How to Repair A Stripped Out Aluminum Oil Pan - EricTheCarGuy

แชร์
ฝัง
  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ต.ค. 2010
  • How to Repair A Stripped Out Aluminum Oil Pan - EricTheCarGuy
    This happens more often than I like to see. The video covers my feelings just fine. I've seen those drain bolt repair kits, they leak so those of you that have mentioned that in the comments have been referred to this description just to read that. Life would be good if this didn't happen but it does and here is the fix, I hope it saves you a lot of headache in the future as well as a BUNCH of money.
    ---
    Click below and Stay Dirty
    Visit me at EricTheCarGuy.com
    ericthecarguy.com/
    Visit EricTheCarGuy Forum
    www.ericthecarguy.com/forum/de...
    Visit my Facebook Page:
    / ericthecarguy
    ---
    Stay dirty
    ETCG
  • ยานยนต์และพาหนะ

ความคิดเห็น • 969

  • @jimmywaun8864
    @jimmywaun8864 4 ปีที่แล้ว +30

    9 years later and still helping the working man. Thank you. You’re an automotive icon.

  • @ManicMechanic007
    @ManicMechanic007 14 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    As an added level of peace of mind, I always install a nut before cutting the bolt. Once the bolt is cut, the nut acts kinda like a chaser to smooth down any rough edges left after cutting and grinding. The nut can also be used as a test piece to ensure smooth engagement into the oil pan or whatever other item is being repaired.
    Keep up the good work Eric.

    • @stobbinsboy
      @stobbinsboy 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I see you like ZZTOP as well

  • @jaywholoveseveryone1721
    @jaywholoveseveryone1721 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Damn you, EricTheCarGuy! 😭I just LOOOOOVE YOU!😭 🥰 I have been researching for days on which rethreading, retapping, helicoil kit to buy, ended up buying a EcoPlug which is too small and then I see this video. YOU HAVE SAVED ME!😭 Mind you these are tears of JOY! ❤❤ Today is June 16, 2023. I've been a sub of your for years and didn't know how much I needed you.

  • @m33p0n3
    @m33p0n3 12 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    As a manager at a Walmart tire shop: THANK YOU. It's nice to see somebody else with a passionate hatred towards people who screw up something as simple as putting a bolt into a hole. And for the record, I can assure you and everyone else that every drain plug that comes through my shop not only goes in with a wrench, it gets torqued to the manufacturer's spec.

  • @Addrit85
    @Addrit85 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Eric, I’ve been watching you for many years, and I was still a lube tech at the time you posted this, and since then every time I changed my oil or anyone else’s, I always remembered this video. I was extremely careful ever since that day and never stripped a drain plug or pan threads once. Tonight, I just changed the oil on my own 2009 car for what will probably be the last time before I sell it; the car has around 161,000 of your American miles on it, and it still to this day has the drain plug it came with from the factory, right down to the built-in rubber gasket. I just felt the need to make this announcement for no other reason that to let you know that, even though I’m not a tech anymore, this video got me through the remainder of my lube tech career and many years of maintaining my own car without a single dollar spent on drain plugs, helicoils, or anything else of the like. Cheers and thanks for the lesson.

  • @Community-Action
    @Community-Action 8 ปีที่แล้ว +72

    If you cut a bolt put a nut on the bolt first. After the cut unscrew the nut and the threads that were cut will line back up and then use a wire wheel to clean up

    • @robwright4398
      @robwright4398 8 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      +skojo3e good idea

    • @ddd228
      @ddd228 8 ปีที่แล้ว

      YES!!!!!

    • @MarzNet256
      @MarzNet256 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      skojo3e Great tip!

    • @Anonymous-it5jw
      @Anonymous-it5jw 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Wire wheel the cut end before removing the nut, and after inspecting it after nut is removed, do it again if necessary.

    • @duckslayer92
      @duckslayer92 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Absolutely I second this motion!!

  • @beck645
    @beck645 10 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Eric you need to be praised for being precisely what people need. Smart, efficient, logical and all without the smart ass or vulgar stuff that so many TH-cam posters have. I can't thank you enough for doing it right and being a person with class. Tipping my hat to you sir. Awesome!!!!!

  • @christianmani1730
    @christianmani1730 ปีที่แล้ว

    It's 12 years later and this video saved my ass. Changing the oil on my 2018 BMW X5 with the N55 engine and torqued my oil plug bolt to 25 ft lbs and sure enough it stripped the aluminum threads in the pan.The OEM bolt is M12 x 1. and is 16mm long. I went to Ace Hardware and they had a M12 x 1.5 25mm long, so almost the 2x length that Eric recommended. Threaded it in and.....voila, it tightened right up and works like a charm. NO leaks. Thanks Eric! The video that keeps on giving.

