Date:         Mon, 16 Mar 1998 12:41:50 -0800
Reply-To:     David Bayer <bayer@SYBASE.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         David Bayer <bayer@SYBASE.COM>
Subject:      Re: oil drain plug
Comments: To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM

>|  Howdy, folks. In the process of changing the oil in my Syncro this
>| morning, I found that when I removed the drain bolt, some metal thread
>| material came out with the plug
[snip]
>| how do I
>| repair this? I remember reading awhile back of the same problem and there
>| is a way to over-bore and insert a new threaded sleeve? Is this fix
>| something that can be done with limited tools and talent or should I
>| enlist the help of a professional?

        I fixed my oil drain plug with a 14Mx1.5 helicoil (hmm, recoil
actually) set that I picked up at a local machine/equipment shop. It was not
hard to install. You drill out the old threads, tap the hole with the tap in
the kit, and twist in the thread coil. I followed the advice I found in the
archives and blew compressed air through the dip stick hole while drilling
to avoid and metal shavings getting into the case. I don't know if it's
necessary but provided a good amount of anxeity relief as little pieces
of metal covered me as I drilled and tapped the new hole...

dave