Oil Pan -- Advice anyone?

Topic: Oil Pan -- Advice anyone? (Read 1750 times) previous topic - next topic

Oil Pan -- Advice anyone?

June 22, 2006, 11:08:24 AM

Okay I have an issue that has been with me since I bought the car. The threads in the back oil drain plug are stripped. Initially I used an oversized plug but a few months ago when I was screwing the plug back in after an oil change, it stripped as well. I could not find another plug big enough to re-tap the hole so I had to buy this rubber expansion plug that you put in there and then screw it in to tighten it. It doesn't work that well. In fact, the car leaks a LOT of oil. I have to put a quart in about every two weeks now and let's just say that everyone at work knows where I park.

My question is this: Is there a way to fix this without having to replace the pan? Could I helicoil it? I really do not want to put a ton of money into this motor, as I plan to have it replaced with an HO as soon as possible anyway. It has 130,000 miles on it and has been very reliable. In four years I've done only general maintenance and replaced the water pump and PIP sensor. I know the oil pans in these cars are a real PITA to change and it is something I just do not have the time to do by myself, as I need the car to get to work. So I would have to pay someone to do it which would be labor intensive.

Oil Pan -- Advice anyone?

Reply #1 – June 22, 2006, 11:27:37 AM

If it was mine, I get about a 3/4" nut & bolt. Then weld the nut centered over your existing drain plug hole. and use a nylon washer on it. but thats just what I would do. I do not think a heli-coil will work on a oil pan.

however:
B&M makes an after market drain plug you could install in the pan. However the down fall is that you would have to pull the pan off to install it. might as well replace the pan if you do that. installing this would require you to drill out your existing hole and install the aftermarket plug on in the same place. ALOT OF WORK....

Oil Pan -- Advice anyone?

Reply #2 – June 22, 2006, 11:44:15 AM

Jim, I think the only good solution would be some sort of welding. I believe you can get what amounts to a nut with a bolt in the middle. Weld the nut on and the bolt becomes the drain plug.

I had this exact problem with the convertible right after I bought it 10 years ago. Some jagoff decided to cover the stripped plug with fiberglass resin. Needless to say, that didn't hold up very well. I ended up changing the pan myself. Inside the pan, where the drain plug screws in, is actually a metal tang that's separate from the pan itself. Once the tang breaks there is no salvaging it while the pan is on the car. I kept trying bigger and bigger plugs, with rubber, washers, etc. and nothing worked. Had I been thinking straight, I'd have tried to weld something on it. Anyway, I think that's probably the best solution without removing the pan.

Oil Pan -- Advice anyone?

Reply #3 – June 22, 2006, 12:37:32 PM

I've got a welder in the garage so I could do this myself and it sounds like it would work.

Thanks for your help guys. It is much appreciated.

Oil Pan -- Advice anyone?

Reply #4 – June 22, 2006, 01:45:37 PM

No problem.

Oil Pan -- Advice anyone?

Reply #5 – June 22, 2006, 01:56:37 PM

Potentially as good of an idea perhaps a hair better, pick up an oxygen sensor bung. It's already round, and may weld easier to the pan.

Oil Pan -- Advice anyone?

Reply #6 – June 24, 2006, 10:45:29 AM

I thought of something else related to this. What is the chance of ignition of the oil if I start welding down there? Of course the pan would be drained, but would there be a chance of igniting the residual oil down there? If so, does anyone have any tips on how to avoid this?

Oil Pan -- Advice anyone?

Reply #7 – June 24, 2006, 11:18:33 AM

when you mentioned welding, the fire was my first thought even with the oil drained.............however,,,,,,,

laugh if you want but this stuff here was on modern marvles a couple weeks ago. Submerged two pipes under water,, added the bonding agent,, slide the pipes into eachother ,,,, then they used this pipe bonded together to pick up a full size truck.

i would try this because your drain plug doesnt require nothing more than to be snug and matter of fact with this stuff you could tighten it to your delight and it will stay put. I would use a nut with a made into it similar to a motor mount nut. I would avoid the welding if you cant remove the pan.

If modern marvels blessed it along with other products that are simply amazing, then im good with it also. This stuff meets your requirements,,,,

you need a nut to stay and to be able to not come off with the effect of heat or excessive torque applied.

http://www.a-a-i.net/index.htm

Oil Pan -- Advice anyone?

Reply #8 – June 24, 2006, 11:44:23 AM

Thanks for the idea Scott. I will keep it in mind if I cannot figure out a way to make the welding thing work.

Oil Pan -- Advice anyone?

Reply #9 – June 25, 2006, 05:20:48 PM

I think it you take your time and do quick tack welds around the bolt/bung/fitting piece, say four corners, and alternate around (think how you would do the lug nuts for your tires) you should be fine. You could even keep a spray bottle of water around just in case.

Oil Pan -- Advice anyone?

Reply #10 – June 26, 2006, 01:23:45 PM

Quote

spray bottle

or garden hose or fire extinguisher. Just don't get it too hot and it should be fine. You may have to make a couple small welds at a time and let it completely cool between welds. Good luck man.