  • @namelessx2963
    @namelessx2963 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Just wanted to say thanks for the great tip on getting a longer bolt. For those that don’t want to buy a bolt and cut it down, you can source a Mercedes Benz drain bolt - they are the same M14 x 1.5 thread but about double the length - only difference is you’ll need a 13mm wrench or socket as the hex head is smaller.

    • @gofish6814
      @gofish6814 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      you saved my life

    • @DiamondScuff
      @DiamondScuff ปีที่แล้ว

      @@gofish6814 any mercedes specifically? i need to try this bolt

    • @gofish6814
      @gofish6814 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@DiamondScuff i believe it was from a 2013 benz but aslong as it’s a m14x1.5 thread it’ll work i still have that bolt in the oil pan to this day. great hack

    • @DiamondScuff
      @DiamondScuff ปีที่แล้ว

      @@gofish6814 Just ordered one thanks. Im assuming no leak after every oil change? how much thread came out when you originally stripped your pan?

    • @gofish6814
      @gofish6814 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@DiamondScuff the head of the bolt it smaller than the original so don’t crush the washer pass spec or it won’t crush even and will have a slight leak but nothing crazy prolly half of quart gone every oil change.and my threads were all gone except that last ones which is why the longer bolt worked because it was able to grab those. and still going

  • @ROAlexa1981
    @ROAlexa1981 10 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    You can screw a nut befor cutting and grinding the edge, unscrewing the nut will "repair" the edgeof the threads.
    I like your videos.
    Greetings from Romania !

  • @crfuller1958
    @crfuller1958 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    THANK YOU!!! My 2005 Accord oil pan (aluminum) threads were getting stripped over time...I had some shavings on the drain plug the last few times when I took it out, but it always tightened up ok. I'm real careful about over tightening and only use a socket wrench. I've been doing oil changes on vehicles for close to 50 years. When I went to change the oil this time, the stock oil drain plug bolt wouldn't tighten up. It was spinning once it got to a certain point. I figured I'd have to spring for a new pan, which I might have to do eventually at some point anyway. I searched online and found this vid. I went up to NAPA and bought a longer bolt with the same thread size. The new bolt is about twice as long as the old one. I put it in...and voila! It tightened right up. Once I got past the bad section of thread, it must have hit good threads and was fine. I'm hoping it buys me some time before I have to do the oil pan. Maybe, it even lasts for the life of the car. I can dream, can't I? Thanks again!

  • @ericthecarguy
    @ericthecarguy  14 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    @Timothayyy I still stand by my bolt method as the most economical and practical method of dealing with this issue which unfortunately I have extensive experience with, in fact I have a stock of these bolts in my toolbox and I've never had to do anything else up to this point. Thanks for your comment.

  • @hamiltoncouple01
    @hamiltoncouple01 12 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Exactly. Aluminum is much stronger due to it's thickness on the oil pan, versus thin steel. By having fins, it adds to dexterity of the oil pan and acts as a oil cooler, thus extending oil life and helping to further cool the engine. Aluminum is an excellent heat conductor. Oil plays a very large role in engine heat management, and therefore it's in the best interest to keep oil cool.

  • @paul_nwsxs
    @paul_nwsxs 8 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    You can helicoil or use a thread insert , we use them in the motorcycle industry a lot because we come across the problem of stripped out threads a lot

  • @jessiewright1053
    @jessiewright1053 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks a Ton Eric. We sat around for a half hour trying to figure out how to fix this issue with out stripped out threads on the oil pan before we saw your video. Followed your directions exactly and back on the road 30 minutes later. Thanks Sir ! !

  • @ericthecarguy
    @ericthecarguy  14 ปีที่แล้ว

    @motorztv It happes way more than you might think, at the dealer I was getting at least one or two of these a month, brand new cars too, we used to joke that the first thing to go bad in a car was the drain plug. I've even put engines in cars because of stuff like this, hence my animosity or in the case of this video my quiet rage. Thanks for taking the time to watch motorztv.

  • @MrFrontenginedragste
    @MrFrontenginedragste 8 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    If you put a nut on the bolt before cutting the end off, then when you take the nut off, it trues up the threads where the die grinder mars them.

  • @truk784
    @truk784 10 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Dude!!!! You are the man!! You just saved me $550!!!

    • @jerryduvall3715
      @jerryduvall3715 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Stupid question my only concern with this is it pushing metal shaving into the pan when you are screwing in the new bolt did you have any issues like that I don't really want to have to have the whole oil pan replaced

    • @diywithreza
      @diywithreza 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@jerryduvall3715 no

  • @troyroude6469
    @troyroude6469 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have a 99 Acura TL that had a this issue. I am so glad I happened to find this video. It saved me a lot of time and money. 1.50 for a new bolt and basically the same time as changing the oil...and the car is fixed! Thanks a million Eric the Car Guy! Very helpful indeed.

