Oil Pan Threads Stripped Out What Do I do??

[74bigblock]

I went to change my oil and I think the 32 years of oil changes on the car have taken their toll on the oil pan. I installed a new oil plug on the last change an noted then that it wasn't snugging well. I went to change it this time and now I'm screwed! (punn intended)

I tried rethreading the hole with a 1/2 tap, but it was useless. Should I move up a size and get a bigger oil plug bolt??? I really don't want to think about the alternative (dropping the pan and replacing it), what a PITA.

Your thoughts?

Thanks,
Dave

 

[XJ6GUY]

I believe they make a universal plug made of rubber that you can use for that problem,it's one of those pressure devices that you push in with a screwdriver then when you remove the srewdriver it expands into place.I don't know what they call it but i have seen it used.....

 

[TJay]

74bigblock, The steel flange inside the oil pan, into which threads are cut, is harder than the drain plug. If the pan's threads cannot be cleaned up and restored, there are drain plug repair kits available in the aftermarket.

First try a new plug, as it might be the problem if the threads are stretched or damaged. I know a Ford (yes I said Ford ) drain plug is slightly larger in dia. You could re-tap the drain hole to fit this one also. So you do have a few different ways to try and correct it. Along time ago this happened to me, I installed a small drain valve into the plug hole. This way I never had to worry everytime I did an oil change, I could just open the valve to dump the oil. Hope this helps.

 

[AKRAY4PLAY]

if you cut new threads, snake a mini magnet around the bottom of the pan to clean out all the filings.

 

[74bigblock]

if you cut new threads, snake a mini magnet around the bottom of the pan to clean out all the filings.

Now there's an idea! I put in one of those rubber expandomatic jobbies... seems to be holding OK. Drips a little bit, but at least I can drive her.

 

[wishuwerehere82]

Put some t......., Oh never mind.

 

[XJ6GUY]

ok ,now that you have the rubber thingy in there NOW put the duct tape on to complete the job and stop the small leak

 

[Sensei]

ok ,now that you have the rubber thingy in there NOW put the duct tape on to complete the job and stop the small leak

Always good to hear from Bubba!:gap

 

[TJay]

I put in one of those rubber expandomatic jobbies... seems to be holding OK. Drips a little bit, but at least I can drive her.

But you still have the problem, I wouldn't be able to take my eyes off the oil pressure guage. It would always bother me that it could pop out.

But here's the duck tape, good luck....

 

[bill81vette]

I would just replace the oil pan. I wouldn't trust it after that!!!



bill..........

 

[XJ6GUY]

seriusly ,those things work pretty good,i have never seen one come out.however being a vett you'l want a more "standard" fix. but until you can weigh your options and decide what to do it will keep it drivable

 

[Bill75]

Dave,

I ran across this item. I have no experience with it so I don't know anything but what I just read.

Bill

http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/sub_care_clinic/1272161.html