How to repair stripped oil drain plug

[a1elect]

we have a ISM 500hp cummins and i think the oil drain plug is close to being stripped. Is there a repair that is possible or am i going to have to remove it and weld and rethread or by a new oil pan?

[autofish]

They make over size self threading oil drain plugs most auto parts stores carry them ...........good luck

[spike45]

Quote:

Originally Posted by a1elect we have a ISM 500hp cummins and i think the oil drain plug is close to being stripped. Is there a repair that is possible or am i going to have to remove it and weld and rethread or by a new oil pan?

I believe that is a cast aluminum pan. It will be pricey at Cummins to replace. At one time there were HD oil pan plug repairs available. The pan hole can be welded and bore and tap a new plug thread. Some independent repair shops may undertake this but very doubtful any Cummins dealer will. This will involve a welder experienced in welding aluminum plus a machine shop to drill and tap the hole correctly. Still, likely to be much cheaper than Cummins new cost.

[a1elect]

It is ok for now just about a dime spot after siting for 4 weeks. It is aluminum and is a very large diameter plug. I do know they make a heli coil that big.I also have a water cooled tig unit aswell as a horizantal mill. just hate to pull it if there was and easier fix.

[TXiceman]

I think that your best bet might be to just buy a new motorhome......

Ken

[Perry White]

Are you sure it's almost stripped or is the crush washer wore out allowing oil to drip. That's one hell-of -a big plug to strip. (I wonder if I strip mine, she'll let me get a new one?) Isn't there another plug on the side you could use?

[dsbike]

There is a plastic type plug (plastic I think)that can be inserted to a oil pan drain that can be installed without any drilling or welding. I have never personlly used one or for that matter & seen one used. Check with the auto parts stores for oil drain plug repair kit.
QWIK VALVE: ENGINE OIL DRAIN VALVE MADE BY FUMOTO: THE BEST WAY TO CHANGE THE OIL QUICKLY AND EASILY!

[Eric_H_E]

[QUOTE=Perry White;860692]Are you sure it's almost stripped or is the crush washer wore out allowing oil to drip. That's one hell-of -a big plug to strip. QUOTE]


i think i would try this rout first

good luck

[Iron Man]

I just changed the oil in my ISM Friday. That is a BIG drain plug. I don't think if it is cross threaded if would be dripping that little. I would keep an eye on it and wait until the next oil change to fix it. There is 10 gallons of oil being held by the drain plug. I find it hard to believe and very irresponcible that someone could cross thread the plug, I was able to screw it in by hand until the last 1/4 turn to tighten. Maybe it has been over tightened? The pan is easy to remove if needed, just a bunch of bolts all seem very accessible. Good luck. I am dealing with a leaky oil filter. Fleetguard switch to a new one fl9080. After I finished and checked everything I found it leaking slightly. I have replace hundreds oil filters over 35 years and never had a leak until now.

[a1elect]

It is not crossed threaded i just tend to over tighten. I looked into one of the valves but think it will hang down to far. That is what i did thought just going to wait tell this winter when i change oil again and deal with it then.

[ulric]

I through-drill the hex portion of all pan plugs for safety wiring, and anneal or replace the crush washer. I use Hylomar JF on the threads of the plug and around the crush washer. The hylomar is a very viscous sealant that will help make an oiltight plug, (there are other sealants that might work better, but I like Hylomar) and the use of safety wire and a new or softened crush washer means you can use reduced torque safely. This may help avoid early failure of the threads in the pan. It's better to have a small seep than to have to replace the threats, IMHO. Proper safety wiring is good for peace of mind, too.

[Mekanic]

However you get it fixed, then convert it to the
QWIK VALVE: ENGINE OIL DRAIN VALVE MADE BY FUMOTO: THE BEST WAY TO CHANGE THE OIL QUICKLY AND EASILY!

THis way you won't do any more damage to it.
I use these on all my vehicles (except 4x4s due to low clearence.)

[bachler]

Drain Oil;; Tap it out to the next oversize. Put a new plug and a extra thick nylon sealer washer; Maybe a 1 hour job. I done a lot of them That were Over tightened by some Nuckel head At an oil change shop; To tighten the oil plug you don't need a 2 foot cheater bar An 8 inch wrench is enough;; Life is good;;

[dons2346]

Quote:

Originally Posted by a1elect ..............That is what i did thought just going to wait tell this winter when i change oil again and deal with it then.

This is what I would do.A dime size drip in 4 weeks is nothing.