  • @jeter2965
    @jeter2965 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    If people don’t know about Eric the car guy, they have no clue what there missing!!!! This guy knows his shit! He also gives you great tips and advice unlike bad mechanics that just aren’t there to help you...

  • @mikeg3529
    @mikeg3529 10 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Actually I have used one of those universal drain plugs to take care of a drain bolt that was stripped out, and it worked fine for me....I dug new threads in just fine and held snug just fine as long as you didn't man handle it. And it didn't leak at all

  • @gizzync1525
    @gizzync1525 8 ปีที่แล้ว +94

    who the hell uses an impact on an oil drain plug?

    • @Community-Action
      @Community-Action 8 ปีที่แล้ว +28

      Lazy Dumbasses who don't give a fuck!!

    • @drunkdonutboy
      @drunkdonutboy 8 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      +gizzy nc I don't get it either. I work on oil changes and tires all day and I get drain plugs that seize when you loosen them/rough coming out, and the same thing goes for lugnuts and studs. I just don't get it. Some of this dirty work comes from bad apples at dealerships too. Seriously how long is it going to take you to just finger tighten the damn things in properly?

    • @gizzync1525
      @gizzync1525 8 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Herb Bees yep, me too, biggest cause of damaged lugnuts is over tightened lugs. I've had wheels supposed to be at 80ft/lb that a 150 ft/lb impact struggled to remove. people need to stop cranking everything down. some drain plugs need as little as 10in/lbs.

    • @Kevsmopar429
      @Kevsmopar429 8 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      +skojo3e Well said man.

    • @hihoney1122
      @hihoney1122 8 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Sears guys, used 5 different types of drain plugs in my VW with an impact, and wondered how it did not fit ( they showed my how it would just spin out and or fall out) yeah I was pretty ticked off. First time I didntt do oil change myself never again!

  • @ericthecarguy
    @ericthecarguy  14 ปีที่แล้ว

    @FaithfulAnnO Glad you liked the video and that you empathize. I look forward to that meeting. Thanks for your comment.

  • @n9jcvyellow
    @n9jcvyellow 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You are a genius and very kind to share this fix. I did it for the daughter after the local lube joint stripped her pan. Worked 100%

  • @briansullivan3763
    @briansullivan3763 9 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Eric - yesterday I took my 2006 Ford Escape for an oil change - Tires Plus in Burtonsville, MD, so any readers in that area know to avoid them - and the store manager comes back after an hour and tells me "So sorry, but your pan is stripped out, the plug won't tighten, and you need a new one. With the oil change, that'll be 600 bucks." When I asked how it happened, namely, did the guy putting it back in strip it?, he told me "it just fell out when he went to remove it. Amazing it didn't fall out sooner." Yeah, amazing indeed. Being three hundred miles from home I thought it over and said ok. Then I thought better, did a quick search, found this video, and told him to stop - that I was taking the car as it was. Bought the bolt, cut it down, and voila - donezo. When I put the new oil back in, I noticed in the catch pan all the metal strippings from when the guy put the plug back in. Took them back to the shop to say "thanks for nothing", and the manager rattled off all kinds bs excuses and refused to accept responsibility (and I wasn't asking for more than an apology, since it's been fixed for now). Oh well. Bottom line - you saved me six hundred dollars. Thanks man. Big time.

    • @akafede4351
      @akafede4351 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Please tell me that you sued those fuckers.

    • @oby-1607
      @oby-1607 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      This is what happens when you let someone else touch your stuff. You wouldn't let anybody else service your woman, would you?

    • @adventureoflinkmk2
      @adventureoflinkmk2 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@oby-1607 that's exactly why you do though... because they got insurance for when they have to take that L.
      When a DIYer fucks up, there is no insurance, you're left fucked and you still gotta take that big fat L

    • @iokuasan9816
      @iokuasan9816 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      What size bolt did you get I am I the same boat

    • @frenchi6993
      @frenchi6993 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      The same thing happened to me the other day at Steve Shannon tires in Stroudsburg PA. I went to get a patch for my tire as I had a plug. I came across this bright idea of getting oil change which I usually do it my self unless it is winter. Guy comes back to me and says my bolt is stripped. I was wondering, if it was stripped how in God's name was it holding in the pan, it should have fallen on the road somewhere.
      I am usually sharp about checking threads with my pinkie (old habit) and besides I just use simple wrench on any oil drain bolt so I knew that could not be right. Nevertheless the less it was my last visit. Been going there for over 15 years for tires .... 5 vehicles. Very sad..
      Either the mechanic was a moron or it was an organization thing could not say for sure.

