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Stripped Oil Drain Plug

syd-jai

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syd-jai Enthusiast

syd-jai

Posted
Posted

Hello, All!!

 

My first post here. I got a 2000 Silverado 5.3L Z71 at the first of the year. Time for an oil change.

 

I get under the truck, and the drain plug has a lot of orange goop around the plug. I have all the service records, the previous owner always had it changed at the quick lube joints. On one of the last service receipts, I see a note "Stripped Drain Plug". So I assume the orange goop is some kind of loc-tite thread filler or something.

 

I don't want to pull it out until I know my options. I really don't want to put on a new oil pan. Has anyone ever put a heli-coil in? Re-tapped for a bigger bolt size? What thread size is it? What are some thread sizes for another year? Like could I re-tap it for the 6.0L plug (if it is bigger) or an old Chevy 350 plug?

 

These forums are a good resource. I already have a list of things to do, change the spark plugs (still has the originals as far as I can tell), change the differential oils, etc. The only other things I have done so far is transmission filter, fuel filter, and cabin air filters.

 

Thanks for your help!!

 

Mitch

redvett Senior Enthusiast

redvett

Posted
Posted

Best way is to get a new OEM plug and get a heli coil kit for the thread size. Drain oil and put in the heli coil. Cheapest and best way.

C & A s Dad Senior Enthusiast

C & A s Dad

Posted
Posted

Heli coil is a thread insert to repair stipped threads. You drill the hole to the size indicated, thread the hole with the tool provided and insert the Heli Coil. It simply puts new threads in a stipped hole.

 

SVD, you have other options but they are not as good as the HC. Go to any reputable auto parts store and they can show you your options. Again, the HC is the best way to go.

HyperBuzzin Enthusiast

HyperBuzzin

Posted
Posted

Only problem with a helicoil is, they are made more for holes that have a bottom to them, which oil pans do not. Ya might be able to use loc-tite to help hold it in place though?

 

What about getting a larger sized plug and just re tapping the threads to fit that?

Gozer Enthusiast

Gozer

Posted
Posted

I had a similar problem ~6 years ago with my 1997 where one of those "fast lube" places stripped out my plug. I normally do all my own oil changes, but I was on a 8,000 mile trip out west and had to have it changed along the way. Anyway, NAPA gave me a tapered plug which is somewhat larger than the stock plug. It's a little tough to loosen/tighten, but it's held up for ~6 years and at least 50,000 miles.

syd-jai Enthusiast

syd-jai

Posted
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Posted

Guys, thanks for all your suggestions.

 

NAPA did have an oversize plug. I got that and a tap. I plan to chase the threads and use that oversize plug. Heli-coil will be Plan B if the oversize plug doesn't work.

 

Thanks Again!!

Rolandd Enthusiast

Rolandd

Posted
Posted

If you are going to run a tap into the oil pan be sure that the new oil plug has a magnet in it. You have no way of cleaning up the thread cuttings that remain in the oil pan and you don't want these to float through the oil pump. Be sure you get the best filter you can in case anything gets into the oiling system it will not get circulated through the engine. Pipe cleaners can sometimes be bent to clean the area immediately around the drain hole to pick up cuttings.

silveradoHO Enthusiast

silveradoHO

Posted
Posted
Only problem with a helicoil is, they are made more for holes that have a bottom to them, which oil pans do not. Ya might be able to use loc-tite to help hold it in place though?

 

What about getting a larger sized plug and just re tapping the threads to fit that?

 

I agree. A helicoil would work, but a larger plug would be better. The only real reason to use a helicoil is if you have a stripped hole and can't use a larger bolt or plug.

az'03Silverado Senior Enthusiast

az'03Silverado

Posted
Posted

If you run a tap in there, fill the flutes on the tap with grease. This will act like glue for the shavings. At least that's what Stacey David did on 'Trucks!' a few years back.

rogerf Enthusiast

rogerf

Posted
Posted
Guys, thanks for all your suggestions.

 

NAPA did have an oversize plug. I got that and a tap. I plan to chase the threads and use that oversize plug. Heli-coil will be Plan B if the oversize plug doesn't work.

 

Thanks Again!!

Stripped drain plugs are a common problem on the POS Jeep Liberty Diesel I just got rid of. Most owners have been re-tapping to a larger size plug. Just go slow and easy with the tap into an aluminum pan, make sure the threads are cut clean and don't leave any cuttings behind.

noodlesandsam Enthusiast

noodlesandsam

Posted
Posted
What about welding a nut to the drain plug hole?

 

Not sure about that. On my 2001 5.3, the pan is aluminium. I would trust Helicoil and Loctite if it was my truck. ( I do the changes ).

 

RY

az'03Silverado Senior Enthusiast

az'03Silverado

Posted
Posted

You can weld aluminum. But, to make the weld look good you'd have to remove the pan. If you do that, you may-as-well replace the pan which would negate repairing the old one.

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