Date:         Fri, 20 Feb 2004 14:29:07 -0800
Reply-To:     rcampbell-vanagon6706@MAILBLOCKS.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Robert Campbell <rcampbell-vanagon6706@MAILBLOCKS.COM>
Subject:      Oil Change Woes- Helicoil? Trasko?  What size do I need?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Hello Fellow Listees!
When I first bought my Carat, I researched a very good local mechanic in my area -- and he has been very good!  The first thing I did was change the oil and he found that the threads were nearly stripped out completely.  So, not wanting to loose the plug entirely, he put in the next size larger STANDARD size (I don't know what that is, something just barely larger than the 14mm).  This is holding, but I want to make things right.
So, first question:  Where do I find a 14 X 1.25 (I think that's the right pitch) HELICOIL kit (the thread sleeve and the tap-looking bit to make the hole)?  Anyone have any sources?  Just need enough to do my Van, not the entire county.
I'd like to put in the Trasko Dragon heavy duty oil drain valve -- any opinions?  From what I've seen it sounds favorable.  This would enable me to do the oil on my own without much hassle.
Secondly (and finally):  Should I just get the just-larger-than-14mm STANDARD size Trasko and lock-tite it into place?  (an option I've been considering since I cannot seem to locate the appropriate helicoil kit)
Happy FRIDAY to everyone!!!  I'm looking forward to the FAVOR event on 29 FEB in St. Petersburg, FL -- hope to see more Vanagons there!  (I've only seen 1 other active and 1 parked Vanagon in the area EVER).  I'll try to post some pics on my website after the event (informal kinda stuff).
   -Robert