  • @jameshenry3530
    @jameshenry3530 8 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    I just watched another TH-cam Video by Ron Williams where he used a spark plug helicoil repair kit for aluminum cylinder heads. This replaces the aluminum threads with steel threads in the insert. In addition, you need not remove the oil pan from the engine. All in all, a superior amd more durable repair in my view. What do you think?

    • @Burn269
      @Burn269 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      and more expensive.

  • @ericthecarguy
    @ericthecarguy  13 ปีที่แล้ว

    @310stanger I would say it would apply to aluminum oil pans in general. As you run the fastener in by hand you should be able to feel if it's binding or something, if it is then back it out and try again. The point is to take your time and do it right if not you'll be putting a new pan in. Thanks for the comment.

  • @MyLATim
    @MyLATim 14 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I've never used this trick on an oil pan, but it's been a life saver for me on so many other applications with partially stripped bolt holes.

  • @Y10Q
    @Y10Q 6 ปีที่แล้ว +39

    2:53 my ex wife's words exactly pretty much.

  • @francois2538
    @francois2538 9 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    if you put a nut all the way in before cutting, after taking the nut off, it will fix the thread and make it easier to screw on.. :)

    • @Jaden-up3bg
      @Jaden-up3bg 9 ปีที่แล้ว

      Great insight, Grasshopper.

  • @itdock
    @itdock 10 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I've watched this a few times because it's not only informative, it's hilarious, thanks Eric. :)

  • @rlmurillo
    @rlmurillo 13 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video!! I came across that situation on my Honda Civic a month ago, i had to replace the oil pan, I spent $285 to fix it. I went to home depot and no one could tell me sizes or were able to help me, so i end up replacing it. If only i`ve found your TH-cam channel before and watched this video i could have safe some money. Thanks Eric, great job!!!

  • @3rdGenGuy
    @3rdGenGuy 10 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    A shop stripped my mothers oil pan plug.
    HOW fucking hard is is to hand twist a 14mm nut.

  • @Snow.Drifter
    @Snow.Drifter 10 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    Whats wrong with the oversize drain plug?

    • @drippingwax
      @drippingwax 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      He said it will strip and leak.

    • @jcastellon04
      @jcastellon04 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      they still leak I put one in there..

  • @TUNER429
    @TUNER429 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you!! You helped me out when my sibling stripped their oil pan.. the bolt was fine, just would not grab anymore. Took 5 visits to different hardware stores but finally got the right sized bolt m14 x 1.5 and cut it down, sanded the edges and it worked beautifully.

  • @ziprock
    @ziprock 12 ปีที่แล้ว

    @EricTheCarGuy I work as a mechanic on the east coast of Canada. Ive replaced quite a few steel oil pans and transmission pans because they have rusted out to the point that they leak quite badly. The fact that aluminum pans don't rust out and leak the way steel pans can, may or may not have anything to do with it but i am glad my oil pan is aluminum. The newest vehicle i replaced a rusted leaking steel pan was on a 2007.

  • @anonymousnoah6173
    @anonymousnoah6173 10 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Tap and dye...

  • @ratcamaro
    @ratcamaro 8 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Helicoil

    • @johnferguson7235
      @johnferguson7235 8 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      +ratcamaro That can cause the pan to crack. That must be done very carefully.

  • @bryanmiller2023
    @bryanmiller2023 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks Eric, this worked perfectly on my daughter's 2010 Ford Fusion. After 140,000 miles the old pan couldn't take it any longer!

  • @ericthecarguy
    @ericthecarguy  14 ปีที่แล้ว

    @ManicMechanic007 That's a great suggestion but that is also the reason I round the end after cutting, in addition to helping start the threads it gets rid of all the burs that show up after cutting. Thanks for your comment.

  • @indrekkpringi
    @indrekkpringi 8 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    You just put in an oversize drain plug:
    You're giving bad advice to 241,050 people

    • @nik12937
      @nik12937 8 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      +Indrekk Pringi Which potentially gets metal shavings in the oil pan. Great idea.

    • @indrekkpringi
      @indrekkpringi 8 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      +nik12937
      Never happened and never will
      get a life

    • @jerrystastny
      @jerrystastny 8 ปีที่แล้ว

      whatever works u could tap it out and pour oil in there flush it out or use longer bolt. same difference this is simpler

    • @ddd228
      @ddd228 8 ปีที่แล้ว

      NO HE DIDN'T!

    • @rileywooten4115
      @rileywooten4115 8 ปีที่แล้ว

      a "one over" is a temporary fix at best that essentially ruins the oil pan, even IF you get it started straight.

