Oil pan plug repair

[Emmrbee]

I found out during my winter storage oil service that I had stripped my oil pan threads when I performed my last oil service. Seems to be a common problem with soft aluminum oil pans.
Took me about a hour to repair with a steel insert with this kit. Worked like a charm!
Available from Amazon

[racerbruce]

Well done.

Was the cause related to cross-threading the plug when threading it in or perhaps over-tightening?

[Emmrbee]

Originally Posted by racerbruce

Well done.

Was the cause related to cross-threading the plug when threading it in or perhaps over-tightening?

I suspect I applied to much torque on an already weakened set of threads. I used a torque wrench to install the plug last time with the correct torque value but it was not the best quality torque wrench.

[racerbruce]

Got it - thank you for the clarity.

[pungo]

I've never used a torque wrench on the drain plug, I just snug it up with a 3/8" ratchet. Those threads are pretty robust with plenty of them. Do you have an aftermarket drain plug by chance? Good you where able to fix it with a steel insert.

[Emmrbee]

OEM drain plug but I'm not the first owner. Who knows how much that plug was torqued before I started doing the oil services.

[racerbruce]

Originally Posted by Emmrbee

OEM drain plug but I'm not the first owner. Who knows how much that plug was torqued before I started doing the oil services.

Well said -
I used to take the beloved Red Roadster to a BMW stealership for service and repair.

I began going to a uber-great indi shop and the first time they changed the oil they reported the oil drain plug was SEVERELY over-tightened....

Ain't no cure for dumb.