Stripped Threads in Oil Pan

http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/x...b/103_0361.jpg

FML! The Picture pretty much tells it all. I have probably done around 20 oil changes on my Aveo since I have had it (5 years, 70,000 miles) and have never thought that I was over torquing the drain plug.
I have done research to fix it and I think I will drill it to 16mm and tap it to 18mm (The OEM plug is 14mm-1.5). Anyway, to avoid this happening again I am going to use this $22.95 solution>https://www.qwikvalve.com/home.php.
Has anyone tried these before? Sounds like it should be standard equipment. An oil change with no tools!
The Aveo uses, as I mentioned a 14mm-1.5 drain plug, which they call the F-106 if anyone is interested. I am going to try it, however I will need the F-104 to fit my 18mm re-tapped hole. Ill post pictures when I get it all sorted out.

Any alternate suggestions, please post.

page dont work for me, but seems like the best idea besides replacing it

How much is a new oil pan and gasket?

Maybe one from a junkyard aveo? Or from one thats suffered a timing belt break??

should be $100 or so, better off tapping a new thread if it can be done easily

i am guessing, really. that looks like a helicoil and is probably steel? that is inserted into the aluminum.

I cant verify that, but if that is the case, you might be better off turning it out and replacing it, than tapping into the aluminum one size bigger. The one thing i can say is your oil pan solution will probably work well since you only to to thread the new drain once.. so i think your ok there. use a good thread locker too.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 04LSforever

Any alternate suggestions, please post.

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I got a pan from my original engine. I'd be willing to get rid of it fairly cheap. PM me if you're interested.

Oh boy, I don't like this thread but it might come in really helpful! I believe last time I did an oil change some of the threads (first thread) on my oil pan started to strip but I broke it off with my fingers, used a crush gasket but I had to over torque so it didn't leak. I'm due for an oil change any day now and I'm a little nervous.

I wonder if you can take it out and insert a heli coil as mentioned. This might turn out to be an oil change nightmare. I hope everything works out or teflon tape might turn out to be my best friend. #-o

Well...good news!!! I just phoned GM and they have a part called an " oil pan drain plug insert" and it costs about $6 with taxes. They don't have any in Canada so they have to order it from Michigan and it will take 7 - 10 business days. I think I'm going to purchase it and wait on my oil change just in case this happens!!!


The part number here was: 96490031 ( oil pan drain plug insert)

Hope this helps because it may just help me one day!! \:D/


I'm still wondering even if you get the plug insert if you have to drill and re-tape???

$6 for a factory sized helicoil is a pretty good deal, do you know how to put it in?

Thats the problem I was just thinking about. Do you have to drill and re-tape it? I'm sure they won't give you any tools.

it you can unthread the entire helicoil then you can try tread it in using a bolt with loctite on the oilpan side of the threads, that should hold very well. If the oilpan (not helicoil) is stripped, then you would need to go up a size anyhow. which means the factory helicoil is worthless.

If not, the replacement part from gmpartsdirect is $76.08 plus shipping. Heres the link.
http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/catalog/frameset.cfm

Okay, Well I temporarily solved my problem by cutting the uncoiled part off and grinding the edge down with a dremel tool. I used a new washer and drain plug and turned it back in on the threads that were left. Its been a week now and no leaks. Its good to hear that the insert is only six bucks, I will get one and replace it at the next oil change, then proceed with the qwik value and hopefully never mess with it again.

Has anyone found or done any repairs for thi situation? On my brothers 2005 aveo the threads came out completely. How much of a pain is it to replace the pan or is pretty much straight forward? I havent had a chance to look at it yet, was hoping I didnt have to pull the motor.

This just happened to me. Technician took out the plug & the whole helicoil came with it. Same place changed the oil last time. They're tapping in a new plug right now.

no matter what you do you don't need to pull the motor. You can put a pan in from underneath..

My solution to this is typically putting in a "piggy back" plug with a little jb weld on the outer threads, and then allowing it to dry overnight. I always get permission, and I does take away ground clearance. So keep that in mind.

They tapped in a Honda drain plug kit. Will probably work for many oil changes, but at some point those soft threads will fail. I've got a free oil change coming with these guys. After that, since I moved & have my own garage again, I'll be doing them myself. When it finally fails I'll put in a new oil pan.

I got a hunch they overtightened it a few too many times. They're the only ones who've changed its oil besides me a few times in the past 45,000 miles (bought it with 47,000) that I've owned it. I learned the hard way 25-30 years ago not to overtighten that plug.