Leaking Oil Drain Plug?
12-06-2010, 04:42 AM
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Member Since: Aug 2004
Location: Washington District of Columbia
Posts: 771
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oil Pan Threads Stripped?
Some few years ago, when the dealership was changing my oil, the threads on the oil pan were stripped slightly. I didn't notice this until I began changing the oil myself. I had to take special precautions when replacing the drain plug ( doubling the washers seemed to work). I changed the oil a couple of weeks ago and noticed an oil leak at the "oil drain plug". I believe it's because of the stripped threads on the oil pan. Where can I purchase a "Self-tapping"/over size oil drain plug for my 1994 LT1 Corvette? Also, are any of you using the "Quik Valve" (no mess) drain plug apparatus? Does it work? My experience with oil changing has been quite messy. Thanks
Last edited by Donne Trav; 12-06-2010 at 05:13 PM. Reason: new title
12-06-2010, 05:14 AM
#2
Le Mans Master
$3 for a new drain plug and washer at the parts stores. It's a 1/2" X 20 thread.
The quick drain valves are not a good idea in my opinion. I mean come on. Is it that time consuming to crack loose a single drain bolt every several thousand miles anyway?
The quick drain valves are not a good idea in my opinion. I mean come on. Is it that time consuming to crack loose a single drain bolt every several thousand miles anyway?
Last edited by 86PACER; 12-07-2010 at 05:50 PM.
12-06-2010, 05:32 AM
#3
Drifting
I like the GM copper-with-rubberized insert crush-type washers. About 3 bucks each and are rock solid seep-proof even with fully synthetic oils.
12-07-2010, 05:40 PM
#6
Safety Car
I have one of the quick-drain things. Not sure if there are different kinds, but mine is a ball-valve with a little lever on the top that operates the valve, and it spring-locks into the shut position. It's really nice; no tools, no dropping bolts, just jack the car up and turn the lever.
For the threads, not sure about how to fix that. You could try just running a tap through it, not sure of the thread pitch though,.
For the threads, not sure about how to fix that. You could try just running a tap through it, not sure of the thread pitch though,.
12-08-2010, 12:12 AM
#7
Racer
Member Since: Aug 2008
Location: Lebanon MO
Posts: 302
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I believe any auto parts store should have them. Either go that route, or re-tap and use different size plug. Re-tapping is going to leave metal shavings, so extra care is needed to remove them before start-up. I also have been thinking about going to these valves. Have it on my lawn mower, and love it. I make my kids change my oil, and I always have to loosen the plug for them, what a pain, lol. No, it's not that hard to loosen a bolt every now and then, but why do it if you don't have to, right?!
12-09-2010, 03:19 PM
#9
Drifting
I have one of the quick-drain things. Not sure if there are different kinds, but mine is a ball-valve with a little lever on the top that operates the valve, and it spring-locks into the shut position. It's really nice; no tools, no dropping bolts, just jack the car up and turn the lever.
For the threads, not sure about how to fix that. You could try just running a tap through it, not sure of the thread pitch though,.
For the threads, not sure about how to fix that. You could try just running a tap through it, not sure of the thread pitch though,.
12-09-2010, 03:30 PM
#10
Team Owner
Member Since: Oct 2004
Location: altered state
Posts: 81,242
Received 3,043 Likes
on
2,602 Posts
St. Jude Donor '05
Go to the 'bay and type 150528238294 in the search box
Contact seller (click on seller name) and see if they make one in the thread size you want.
Contact seller (click on seller name) and see if they make one in the thread size you want.
12-09-2010, 04:50 PM
#11
Safety Car