  • @ericthecarguy
    @ericthecarguy  12 ปีที่แล้ว

    @SzymekCRX That's an excellent point and I wish I would have put that in the video, thanks for your comment.

  • @ericthecarguy
    @ericthecarguy  13 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    @techgood Yea doing it yourself is a good way to prevent damage to your drain bolts and it also gives you the chance to get to know your truck better. Thanks very much for your comment, I'm glad you like the videos.

  • @Jason-gw9iw
    @Jason-gw9iw 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    I found the bolt I needed at Home Depot for my 06 Odyssey, I think the length was 40 or 45 mm. I added some yellow "black pipe" Teflon for good measure, I didn't cut it as it appeared close to the correct length, I just added a washer, put on the Teflon, and threaded it in. Fixed my problem, no leaks at all!!! Thanks for saving me a ton of cash and time!!!

  • @jwalkerphoto
    @jwalkerphoto ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you! Saved me a giant headache! Changing the oil for the first time in my son's used car. Drainplug totally stripped, surprised it wasn't leaking oil. Local hardware stores didn't have the right size bolt but the after market one I bought at Autozone was almost double the length of the drainplug. Worked perfect.

  • @braveson44
    @braveson44 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Short Story for my Acura - The Dorman# 090-164 is a M14-1.50 plug with a 19mm flange, is 24mm long and includes a 20mm copper alloy washer. I hung the washer on a nail and replaced it with a Dorman# 095-015 24mm aluminum washer to ensure a greater area of seal.
    Long Story - What a great lesson from ETCG! My fix was for a 2003 Acura TL Type S. I removed the original oil drain plug to find about 5 rows of aluminum thread from the oil pan that were still on it. In a panic I came to ETCG’s channel and my hope was restored. I put on my granny glasses and looked into the drain hole to see 10mm of thread were now missing but there was an estimated 12mm of unused threads deeper inside. I also found that there were a few shards of aluminum to remove so as to avoid additional damage to the remaining threads.
    After a little research, I learned that there are many other makes/models that use M14-1.50 thread size oil drain plugs but on most, the flange is too wide to seat into the 25mm recessed area of the Acura oil pan drain hole. Then I learned that most Mercedes-Benz oil pans also have an M14-1.50 thread and the drain plugs are more than twice as long (24mm) as the Acura’s 10mm plug. I used the above combination of parts to “pass through” the stripped-out area of oil pan threads, gain purchase onto the threads that had never been used, and spent a total of $2.78 on the fix. Like every good citizen I also paid a 24¢ tax and as is customary with do-it-yourself people, I did not include the cost of fuel to travel to O,O,O,O’Reilly Auto Parts. I already owned a 13mm wrench for the new plug and you will need one too.

    • @robertkiser4714
      @robertkiser4714 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you so much for posting all these details!! Gonna grab this Dorman plug tomorrow and see how it goes. Stripped the plug on my 04 Honda Element..

    • @braveson44
      @braveson44 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@robertkiser4714 Hi Robert. Thanks for adding your comment. I hope it works for your Honda too!

    • @DistinctZombie
      @DistinctZombie 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      3 years later and I find myself in the same predicament with my TL 🤣 threads came with the bolt, heart sank, removed the oil pan in plans to drill and tap helicoil in, decided to do a google on Eric Dr Honda, and longer bolt looks like will get me by 😂 new pan seal never hurt no one

  • @voiceofreason2008
    @voiceofreason2008 12 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Eric the word GENIUS was reserved just for you I think
    I enjoy your videos because they're down to earth no-nonesense mechanical tips and tutorials, also you admit when you make mistakes which is humbling to see
    PLEASE whatever you do don't stop making videos like this they are more educational and entertaining to view than you could imagine!
    Stay dirty and stay on youtube!
    Peace out

  • @snapcracklepop3773
    @snapcracklepop3773 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    From MCM to lab japan I find ericthecarguy info. Straight to the point common issues.. keep it up!!

  • @fluxcapacitr121
    @fluxcapacitr121 ปีที่แล้ว

    Bam! Love it. I’ve never let anyone work on my car. I’m 44. Turned wrenches from age 16 to 32 and hung it up because, well let’s face it, it’s a tough way to make a buck. Anyway I let some ass clown change the oil a few months ago as I was really busy. One time won’t hurt right? Went to change it today and the genius either cross threaded or torqued the plug with a 1/2 impact. I will never let anyone ever touch my car again. Was ready to order an oil pan and bum a ride to work tomorrow and I found this fix. $3 and a trip to menards and I’m back back in business. Thank you.

