Date:         Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:28:23 -0500
Reply-To:     Jeff Lincoln <magikvw@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jeff Lincoln <magikvw@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Oil Drain plug is stripped
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

OK, gang when I changed the oil in Grover 2 weeks ago some of the threads
from the drain plug came out with the bolt. I know this isn't uncommon with
aluminum.

Anyhow, I thought I'd be alright because I was able to get the drain bolt
snug - but I was wrong and it was leaking. So when I redrained the oil to
take a look at what exactly the situation was. Well, then I couldn't get the
plug snug because more threads came out. So I tried the longer drain plug my
local mechanic had given me (that worked on the old engine) - same problem -
so then I tried the spark plug trick (that worked on the old engine too) -
nope won't work.

So I've read the archives and the Samba forums and decided to purchase a
self tapping 1/2" Double oversized piggy back drain plug - those seem to
have worked for many others in these situations. I'd really rather not have
to go heli-coil or timesert if I can avoid it.

So I still have a couple of questions

1. Should I run an engine flush or something similar through it to be sure
there aren't threads up in the oil sump?
2. Should I use some sort of sealant on this self tapping plug when I put it
in?
3. Any reasons I should avaoid the self taping plug?
4. I know the stock plug is 13mm - is this 1/2" one going to work? - it's
the only size I could find.

OK, I appreciate your advice and knowledge ahead of time. Hopefully I'll get
a good cross section of opinion before I get home and try this.


--
Thanks,

Jeff
'90 Carat (Grover)
'86 (We call this one Parts)
'78 Bus (Melissa) Patty's Bus