Repairing oil pan with stripped drain hole

[Zako2]

What are the options for repairing an oil pan with stripped thread on the drain hole? I am thinking of replacing the oil pan and the gasket right now. The plug used is M14-1.50

 

[Cosmos]

If it were my vehicle, I would just replace the pan with a new gasket. It will likely be cheaper in the short and long term.

 

[bdcardinal]

What kind of vehicle is this on?

 

[Zako2]

Mitsubishi Lancer OZ, 2005. The access to the oil pan looks easy. There is nothing blocking it like on other cars. I see the part I need on ebay for $40.

 

[901Memphis]

Replacing the pan is a good idea. Check Rockauto. Com.

I recommend a gold plug magnetic drain plug if you want the best.

 

[Trav]

I don't like working that much. I would throw one of these in there and be done with it.

http://www.pepboys.com/product/details/8328797/00850/

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: Trav
I don't like working that much. I would throw one of these in there and be done with it.

http://www.pepboys.com/product/details/8328797/00850/


They work well too.

 

[yvon_la]

liquid steel is probably doable (I aint sure)or go to a scrap yard and buy a good oil pan!(the Walmart of auto part in America,yes including Canada is LKQ AUTO PART)

http://www.lkqonline.com/

 

[Shannow]

One of my local parts places has a rack with oversized drain plugs, and will hire out the appropriate tap with the plug for $20 or so deposit.

Easy as.

 

[bigt61]

Self-Tapping Oversize Oil Drain Plug. I used this on my son's 02 Neon - worked fine. Dorman product - got it at Autozone. Take your time, use cutting oil if possible, back it out several times at least as it cuts the new threads. 20 minute job plus the oil change. Cheap, simple.

 

[JTK]

I didn't know those self-tapping, double plugs existed. Pretty neat option for a pan that would be a royal pita to replace.

If the pan can be swapped out easy enough, go for it. Only potential issue is breaking off pan bolts if the block skirt it mates to is aluminum. If the car is high miles rust belt, maybe work each pan bolt individually to see if they can be removed and replaced w/out issue. If no go, go the shoemaker drain plug route.

 

[901Memphis]

I think replacing a pan that is easy to get to is a better idea. You don't want to introduce any extra metal shavings into the system and if you are up to the job you get the benefit of pulling the pan and getting a good look inside.

There is also the benefit of removing a rusted part from the system that has the possibility of rust through.

The Double plug is a good idea if it doesn't push any material back inside, and would probably be the best option if you couldn't remove the pan without a lot of time.

 

[KrisZ]

Personally I would repair the pan. It's always easy to say replace it, but it may not be so easy as it sounds. Re-tapping the plug hole and using a bigger drain plug is certainly easier.
As for the metal shavings, use grease on the tap and they will be contained.

 

[SS1970chrysler]

I've used those self-tapping piggyback plugs on lots of cars. They work great. Just keep a few extra O-rings handy if it uses one.