  • @stevenclark5709
    @stevenclark5709 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    Just wanted to say thanks for the tip! over torqued my 02 Civic drain bolt enough to screw up the threads (by hand) and this saved me a new pan. I would add that I needed to FULLY strip out the damaged threads before the new bolt threaded, then I also found that you CAN have too much thread. I needed to trim my bolt down a second time to roughly 15 threads showing or else it seemed to bottom out. Can't believe my factory plug had only FIVE threads biting in that ALUMINUM pan!! Ugh

  • @ericthecarguy
    @ericthecarguy  14 ปีที่แล้ว

    @AnUglyAmerican I think it's good practice to use 6pt sockets on everything instead of 12pt, the only time I use 12pt is when I have a 12pt fastener to remove. I agree about putting metal shavings in the oil pan, bad idea and would take more time than my method. Thanks for your suggestion and comment.

  • @ericthecarguy
    @ericthecarguy  14 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    @ncrdisabled I don't recommend drilling into an oil pan to avoid the risk of getting metal shavings in the oil. In addition drilling into oil pans on cars can be harder than you might imagine. Thanks for the comment.

  • @Mixwell1983
    @Mixwell1983 14 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great tip Eric !! Fortunately I've had enough common sense that you NEVER over tighten the drain plug bolt.. I always rub a little oil on the threads and feed it manually with my hands so I can feel and confirm it isn't cross threaded. I only give it a little "umpphh" when I tighten it back down but god forbit if I strip it I now know a cheap fix. What did that bolt cost you maybe $1-2 at the local Home Depot/Lowe's ? I love cheap and solid workarounds like this !! Saves time and money.

  • @ericthecarguy
    @ericthecarguy  13 ปีที่แล้ว

    @hhiryu I love it when things work out like this, thanks for the update.

  • @codyspencer6592
    @codyspencer6592 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    Awesome video. I found this more helpful than most other oil pan repair videos.

  • @ericthecarguy
    @ericthecarguy  14 ปีที่แล้ว

    @mixwell1983 Great suggestion. I like fixes like this to, simple and efficient. Thanks for your comment.

  • @JohnUllrey
    @JohnUllrey 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Bought a used Acura MDX and soon noticed a slow oil drip on the garage floor, on closer inspection saw oil on the drain plug and a black plastic washer instead of a crush washer. So I thought I just need to put a new crush washer on when I change the oil. Fast forward, I'm trying to torque on the drain plug to the recommended foot lbs and it just keeps turning. Last thing on the Car Fax report was a trip to Grease Monkey, go figure.
    1st option longer drain plug bolt (14mm x 1.5mm x 30mm) $2.00
    2nd option Helicoil/Fix-a-thread repair kit $40
    3rd option New oil pan $200++
    Thankfully the 1st option worked like a champ.
    Thank you Eric!

  • @redhead5222
    @redhead5222 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    You were a life saver on this, saved me $400+! I just bought a M14-1.5 hexagonal metric bolt that was 30mm long and added a washer, didn't have to cut it down or smooth it out. The hardest part was finding the bolt at a local hardware store, Lowes and Home Depot didn't have it.
    I should add that to anyone that stripped out their oil pan, you probably want to run a lot of oil through it, because it flushed out most of the metal shavings from it getting stripped.

    • @axjohn
      @axjohn 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      David Richey what kind of vehicle did you use this longer bolt in? I just found that exact bolt at an Ace Hardware to use for my 2006 Honda Ridgeline and I was hoping I wouldn’t have to cut it to make it work.
      Thanks in advance.

  • @nickv4073
    @nickv4073 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I use Fumoto drain valves on all my cars. Love them. One time install and never have to worry about stripping oil pans. I've never had one leak so much as a drop of oil.

  • @ericthecarguy
    @ericthecarguy  13 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    @Moosepiesandwich Thank you very much for that great comment. It's nice to have such a diverse group of viewers, thanks again for your comment and for watching.

  • @ericthecarguy
    @ericthecarguy  13 ปีที่แล้ว

    @Designing5 Awesome! Always good to meet a new subscriber thank you.

  • @deeablort
    @deeablort 10 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank you for not being a couch potato and coming up with a simple brilliant fix :)

  • @ericthecarguy
    @ericthecarguy  13 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    @CivicFiberglassDoor That sucks. I've had to replace a few pans myself because of such carelessness, after I found this trick however I replaced them a lot less unless I knew the place that had damaged it in the first place was footing the bill, then I changed the pan and charged full price.

  • @craigclement5520
    @craigclement5520 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    IT WORKS !!! You're AWESOMENESS good sir. Thank you so much for this fix. My 2010 Mazda 3 got a stripped drain plug from Valvoline Quickie Lube place so now I will not be so lazy and do my own again.

  • @FieldBoy111
    @FieldBoy111 12 ปีที่แล้ว

    I work in industrial maintenance and am occasionally annoyed at how others will hugely overtighten bolts, screws and other connections on the factory equipment, all its doing is wearing out the threads.
    This is a well edited comprehensive video that gets to the point. I gave it a like.

