Repairing Guides

how to repair a stripped oil pan drain plug

by Damaris O'Kon Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • Fix a stripped oil drain plug by replacing the oil pan. This is the best but most costly solution.
  • Fix a stripped oil drain by installing a TimeSert insert. The kit comes with a drill bit, tap and insert. ...
  • Self Tapping Oversize drain plug. An oversize drain plug is a combination drain plug and tap that cuts new threads into your existing oil pan.
  • Helicoil insert for new oil pan drain plug. A helicoil is a great way to fix stripped threads. ...
  • Expanding rubber oil drain plug. Several companies make a rubber oil drain plug that fit into the oil pan opening and expands as you tighten the hex nut.
  • JB Weld and oversize oil pan drain plug. I see this a lot on forums. Guys use the oversize bolt to tap new threads. ...
  • Things to keep in mind. An oil leak from the drain plug can cause your engine to run dry. That will destroy your engine. ...

Part of a video titled DIY | STRIPPED ENGINE OIL PAN BEST FIX! - YouTube
0:04
6:20
The most solid way to fix a strip oil pen is to buy the thread tap kit this usually runs anywhereMoreThe most solid way to fix a strip oil pen is to buy the thread tap kit this usually runs anywhere from fifty to a hundred dollars. And it will fix it permanently.

How do you fix a stripped oil pan?

  • Pour the olive oil into a large frying pan on a medium heat and add the onion, pepper and garlic. ...
  • Add the tomato purée and stir into the onion mix. Then add the tinned tomatoes and break them up with a spoon (if using plum tomatoes). ...
  • Add the sumac or lemon zest, chilli flakes and fresh herbs with some seasoning and mix well. ...

How to remove a stripped oil drain plug?

Use A Blow Torch

  1. Use A Blow Torch If you have a blow torch at your disposal, it’s going to come in handy. Apply heat to the bolt using the blow torch. ...
  2. Use Bolt Extractors Bolt extractors are great tools to help you take unscrew the drain plug. They’re the ideal choice if the drain plug is rounded. ...
  3. Use A Vise-Grip

How to remove a stripped oil pan bolt?

When dealing with a rounded oil drain plug, the best tools to use are:

  • A bolt extractor,
  • A ratchet socket,
  • The box end of a wrench in place of a socket,
  • A hammer,
  • A collecting pan, and alternatively,
  • A chisel

What to do about a stripped oil drain plug?

What to do with a Stripped Oil Pan Drain Hole?

  • Discard any threads that have been damaged. A reaming bit is included in many oil drain plug repair kits, which eliminates any pre-existing threads.
  • Press the New Threads button. ...
  • Look into the threads. ...
  • Clean the Oil Pan. ...
  • Install the new drain plug. ...
  • Check For Leaks And Refill Oil. ...

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How to fix stripped threads?

A helicoil is a great way to fix stripped threads. You drill the stripped threads out, tap threads into the new hole, then thread in the heli-coil. This method works for most applications. But it isn’t the best solution for oil drain plugs. Here’s why.

What is an oversize drain plug?

An oversize drain plug is a combination drain plug and tap that cuts new threads into your existing oil pan. You simply start the new plug into the old thread and tighten. The tapered end literally. cuts new threads into the oil pan and the upper portion of the bolt seals against the pan.

Why won't my bolt head seal?

To work properly, the oversized drain plug must be perfectly square to the stripped opening. If it’s not, the new bolt head won’t sit flush with your oil pan and it won’t seal. 2. It cuts shallow threads.

Why does my engine run dry?

An oil leak from the drain plug can cause your engine to run dry. That will destroy your engine.

Can you use rubber oil drain plugs for long term?

Yeah, they’ll get you out of a jamb. Never count on a rubber plug for the long term. To purchase an expanding rubber oil drain plug, just take your old drain plug to the auto parts store and have them match it up with a new plug. OR, refer to this oil drain plug size chart.

How Does an Oil Drain Plug Get Stripped?

The term “stripped” oil drain plug (or oil pan plug) is typically used to describe one of two conditions. These issues differ from one another in context, as well as possible means of repair.

What is oil drain plug repair?

Oil drain plug repair kits focus on removing any remaining damaged threads within an oil pan’s drain hole, before rethreading this drain hole to accept a slightly oversized plug.

How to reduce the chance of rounding off a drain plug?

The first of these precautions involves using a properly sized wrench or socket during every oil change. Doing so significantly reduces the chance of rounding off a drain plug’s hexagonal head. Information regarding drain plug size for a particular vehicle can often be found via the Internet, or by consulting a manufacturer-specific service manual.

How to remove stripped threads from drain plug?

Drain Plug With Stripped Threads. A drain plug with stripped threads can often be removed simply by rotating it in a counterclockwise fashion, with a wrench or socket. However, it might be necessary to provide a slight amount of outward force on the plug itself, in order to get any remaining threads to engage.

