stripped oil pan drain plug threads

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Nov 12, 2003 | 06:00 AM

tdbudman

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Joined: Jul 2003

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From: S.D. CA.

stripped oil pan drain plug threads

I purchased an 86 E350 Minnie Winnie w/ a 460 from my mother. While she was traveling a while ago Gomer Pyle tried to install a magnetic oil drain plug and wasted the threads on the oil pan.
It currently has a rubber expansion plug in the pan which makes me very anxious. I know that oversized self threading plugs are available. I have not removed the plug yet so I don't know what condition the threads are in or exactly how large the crater is. If I am unable to find a self threading plug large enough I assume I can heli-coil it, right? Anyone have any better ideas? I really don't want to have to replace the oil pan. Thanks in advance.

Last edited by tdbudman; Nov 12, 2003 at 06:03 AM.

Nov 12, 2003 | 08:43 AM

83 F350

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From: Alaska

Yes there are oversized self tapping plugs available. I don't think there's enough meat on the inside of the pan to try a heli coil. My 460 has a 1/2" fine thread plug. I would try a new plug to start with, then the oversized one, if that doesn't work weld a 1/2" fine thread nut over the drain hole of the pan. Just be careful not to blow holes in your pan or you will be replacing it.

Nov 12, 2003 | 09:14 PM

kermmydog

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Joined: Oct 2003

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From: Western Central NV

83 F350, nailed it. In the 70s every shop in ever worked cared them it was more common to see oversized plugs than standard.

Nov 12, 2003 | 09:15 PM

kermmydog

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From: Western Central NV

83 F350, nailed it. In the 70s every shop I ever worked Ay carried them, it was more common to see oversized plugs than standard.

Nov 13, 2003 | 11:05 PM

plowpusher

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Joined: Sep 2003

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From: lino lakes, mn

napa carries the oversized plugs in a couple different sizes for these pans

Nov 14, 2003 | 04:36 AM

tdbudman

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From: S.D. CA.

Thanks guys. Hopefully it's not too bad. I'm just gonna wait till it needs an oil change to deal with it. What scares me is the rubber expansion plug. I'm wondering why whoever did this wouldn't have just put an oversized self threader in there to begin with. Sloppy work is just plain wrong ain't it?

Nov 14, 2003 | 07:53 AM

83 F350

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Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 126

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From: Alaska

Hard to find good help these days! Unless of course you do it yourself and ask for help on here! From what I'm reading there's some pretty sharp fellas, that give out some great advice.