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Oil drain plug thread engagement?

Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2017 11:11 pm
by chrisz
Hi all,

Was changing my engine oil and when torquing the drain plug with the torque wrench (27 ft-lb) the threads on the sump side stripped out. I've ordered the Time-sert to make a new and more lasting repair, however as I'm waiting for the equipment to arrive I've made a temporary fix to allow me to keep riding. I saw that the stripped hole still had good threads at the back end that never made contact with the original plug/bolt. My temporary fix was to obtain a longer bolt (2 inch in this case) with the M14-1.5 thread and cut this bolt down to be slightly longer then the original oil bolt to engage these never used threads. So my question is, I have about 3-4 thread engagement (including a new washer) tightened up (without a torque wrench), there are no leaks with the engine running for a few minutes. There shouldn't be any great deal of pressure in the sump, are there any concerns with my temporary 'fix'?

Re: Oil drain plug thread engagement?

Posted: Thu Oct 19, 2017 12:28 am
by flyin900
There should be no problem but I would keep an eye on it for any leaks.
FYI the torque spec is pretty high for both the oil drain plug and the oil filter bolt and I have longs since given those spec's a pass for the reason you have encountered.
I feel 15 ft lbs is more than enough to keep the two bolts snug and not create any issues with stripping t

Re: Oil drain plug thread engagement?

Posted: Thu Oct 19, 2017 1:20 am
by jdvorchak
The auto parts stores sell rubber plugs to use in stripped drain plugs. I've had one on my Hyundai for several years with no problems.

Re: Oil drain plug thread engagement?

Posted: Thu Oct 19, 2017 9:11 am
by Rat
If you have a good crush washer you don't need anywhere near that much torque .... :shock:

I go finger tight and then maybe a 1/4 turn with a wrench ....

Gord (one of the few places Fat Rat didn't leak) Jones crossy.gif

Re: Oil drain plug thread engagement?

Posted: Thu Oct 19, 2017 9:15 am
by Track T 2411
RAT wrote:If you have a good crush washer you don't need anywhere near that much torque .... :shock:

I go finger tight and then maybe a 1/4 turn with a wrench ....

Gord (one of the few places Fat Rat didn't leak) Jones crossy.gif
+1 on this...

Re: Oil drain plug thread engagement?

Posted: Thu Oct 19, 2017 11:29 am
by chrisz
Thanks guys for your input! I now feel a better riding the bike. I was worried about loosing the plug and having oil spew out on the road, coating the rear tire and making things interesting.

Re: Oil drain plug thread engagement?

Posted: Thu Oct 19, 2017 11:42 am
by CYBORG
RAT wrote:If you have a good crush washer you don't need anywhere near that much torque .... :shock:

I go finger tight and then maybe a 1/4 turn with a wrench ....

Gord (one of the few places Fat Rat didn't leak) Jones crossy.gif
+2......the washer does the work. Use a new one when you change oil