Page 1 of 2

nearly stripped threads in drain plug

Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2019 4:07 pm
by twosheds
any magic remedies ?

I put some Loctite on the bolt and its ok - for now

Re: nearly stripped threads in drain plug

Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2019 5:11 pm
by Wheaters
Either a Helicoil or for more certainty of a totally leak proof job, a "Time-sert" might be the best answer.

Re: nearly stripped threads in drain plug

Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2019 5:14 pm
by bikerbill
I fixed mine with helicoil 9 years ago. A good permanent fix.

Re: nearly stripped threads in drain plug

Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2019 7:50 pm
by twosheds
won,t the metal filings go up inside the sump when you drill- before inserting the helicoil ? or am I just being a dunb ass

Re: nearly stripped threads in drain plug

Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2019 9:13 pm
by Wheaters
If you are careless, possibly. If you are careful how you go, fill the flutes in the tap with grease to catch the chips, unwind it a few times during the operation to clean them out and apply more grease, hopefully not.

Or you could get more than a bit OCD about it and completely strip the engine to bare cases.

I know which I'd prefer to do. ;)

Re: nearly stripped threads in drain plug

Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2019 10:02 pm
by twosheds
thank you all,
feel a bit more confident about doing surgery on my dearest.
the Old Cold Determinist

Re: nearly stripped threads in drain plug

Posted: Sat Jun 15, 2019 6:16 pm
by tjupille
I had a similar issue. There was just enough grip to get the plug barely "finger tight". I ended up putting a thin bead of RTV on the shoulder of the plug, being careful to not get any on the threads, and then put it in. There was no leakage for the next 1,000 miles. I sold the bike before doing another oil change (and yes, I told the buyer about the issue!).
If I had kept the bike, what I would have done was go to the local auto parts store (I'm in the US) and get a replacement plug with an expandable rubber seal that they make for just such situations.

Re: nearly stripped threads in drain plug

Posted: Sat Jun 15, 2019 8:39 pm
by twosheds
I,ve never heard of such a rubber plug ..

question 2 ,
if you stick a helicoil in how do u get the tang out ?? without leaving it in the sump...

Re: nearly stripped threads in drain plug

Posted: Sat Jun 15, 2019 10:10 pm
by Wheaters
Magnetic pick up tool?

Re: nearly stripped threads in drain plug

Posted: Sun Jun 16, 2019 12:18 pm
by Wheaters
Or, you could save the engine oil drained to do the job and run it through again to flush the little blighter out... :idea: