M20 Oil Pan Threads Stripped. How to fix?

[bigredguy]

A Timesert is specified by the thread diameter and pitch of the threads it replaces. Red Locktite is a suitable sealant between the insert and the pan.

so a m12x1.5 would be the inner threads of that specific timesert? what is the external thread size then? Also would black gasket maker be a good sealant?

These time serts have me leaning towards a new bolt or a piggyback bolt, especially if I have to tap out the hole anyway.

[SpecM]

the Timesert kit will include instrutions on the external size of the insert. Use red Locktite, not a sealant.

[Andy.B]

I prefer a properly installed helicoil to a timesert, just because it looks cleaner, IMO. I had to helicoil my ETA's pan when I got it, and in total it took less than a half hour, including the oil change. Two years later and there are no leaks, and I've never had an issue with the threads.
Best part is that the helicoil kit comes with extra coils, so I installed one, and sold the kit and drill bit on here for a couple bucks less than I paid. Quick, clean, better than original, and nearly free.

[jlevie]

I prefer a properly installed helicoil to a timesert, just because it looks cleaner, IMO. I had to helicoil my ETA's pan when I got it, and in total it took less than a half hour, including the oil change. Two years later and there are no leaks, and I've never had an issue with the threads.
Best part is that the helicoil kit comes with extra coils, so I installed one, and sold the kit and drill bit on here for a couple bucks less than I paid. Quick, clean, better than original, and nearly free.

A Helicoil is a good choice for a blind hole and a Timesert is a better choice for a through hole. The Helicoil can walk inward, but the Timesert can't. A Timesert will also make a better seal.

[SmokeE30]

You could just find time to put the pan on. Timserts are expensive, you have a spare pan, just do it right and swap the pan, the fix it off the car and sell it or keep it as a spare.

[MoreMayhem]

Have you asked the shop that f'd up the threads to fix it? Or to reimburse you to have a good mechanic replace the pan?

[bigredguy]

the Timesert kit will include instrutions on the external size of the insert. Use red Locktite, not a sealant.

If I used a timesert I would just buy the insert, I have access to taps and dies so I wouldnt want to pay 50 dollars extra for something I already have. This timesert is seeming less and less appealing, if I am going to have to tap my pan Id rather use a piggyback bolt, cheaper and I can lock it in place to never have to worry about busting another oil drain plug from bottoming out.

You could just find time to put the pan on. Timserts are expensive, you have a spare pan, just do it right and swap the pan, the fix it off the car and sell it or keep it as a spare.

Its not an option for a reason, and that reason being I have absolutely no place to change the pan. A friend who used to have a good sized garage with a ton of tools moved, and I have a small socket set in my trunk, and no jack or jackstands. And live on a steep hill with no flat surface to do it.

Have you asked the shop that f'd up the threads to fix it? Or to reimburse you to have a good mechanic replace the pan?

Yes I talked to them right after they did it, which was 2 or 3 oil changes ago. They denied it and said it was because my car was lowered, which was a bunch of bullshit. I then proceeded to ask them how much they wanted to replace it and said 750. I said fuck that, I can get a perfectly good used pan for less than 100 and even without a lift and every tool a shop has would only take 3 hours max. So needless to say I have never and will never be going back to that shop for anything