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Thread: Oil Pan Threads Stripped

  1. #1
    Engine Builder rootdown_53's Avatar
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    Default Oil Pan Threads Stripped

    so i was changing the oil this morning and i noticed aluminum threads on the drain plug after i removed it...not good. i grabbed a flashlight and looked at the oil pan, i found the rest of the threads were also out of place. i'm cheap as hell and i don't want to replace the oil pan.
    has anyone tried the thread tapping drain plugs? how about cutting new threads for a larger drain plug? other ideas?
    oh, i should mention that this was on the M3. the miata is way to trusty to have this stupid issue.
    i need a better phrase...

  2. #2

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    Mine has an oversized drain plug and has been retapped. Bob Palmer fixed mine for me at Meadowlake Enterprises. To change the pan means pulling the motor or dropping the cradle. Ack.
    SOLD: 91 Mazda Miata "Grand Sport" - FM V-Maxx coilovers, FM sways, Hard Dog roll bar, stock 1.6L running strong, 15" Star Specs, 96 Grand Sport paint
    - 85 GMC S15 Jimmy "the Tyclone" - LT1 350ci V8, AWD, Typhoon interior, 18" C5 wheels, 96 Grand Sport paint

  3. #3

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    What year M3?
    "Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional." Haruki Murakami

  4. #4

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    I didn't catch that it was an m3, my miata did this
    SOLD: 91 Mazda Miata "Grand Sport" - FM V-Maxx coilovers, FM sways, Hard Dog roll bar, stock 1.6L running strong, 15" Star Specs, 96 Grand Sport paint
    - 85 GMC S15 Jimmy "the Tyclone" - LT1 350ci V8, AWD, Typhoon interior, 18" C5 wheels, 96 Grand Sport paint

  5. #5
    Engine Builder rootdown_53's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Flyin96M View Post
    What year M3?
    2006 m3. i posted here because i'm way too lazy to join an m3 forum, plus the theory applies to any car really.
    i need a better phrase...

  6. #6

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    There are some oil change places out there that change the oil using a tool to suck it out the dipstick tube:


    Once on a junker car I welded the oil plug on and then just took it to places that have that tool to have the oil changed.

  7. #7

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    Helicoil might work. I don't know if it has ever been done but you just re-tap to a bigger whole and put in new threads. You probably could do it if you had the right tools
    '94 Miata "M Edition" - sold
    '99 Miata w/td05

  8. #8

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    I would try the oversized plug, if you cannot find the size you need then I would try a Helical insert or other type of insert.

    http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-th...nserts/=i1b9s8

  9. #9

    Default

    Drill/tap get a threaded insert kit (or helicoil) to repair. This is what a reputable shop would do.
    1994 R-package - gone, but not forgotten.
    1966 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40. Restification in progress. or should I say De-RUSTification in progress?
    1984 Honda VF1100S. V4 Fury!

  10. #10
    Orange cones fear me. cone-cerned's Avatar
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    Default

    I found this on You Tube.

    On the track, I am fearless.
    If you were as slow as me, you wouldn't be afraid either.

    1994 M Edition
    CSP 67

  11. #11
    Suspension Modder
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    Default

    Didn't do it and hate it but this is what's on my miata ...
    http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...content=value4


    If you tap do some research, many say tapping will leave shavings in the oil pan.

  12. #12
    Engine Builder rootdown_53's Avatar
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    Default

    thanks for the tips. i'm leaning towards using a helicoil with the wet-insert compound (if i can get the surface clean enough...)

    in case anyone else looks at this thread for advice: tapping the oil pan WILL create shavings. you can try flushing them out by pouring cheap, clean, oil through the motor without starting the engine. if i tap the oil pan, my plan is to buy 2-3 quarts of cheapo oil and filter it w/ a strainer/coffee filter type thing, then i'll pour it back into the top of the engine to get a second flush for free. after the second pass it will get tossed. once i actually do this, i'll let you know how it turns out.
    i need a better phrase...

  13. #13

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    Tap it. The helicoil is a leak risk. Aluminum is easy to tap. The shavings won't go far anyway, and your flush IDE should do the trick. You could even get a little vacuum tubing and hook it to a vacuum source.
    Polished Turd Racing

    Mick wrote: "I think Jerrett is the best autocrosser I have ever seen naked."

  14. #14

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    You have to tap the oil pan when you install the oil return line for a turbo so it can be done. Load the threads of the tap with grease and some people even pressurize the motor with very low air pressure to force the shavings out. They also recommend flushing the motor with mineral spirits or something like that. Read the instructions on FM's website.
    "Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional." Haruki Murakami

  15. #15

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    Quote Originally Posted by ryuu View Post
    Didn't do it and hate it but this is what's on my miata ...
    http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...content=value4
    Does this work? What do you hate about it? My bmw has semi-stripped oil pan threads and I'm looking for options.
    "Dammit, H. I. - the sun don't rise and set on the corner grocer." - Gale Smolts

  16. #16

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    curious how this goes, i have galled threads on my transmission i have been wanting to pass a tap through to clean up and hopefully keep the same size plug. does anyone know of a sizing chart or something to tell me what size they may be? this is a 95 miata
    95 r white

  17. #17

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    If you are going to tap that, use plenty of lube and go easy.
    Polished Turd Racing

    Mick wrote: "I think Jerrett is the best autocrosser I have ever seen naked."

  18. #18

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    Quote Originally Posted by OZMDD View Post
    If you are going to tap that, use plenty of lube and go easy.
    Wasn't that the same advice on annother post about tranny fluid? I might need to limit my visits to the BMW forums where filthy cretins and underlings do not reside.

  19. #19

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    Wow, being a pompus douche has been surprisingly natural. I'm thinking of test driving a M3 this weekend.

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