  • @ericthecarguy
    @ericthecarguy  13 ปีที่แล้ว

    @rlmurillo Well I'm glad you found me now, thanks for your comment.

  • @ericthecarguy
    @ericthecarguy  13 ปีที่แล้ว

    @BHownsall I believe that is the default setting of the AC when it detects a problem for Toyota. The battery may have nothing to do with it as it could just have a low charge. I recommend taking it to a shop to have the AC diagnosed.

  • @Inf666ipi
    @Inf666ipi 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Loved this video. Not sure how I got here but loved this video. Had to teach this same lesson to one of my friends whereas he just LOVES his air tools. I love mine too but whereas I have learned the painful mistake of aluminum & air tools, he did not know of my problem I had so many years ago and he just made this mistake a few months ago. And your method is CHEAP & Inexpensive. Unlike some of the Tap & Die, Welding, and other skills many people do not know or have or the funds to do so. Cheers.

  • @jeffw8746
    @jeffw8746 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Erik... really appreciate the video. When I stripped mine a few hours ago, I was thinking the same thing, cause I could look up into the tapped hole and saw several more threads left in the hole. I just happened to have a plug (minus crush washer) with 3 threads longer and some powdered loctite. Seems to be working fine. Like you I feel the guy who owned the Odyssey before me knew there were threads missing... cause I'm old school (only wrenches for torque). Appreciate the clean language!

  • @tomdefonte3954
    @tomdefonte3954 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Dude you are the best. Ive done that with other things and forgot all about just using a longer bolt. Thanks again

  • @commops106
    @commops106 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Much love for Eric and his channel had this issue with a 2006 Honda Civic hybrid I only had 1 or 2 threads left with my pan, I was freaking out called my mechanic best course in that situation retap the pan 9/16 and upsize the bolt. 9/16 is between 14mm and 15mm if it strips again you can then retap to 15mm saved me a ton of time and worry if you have no threads left you can still save your pan just need a good fine bolt with a rubber coated washer

  • @garylaurieanderson6623
    @garylaurieanderson6623 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wow you saved my rear, 04 Pilot I stripped the theads myself. My heart sank, then found this video, I can breath now!. Save me hundreds of dollars & easy fix. I have learned my lesson on aluminum pans, easy go with it.

  • @shiloh4184
    @shiloh4184 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I swear, Erics worth every friggin penny!!

  • @ericthecarguy
    @ericthecarguy  14 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    @fancynot Nothing makes me more proud than the "art" crowd stopping in to watch my little "mechanical" videos. I think it brings a touch of culture to the mix. Thanks for the comment.

  • @ericthecarguy
    @ericthecarguy  13 ปีที่แล้ว

    @310stanger Been there a BUNCH of times myself. Thanks very much for your comment I really appreciate it.

  • @DMJohn73
    @DMJohn73 13 ปีที่แล้ว

    @ErickTheCarGuy....wow, you just saved me $590. I was searching for an oil pan for my 02 Acura RL...just like the Legend, it's a beast to take out and I've been getting quoted more than I can afford. I must admit, I tried the rubber plugs, but after seeing your video, and reading the comments, I'm off to the Mercedes dealership to purchase a longer drain plug! You really don't understand how much this saving is going to help me and my wife out! Continued success with your youtube career!

  • @user-hk1wo4cr1f
    @user-hk1wo4cr1f 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks Eric for your expertise. I repaired with a M14 bigger bolt head 20 mm long.

  • @ihateyourusernames
    @ihateyourusernames 12 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    These videos save my life! You're awesome!

  • @ericthecarguy
    @ericthecarguy  14 ปีที่แล้ว

    @TeDuaMalakie Excellent suggestions, thanks for the comment.

  • @eliakelas
    @eliakelas 9 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks man, you saved me from having my oil pan replaced. Also instead of re-threading the hole, you know tap out thing. Anyway did what you said and it worked on a 91 honda accord. Peace

  • @silkytp789
    @silkytp789 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    It now being 2016, it's amazing how far you came. Love your videos, and at times miss this guy. Nice little walk down memory lane. Btw, heard your thoughts

    • @silkytp789
      @silkytp789 8 ปีที่แล้ว

      I kinda think he's carving out his own path. If you've read his "About" page on his site, it's a pretty good story.

  • @70x719946
    @70x719946 12 ปีที่แล้ว

    I've had to do similar adjustments with bolts. And not having a die grinder or a bench grinder I had to use a hacksaw. To maintain the integrity of the threads, I put a nut on the longer bolt and using the vise and hacksaw, cut it at the very end of the nut. It acts sort of like a tap-and-die threader when I remove the nut. Finish off the end of the bold with a fine "toothed" file just to round it off a bit. Just my method. :)
    Thanks for the tips!! Awesome quality.

