
RMP&O
Expedition Leader
Temp fix, like trail fix....wrap a ton of teflon tape on the threads. With enough it should seal.
I would just tap it to a slightly larger size and buy a plug with magnet to suit that. Pan in place. Then flush the engine a bit with fresh oil before filling it up.
And I feel your pain on the crappy oil change places. I would take all my work trucks in for years just to not have to deal with disposal of the oil. Got fed up with them screwing up my oil drain plugs, among other things. Last one they screwed up I had to weld a nut to the plug to get it off. I bought a 50gal drum from a military store, found a place that comes to town every once in awhile and will take any amount of used oil for $65. So now I do all my own oil changes and when the drum is full call the guy to come suck it dry! Works better for me this way now.
I would just tap it to a slightly larger size and buy a plug with magnet to suit that. Pan in place. Then flush the engine a bit with fresh oil before filling it up.
And I feel your pain on the crappy oil change places. I would take all my work trucks in for years just to not have to deal with disposal of the oil. Got fed up with them screwing up my oil drain plugs, among other things. Last one they screwed up I had to weld a nut to the plug to get it off. I bought a 50gal drum from a military store, found a place that comes to town every once in awhile and will take any amount of used oil for $65. So now I do all my own oil changes and when the drum is full call the guy to come suck it dry! Works better for me this way now.
Skidmarkart
Observer
Okay, not bring this thread back to life, but I just wanted to report back on this... I've run over 500 miles and nary a drop of oil is gone. No drips whatsoever. If anyone finds themselves in the situation, I suggest your #1 easy fix is trying to get a longer drain pan bolt. Take yours in to the local auto supply, and just check it against what is there. Two or three more threads can make a difference. Use high temp thread lock (don't go nuts with it, just a dab). And see if your bolt will re-torque to 15lbs.
Now I onl;y hope it comes off and goes back on again!
Now I onl;y hope it comes off and goes back on again!
4x4x4doors
Explorer
Surprised no one suggested the quick drains. (Maybe wrong term). Basically you're replacing the bolt with a spigot and then no more worries about someone stripping the threads.
off-roader
Expedition Leader
Just buy a used oem replacement from www.car-parts.com.
Skidmarkart
Observer
OEM replacement was $800+
The pan threads were stripped... not the oil pan bolt. Not all the way just enough to prevent the OEM nut from working (it would get near the point to torque, and then rotate). I was pretty pleased with this cheap fix.
off-roader
Expedition Leader
I said buy a USED one, not a new one. Used ones are $50-75 or so plus shipping. Just ask the salvage yard to ensure the entire pan including the drain plug threads are in good condition.