Just order a new pan now from germainautoparts.com. What's $100, to fix the problem perfect, just like OEM? Atleast that was IMO when I had the problem.

The oversized plug doesen't really create any shavings, because it doesen't *really* re-tap threads. You can't use a bolt the same size as it, thus it doesen't create threads... just crams a bolt in.

 

Why all the problems with stripping the threads on the oil pan?
Always hand tighten the plug as far as possible before putting a wrench on it. It should never be forced or overtightened.

 

^ good point !!! kudos

 

the shop stripped mine out.

i had a few options, but in the end they retapped, used an oversized plug, and flushed with 2 qts of oil to get the shavings out. no problems.

its pretty common. i don't know that its worth a $100 oil pan. Then if you replace the oil pan, you're going to end up doing more work cleaning out the turbo pipe, etc, etc. lol.

 

like i mentioned above, my reasoning for a helicoil is that threading directly into aluminum seems to always cause problems. Yeah, I manage to do it properly every time, but the previous owner of my car didnt. Threads were a bit crossed when I first got the car. Took some patience and care to make sure it went in straight, until eventually the aluminum was pushed back into proper position.

Why use one? Dissimilar metals like to fuse together. Aluminum is soft, and strips/cross threads easily.

An oversized plug, or a new pan won't change the fact that aluminum is soft and threads strip easily. It's good insurance.
Simply my argument for a helicoil, everyone is free to make their own decision and do what they want.

 

do any of you guys know of some oversize quick drain nozzles? like a fumoto, but made for a larger hole so people with stripped threads can use them as a replacement? that's the option i eventually want to go with. i see no point in replacing my pan, when there is really nothing wrong with it other than the stripped threads.

 

If you think about it, those options are just two points that could leak, rather then one bolt. I had the fram e-z drain on my cadillac, and it sucked. It leaked a bit, was a pita to use and I was always nervious I would loose the parts needed to drain my oil with it.

 

Well, i really dont agree on that.

It shouldn't be another place to leak unless improperly installed or the parts are out of spec/poorly made. I'd would think that it should have less chance to leak because you will not be inserting and removing the item, potentially reshaping the threads.

They use ball valves on some pretty important parts ranging from aerospace application to deep sea applications.

After all the paintball work I've done with aluminum, I just rather take the threads out of the equation. It would be great if all aluminum parts came pre-built with helicoil inserts so that he-man wouldn't destroy everything. ;-)

Fumoto is just a ball on/off valve. Nothing to lose really.

 

paintball work eh? Hmm. I've done a bit of paintball work....

as for an insert being another place to leak... why do plugs leak? because the threads are f'd up. why would I use a helicoil? because you'll have a hard time F'ing up the threads.

you could argue that it'll leak if its not installed correctly, but then, you have the same argument against a new stock pan, or an oversized drain plug.

truly a catch 22.

 

lol im surprised nobody has suggested to simply take a welder and drop in a few beads of aluminum and drill / retap threads. :-)