How Do You Fix Stripped Threads In An Oil Pan?
Because the oil drain plug is made of softer metal than the bolt hole in the oil pan, it’s a rarer occasion to strip threads in the pan. Stating this fact does not mean the threads in the pan cannot be damaged and sometimes are by novice lube techs who either over-tighten or cross-thread drain plugs severely. Replacing an oil pan can be expensive and labor intensive depending on its position at the bottom of the motor. Rethreading or tapping the oil pan hole is a simpler and much less expensive alternative. Step 1 Measure the oil drain plug diameter and pitch size with the thread and diameter gauges. These devices are quite self-explanatory how to use. Insert the plug into the hole it fits best in. Go between metric and standard until you’ve found the tightest fit for the plug. Do the same for the thread pitch gauge. Step 2 Try rethreading the oil pan with the original measurements as your first option. If the pan threads are not overly damaged, this may be a viable option. Locate the