What is a stripped drain plug?

The second condition often described as a “stripped drain plug” actually refers to the rounding-off of a drain plug’s hexagonal head. This prevents a wrench or socket from being properly applied to a drain plug during removal. rounded off head. As a result, one is unable to drain the old oil from an engine’s crankcase.

Why is my drain plug rounded off?

The most common cause of a rounded-off drain plug is the use of an improperly sized wrench or socket during prior removal/installation. This often occurs when a standard socket is used in a metric application or vice versa.

What causes oil pan bolts to not torque?

The first of these conditions involves damage to the threads of an oil pan’s drain hole. This damage prevents a drain plug (or oil pan bolt) from being properly torqued.

What to do if your oil pan is damaged?

First off, it might be difficult to remove, so avoid using vice grips , as those may strip the head. Use the proper-sized socket with the right number of sides. Once the damaged plug is out, a rubber plug can serve as a temporary solution, but shouldn’t be relied on long term.

How to repair a hole in a pan?

Your options for repair depend on the severity of the damage. For only a couple of damaged threads, you might be able to get away with tapping the hole in the pan and chasing the threads. If it’s worse, you’ll have to drill, tap and install a HeliCoil. Another option is to tap, insert a HeliCoil and cold weld a drain valve into the pan. If your best efforts fail, you’ll have to replace the whole pan.

Why does my engine need oil?

Your engine needs oil to run. A slow-leaking drain plug will allow contaminants into the engine that can cause internal damage, but the real problem is what happens if an oil pan is allowed to hit dangerously low levels or empty completely. Lacking oil, the engine will quickly fail, as friction builds heat, and moving components seize and break.

Can oil drain plugs be stripped?

A stripped oil drain plug can lead to major engine failure, so take a moment to learn about the best practices for avoiding it ...

Can a stripped oil drain plug cause engine failure?

A stripped oil drain plug can lead to major engine failure, so take a moment to learn about the best practices for avoiding it and what your options are for repair if it’s too late.

When to apply anti seize on piggyback center bolt?

Anti-Seize should be applied to the Piggyback Center Bolt after every oil change before it is threaded back into the drain plug

How to keep a piggyback from rusting?

Apply Anti-Seize to the center part (the Piggyback) and thread it into place. The Anti-Seize will keep the metal from rusting or locking so tightly that it can't be removed for an oil change. When you go for an oil change, make sure they are familiar with the oil drain plug you have inserted.

Does the Dodge Intrepid have an oil pan drain plug?

An auto mechanic friend suggested a Self Threading Oil Pan Drain Plug. We discovered that the Dodge Intrepid does not have a standard oil pan plug size. Even knowing the year, make, and model does not clear that up.

Do you need to remove the piggyback center bolt for an oil change?

They need to know that only the Piggyback Center Bolt is removed for an oil change. If they attempt to remove the whole plug you will, with certainty, need a new oil pan! Anti-Seize should be applied to the Piggyback Center Bolt after every oil change before it is threaded back into the drain plug.

How to tighten oil pan plug?

Tighten the oil pan plug by turning it clockwise without overtightening it, and torque the drain pan bolt to the manufacturer’s specifications. Stop tightening the bolt once the torque wrench clicks.

What happens if you overtighten an oil pan drain plug?

If you overtighten the oil pan drain plug, it can strip the bolt and make it difficult to remove. In some cases you may have to replace the oil pan and plug. This article and video reviews what happens when you overtighten an oil pan drain plug bolt and how to remove and fix a rounded or stripped oil drain plug.

How to remove stripped oil pan bolt?

The right-sized wrench or socket and ratchet should remove a stripped oil pan bolt. You may have to apply upward force and wedge the bolt out also with a tool like a screwdriver. Attaching vice grips to the bolt, turning them and pulling out, and tapping it with a hammer if needed may help remove it

Which way to turn a drain plug?

Turn the bolt counterclockwise to loosen it and make sure you’re turning the wrench clockwise so you don’t accidently overtighten and strip the drain plug.

What is an oil drain plug insert?

An insert isn’t like a wound spool of wire like a Helicoil. It s a solid insert that threads into the oil pan and has internal threads for the new oil drain plug. They’re made by Timesert.com. Timersert makes all kinds of inserts for stripped spark plugs, oil drain plugs, and engine drain plugs.

How much does it cost to replace a stripped drain plug?

The typical cost for replacing an oil pan ranges from $500 to as much as $1,000. However, installing an insert runs about $200 to $300.

How to make a hole in a metal pan?

Step 1: Using a standard tap holder tool, use the Timesert drill bit from the kit to cut the existing hole larger. Fill the drill flutes with grease to capture the metal fragments. Step 2: Insert the counter-bore tool into the tap holder tool and cut a recess into the oil pan.

Why does my universal plug leak?

Some people suggest using a Helicoil insert. Those usually leak over time because the sealer breaks down and the coil wicks the oil out.

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