Partially stripped drain plug

[dperry]

Question. Last time I changed the oil the first half inch or so of threads came out with the drain plug. I noted the plug seemed really short, (and that there were a lot of good thread further back in the pan) so I got a longer plug with the same threads.

Anywho, I was thinking I would replace the pan. However, I read up on some fairly complicated instructions as well as $400 for a new pan (or $150 or so used on ebay) and this gave me pause.

Any mechanics out there that can give me tips on rethreading this particular location? Is that even feasible (or recommended)?

Thanks for any insight.

[Astro14]

If you've got a good amount of thread left (say, 1/2" or so) and your longer plug is engaging them, I think you're fine, as long as you use a new sealing washer and torque correctly.

IF it was mine, and I was worried about it, I would spend the $25 or so on a Timesert (1st choice, best quality) or a Helicoil (still works well) and just re-thread the fitting in the pan. Aluminum will cut easily with a good drill bit. You'll need a pretty large drill and bit set for this, but the new drill, new bit and timesert will still be less than a new pan... Used pan is an option...but still a bigger PITA than rethreading and using a timesert...

[juanpen]

since I put a Fumoto valve I forgot about those issues, if you've got a good amount of thread left maybe you can paste one valve permanently and leave it there ...

http://www.fumotousa.com/

[billr99]

If you've got a good amount of thread left (say, 1/2" or so) and your longer plug is engaging them, I think you're fine, as long as you use a new sealing washer and torque correctly.

IF it was mine, and I was worried about it, I would spend the $25 or so on a Timesert (1st choice, best quality) or a Helicoil (still works well) and just re-thread the fitting in the pan. Aluminum will cut easily with a good drill bit. You'll need a pretty large drill and bit set for this, but the new drill, new bit and timesert will still be less than a new pan... Used pan is an option...but still a bigger PITA than rethreading and using a timesert...

Timeserts are the way to go if you can find them. We used them a couple of times in our race cars and never had a problem . In fact, once a plug gotten tightened a bit too much (wasn't me!) and it took us using a 4 ft piece of pipe to loosen it up. All the while the Timesert hung in there and was undamaged when all was said and done. They are so good, you almost wonder why they just aren't standard on aluminum pans.

Cheers,

Bill