G
Guest
·Hey does anyone know if helicoil makes a kit big enough for our oil pan? Mine just stripped, I went to advance to see if they made oversized bolts but they don't.
Thanks,
Stro
Thanks,
Stro
I would say do this till you can get the time/funds to replace the pan (just get a used one from a yard)... I have seen one vehicle with a helicoil in the oil pan and the helicoil, over time, broke apart/came out which just makes more work in the future... Plus the risk of metal shavings in the pan is NEVER good... The rubber drain plugs work well, just dont rely on it forever...Zach90Turbo said:Most parts stores will sell you an expanding rubber drain plug that will work in stripped threads. That'll save you the risk of metal bits and will most likely save you some time and headache.
*edit* There are apparently two common styles of the expanding drain plug. One that expands when you turn the bolt until it fits snugly with the remnants of the threads and one that has an insert similar to a screw for mounting into drywall. They cost about 6 and 11 dollars respectively. Have fun!
And I would reccomend you read this from "cartalk.com"Stripped Plug Threads. While you can find repair kits for stripped plug threads, you are best advised to replace the oil pan. [Dick Riess] To retap the threads, try a 3/4 inch tap with 19 pitch threads. [Jeff Pierce] For a short-term fix, wrap a band of aluminum foil around the bolt (in the opposite direction as the threads, but not extending up beyond the end of the threads) and tighten the bolt to "good and snug" (that's a technical value that's achieved by tightening until just before you think the threads are gonna give way). Then when you're ready to fix it right, get an oversized bolt -- not a self tapping one --and a tap and retap the threads. Self tapping bolts are essentially screws. They're made to "self tap" once -- not a good idea for this application. After you've changed your oil a few times, the "threads" will be gone, and then you'll just have new stripped threads in a bigger hole.