Retapping oil pan question

[Dsun]

Ok so I guess PO took my car to a mechanic that used a impact wrench to tighten the bolt to the oil pan. I noticed it drops oil from the bolt and when i removed it for oil change i noticed half the treads are shot.

I know that the M12x1.75 wont work, but will a M14 with a bolt the same size work? Or is that too big?

I would hate to get a new oil pan, but that would be worst case scenario.

Any tips/suggestion? Thanks.

[Dj Buttchug]

the easiest way to do this is to just drill and tap the next size up.

[jaywood]

the easiest way to do this is to just drill and tap the next size up.

This. Make sure you get a bit big enough to get rid of all of the previous threads. You don't want to "cross thread" when making new threads

[jlevie]

I prefer to use a TimeSert thread repair for this. The job can be done w/o removing the pan.

[Dsun]

retap it is, any suggestions on retapping tools?

[PNWDan]

I prefer to use a TimeSert thread repair for this. The job can be done w/o removing the pan.

^do this ^

It makes it stronger as well. You should be able to get the stuff at any specialty fastener store or online.

[Dsun]

Anyone know if its safe to drive short distance (less than 2 miles) with half of the oil pan's threads stripped? Obviously it wont be hard driving, less than 30 mph on the local roads and will be going light on throttle.

THe bolt is not loose but there is a slow leak...maybe 1 drip a hour or so. Im paranoid that the oil pressure while driving will cause the bolt to shoot out. ANd i am currently taking up a parking space at my friends place.

[devon.818]

Anyone know if its safe to drive short distance (less than 2 miles) with half of the oil pan's threads stripped? Obviously it wont be hard driving, less than 30 mph on the local roads and will be going light on throttle.

THe bolt is not loose but there is a slow leak...maybe 1 drip a hour or so. Im paranoid that the oil pressure while driving will cause the bolt to shoot out. ANd i am currently taking up a parking space at my friends place.

check the oil before hand, then roll out.
as long as you keep topping it off you could prolly drive it for a while.
honestly, i wouldn't fret it

[PNWDan]

Anyone know if its safe to drive short distance (less than 2 miles) with half of the oil pan's threads stripped? Obviously it wont be hard driving, less than 30 mph on the local roads and will be going light on throttle.

THe bolt is not loose but there is a slow leak...maybe 1 drip a hour or so. Im paranoid that the oil pressure while driving will cause the bolt to shoot out. ANd i am currently taking up a parking space at my friends place.

The pan isnt pressurized, the oiling system is. it will just drip normally. Most likely it will drip a bit more when hot but just drive a bit and re check.

[blefevre]

Mine got striped like crazy once. I put some blue loctite on what was left of the threads, let it sit, then drove about 15-20 miles to a shop to have it heli-coiled. It has held up perfect after that. Again, the pan isn't pressurized so your biggest concern is if the bolt will vibrate out.

[PNWDan]

Mine got striped like crazy once. I put some blue loctite on what was left of the threads, let it sit, then drove about 15-20 miles to a shop to have it heli-coiled. It has held up perfect after that. Again, the pan isn't pressurized so your biggest concern is if the bolt will vibrate out.

Being a machinist by trade I tend to think everthing that is threaded aluminum should have some sort of steel insert. Especially oil pans and such that are from a crap grade of soft aluminum. it would make life so much easier...

[gillette]

I highly recommend heli-coils. I retapped and did the inserts on almost all the bolts on my oil pan on my cherokee and the head on my brothers 240sx and they hold real tight with no leaks. Takes a lot of patience so take your time!