  • @hihoney1122
    @hihoney1122 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video, Sears decided to use 5 different plugs into my VW, with an impact and showed me how they spun out, and some fell out (I was super ticked off) and he was about to reach for yet a different plug.. first time I decide to have someone else do my oil. I will be posting my video when I start on it on my channel.

  • @ericthecarguy
    @ericthecarguy  13 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    @KillerZero259 If you get a stock drain plug it will be of the same length and will do you no good, the idea here is to use a longer bolt to catch the undamaged threads deeper in the pan casting and the longer bolt will accomplish this.

  • @JessVideoDude
    @JessVideoDude 9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for posting this video, AWESOME! Good to see there's still honest people people out there :)

  • @darwintrotter5895
    @darwintrotter5895 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you. This worked perfectly on my Acura TL. The funny thing is the hardest part was finding a bolt that size. Had to order it from a place online since no place carried it in my town. Save me a ton of cash because the same shop that striped it in the first place would've told me to replace the pan(mark-up).

  • @EatLeadSuckuh
    @EatLeadSuckuh 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    EVERYTHING IN THIS VIDEO WORKS TY ERIC AND TY TO THE PEOPLE WHO MENTIONED ABOUT THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP

  • @soigne95035
    @soigne95035 12 ปีที่แล้ว

    Before I take a cutting blade to any bolt, I'll spin a pair of hex nuts all the way down the bolt. After cutting the bolt, you slowly remove the nuts. They will work similar to a die set and help form a nice tapered thread at the start of the bolt.
    The other option for fixing a stripped thread (depending on severity) is to use a tap set to re-cut the threads, then use a proper drain plug, new sealant washer, and of course a torque wrench to tighten the plug to the proper spec.
    Great video!

  • @JustN1
    @JustN1 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Found a plug a little longer than the last and it worked perfectly didn't even have to cut. I would not have though of this. Saved a bunch with a $2 purchase. Thanks!

  • @orlandorios9617
    @orlandorios9617 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    You are a life saver! You helped me with my honda ridgeline 2006!and saved me a lot of money!

  • @jamesedwards5485
    @jamesedwards5485 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Eric, you have got to review this product it will truly help your followers and save them a lot of time and money.

  • @ericthecarguy
    @ericthecarguy  13 ปีที่แล้ว

    @hhiryu To be honest without seeing what you are up against it's very difficult for me to say about the best advice I can offer right now is to get it and see, if it's too long you can always trim it as I show in this video. I also recommend reading through the comments below because I think someone mentioned that Mercedes drain plugs are a little longer and will also work.

  • @michaelbartmess9629
    @michaelbartmess9629 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    I wish I saw this video first, it would have saved a lot of time. It worked like a charm.

  • @ericthecarguy
    @ericthecarguy  12 ปีที่แล้ว

    @gesundheit6210 I recommend trying this first rather than drilling into the pan, it's faster and it doesn't leave a bunch of metal shavings in the oil pan. Thanks for the comment.

  • @ericthecarguy
    @ericthecarguy  14 ปีที่แล้ว

    @ghtowagon The hardware store didn't have any flange bolts in that size. Thanks for your comment.

  • @ericthecarguy
    @ericthecarguy  13 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    @smitty6293 Not sure really but depending on your situation you may end up replacing the pan in the end. You might also consider taking it back where the oil was changed to see if they can do anything for you.

  • @dannywayne736
    @dannywayne736 9 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have a 2006 Dodge Magnum. The longer bolt worked great. No more drip... I had to go to 3 different hardware stores before I found it.... Thanks dude .... You saved me a bunch of money..... 14mm x 1.5 pitch...... :)

  • @billtracy4
    @billtracy4 13 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for this tip! I haad the same problem from the fine work done by Mobile Lube Express on our 05 Honda Odyssey. Stripped the pan, and I had been limping it along with the universal Dorman rubber plug, but that fell out last night on our way home from the fireworks. A good alternative is to buy an oil drain plug at the local Mercedes dealer for a 190d model. It has the same 14x1.50 pitch and is about 1/2" longer than the stock Honda plug. $5 and it uses a 13mm wrench. No machining!

  • @5pagetti
    @5pagetti 9 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for the reply anyway! It's exactly what I ended up doing. At the start I had to hammer in the screw driver to wedge it between an edge off the bolt and sump! Bit tricky but worked a treat. Cheers.

  • @drinyboy4
    @drinyboy4 14 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks a lot brother, I was actually thinkin about using silicon to seal it but this one is a whole lot better lol. Keep making these helpful videos and God bless