Date:         Mon, 20 Sep 2004 15:00:03 -0400
Reply-To:     tabe johnson <xtabe@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         tabe johnson <xtabe@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Oil Drain Plug - Stripped?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

When I did my first oil change on my Westy, I found the
drain plug was a run of the mill 5/8" coarse thread hex
head bolt with about 12 copper washers between it and the
case!  I don't know if the washers were there to reduce the
distance the end of the bolt went into the case or to keep
the bolt head out far enough so it was possible to get a
(15/16") wrench on it.  I have replaced this hex head bolt
with a socket head cap screw, cut to the correct length.
The head diameter of the SHCS is about the same size
as the washer and I don't need a dozen washers.  Only
downer was I had to buy a special Allen key because I
didn't have the right size.

If you replace your drain bolt, watch
-the torque you use
-look for leaks frequently
-make sure the threads don't go too far into the case
-make sure the washer is sealing properly
-choose a fastener you can get a wrench in/on!

Happy dripping,

--tabe johnson
xtabe@yahoo.com
'87 Westy


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