stockwell45

iTrader: (1)

Normally I change my own oil. Last time I had the local Penzoil shop do it because I had a hectic schedule. Turns out they cross threaded the hell out of the drain plug. Last night I had a very tough time getting my drain plug off to change the oil. With a little persuasion it finally came off, but not before destroying the threads in the oil pan, along with the drain plug. After talking to people around here, it seems to be a pretty common problem with those quick lube places. Should I try to tap some new threads in there, or should I just go with a new oil pan?

waskillywabbit

iTrader: (-1)

Save yourself the future headaches and get a new pan. Not that expensive.

:wabbit2:

wii_tarded

Yeah, but what about trying to change the oil pan? If I remember right, I'd have to pull my engine to drop the oil pan. Either that or drop the front diff.

vital22re

iTrader: (2)

you can always get an oversized self taping oil pan bolt. But those don't always work.

J2F42C

This is the reason why no one changes the oil in my autos except me. No one.

85gijunk4x4

i'd say drill and tap, and see what happens. though keep your eyes peeled for a pan in the meantime.

no sense is spending money when you can always try the free way first

coastal runner

I just helped my dad with this same problem a couple of weekends ago. Those stupid people they hire at those oil change places will OVER TORQUE anything and EVERYTHING.

Anyways, my pops found a helicoil thread repair kit offered by JC Whitney. If your drain plug is a 14 mm (which is the same size as a spark plug) then this should work for you.

Its not very expensive and you can reuse your old drain plug. I'll see if I can find the website

stockwell45

iTrader: (1)

I'm a little worried to reuse this oil pan, but I guess it wont hurt to try to repair it either. Seems like too important of a part to do a janky repair on. From what I have read, its not as hard of a job to replace an oil pan as you would think

vital22re

iTrader: (2)

you know you can pick up a SELF TAPING OVERSIZED PAN BOLT for 5-6 bucks at any auto parts stores. O'riellys or advanced or napa. You wont' need to pull the pan to do it either.

dntsdad

What vehicle and motor is it for? If its for the Runner in the pic and you have a 3.4, I a have a pan that you can have for cheap.

dntsdad@comcast.net

scuba

Exactly.

Do it once, do it right, brother.
Sucks about your misfortune though.

Good luck on the repair and keep us updated.

Gerdo

This sucks!
I do hate to say that you can't blame Penzoil. I was looking to see why oil ruined your pan.

I will agree that those quick oil places are horrid.

It used to be that people would get jobs at places doing things that they enjoy and are good at doing. Not so these days. People will take any job even if they don't have a clue of what they are doing.

SCToy

All too common, you can get those rubber drain plugs you put it the whole and then it tightens down and expands itself. It works, it's not very nice, but it works. My dad's truck has the same problem from the previous owner and that's been the solution so far. It'll get you through until you have time to pull the pan anyways!

MudHippy

They're called rubber expansion plugs. The smallest one I could find was 19mm. The drain hole/plug on his 97 is 12mm. If you could find one the right size, they do work good. I can attest to that.


http://www.dormanproducts.com/p-1054-02608.aspx

xxxtreme22r

If you have a manual trans 22r(e) truck you will not have to lift the engine to remove the pan, yes it helps, but you also have to lower the front diff if your 4wd. I know I have done it without completely removing the front diff nor lifting the engine.

stockwell45

iTrader: (1)

Yes it is my 3.4 oil pan, I'll be sending you a PM

I think I may try one of those rubber drain plugs if I can find one the right size, just to get me by for now. I also saw this kit, this could work as a temporary fix also


http://www.timesert.com/html/drainplug.html

sportscarfan

2nd. It doesn't get worked on unless I do it.