Stripped oil pan threads

[Mk5_2.slow]

This happened while trying to put the drain plug back on during an oil change. What are my options in terms of repairability or is it necessary to have the oil pan replaced?

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[Davidr3]

Most shops will recommend replacing the pan. But you can look into a time sert or helicoil

 

[Loco38SUP]

Did it get cross threaded or just tightened too much?

Best option is a plan replacement. $$

-RJM

 

[lucky phil]

Only a crazy person would replace the pan for this. Helicoil/time-sert or drill and thread it for a 14mm drain bolt.
Phil

 

[Mk5_2.slow]

Did it get cross threaded or just tightened too much?

Best option is a plan replacement. $$

-RJM

I think it was over tightened but I don’t know how because I had my torque wrench set to 18ftlbs and it hadn’t clicked yet when it got completely loose

 

[Loco38SUP]

I think it was over tightened but I don’t know how because I had my torque wrench set to 18ftlbs and it hadn’t clicked yet when it got completely loose

That sucks, I know some bigger torque wrenches have problems with low torque settings like 18 ft/lbs.

I always start by torquing down the oil filter cap first. If it clicks easily and doesn’t hang up then I do the drain bolt.

-RJM

 

[Loco38SUP]

Only a crazy person would replace the pan for this. Helicoil/time-sert or drill and thread it for a 14mm drain bolt.
Phil

That would be me, I hate having stripped repaired stuff on my cars. ?

-RJM

 

[lucky phil]

That would be me, I hate having stripped repaired stuff on my cars. ?

-RJM

Some OEM stuff comes with inserts from the factory std. Most don't obviously but in certain applications and where the cost isn't an issue they use inserts from brand new.
Phil

 

[Thraxbert]

This happened while trying to put the drain plug back on during an oil change. What are my options in terms of repairability or is it necessary to have the oil pan replaced?

You have three options:

1) You can drill the oil pan bung to the next size up, then tap it with new threads. Supra is M12x1.5 thread from the factory, so the next standard size up would be an M14x1.5 plug. You would need a 14mm drill bit and an M14x1.5 tap. Despite your best care, you're still going to get a small amount of metal shavings in the oil pan, so come prepared with a flexible magnetic instrument to probe around the corner of the plug and into the bottom of the pan. Pick up all the debris. Do this several times to be certain.

2) As others have said, you can use a Helicoil or Time-Sert. The installation procedure generally involves drill a hole slightly larger, then installing the insert to restore the thread back to a pristine M12x1.5 size. These inserts have different installation methods depending on the product you choose.

3) Replace the entire oil pan. This is an extreme option. I would probably do option #1 as it gets me back on the road quickly.

 

[razorlab]

come prepared with a flexible magnetic instrument to probe around the corner of the plug and into the bottom of the pan. Pick up all the debris. Do this several times to be certain.

The pan is aluminum, that wouldn't work. You would need to flush and have your hopes and prayers ready.

 

[SooopraSD]

Same happened to me. Ended up going with an oversized piggyback plug. Cleaned up the threads and flushed out pan. Used new plug without issue.
https://a.co/d/h2nauDn

 

[SooopraSD]

Works as advertised.

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