Oil pan threads almost stripped

[schwartza3]

Went to change my oil last night, undoing the drain bolt and bits of thread come out with it!...so i get my pinky in the drain hole and i pull almost the entire thread out, only the last few threads remaining. I've been doing my oil changes for the past 4 yrs, last time it was done my a mech due to major service who said the drain plug washer needs replacing to justify the slow (1 drop a day) leak. I searched this and found it could be the problem so i got a new drain bolt/washer ready for this oil change. Anyway ended up replacing the oil, this morning there was a drop on the ground. Anyone had this problem? Did you re-thread the pan or purchase a new one? or did you chase it up with the mech?

[brad]

helicoil, twinsert, other thread restoration device required.

[Brisben]

helicoil, twinsert, other thread restoration device required.

Yep thats the cheapest way to go , don't replace the sump, inless you can get one really cheap.

[schwartza3]

its leaking a bit more than what i saw this morning, there was about 5cm diameter leak on the ground when i got back from work.
once the motor is running i assume the oil is pressurised in the pan so it would leak more, is it safe to drive like this? cheers!

[h100vw]

No pressure in the sump, it leaks more because it's thinner.

Gavin

[brad]

Depends how far you are driving. Might be OK for 5 minutes up to a repairer but I wouldn't trust it for a long journey.

It's a bit hard without seeing it. If you were able to get it reasonably tight with a spanner then it's probably OK.