Oil drain plug won't fully tighten

[Axel]

yup

I just stripped mine at the last oil change of the season - figures .
Any chance of a NAPA part number for that replacement ?
Might improve my chances at the local one .

[TopCatGr58]

A search on their site revealed this one:

Part Number: BK 7041909
Product Line: Balkamp
Attributes:
Contents : Plug, Gasket
Oil Drain Plug Hex Size : 24 mm
Oil Drain Plug Material : Fiber
Oil Drain Plug Thread Size : M14-1.5
Features and Benefits:
Piggy Back Plug Replaces Lost Or Damaged Drain Plug & Ensures Snug Fit For Leak Free Operation
Warranty:
12 Months or 12,000 Miles Whichever Occurs First


Important Information:
14mm X 1.50 Thread Size
Single Oversized Piggy Back

T.C.

[Danny Crawdad]

A search on their site revealed this one:

T.C.

That's not the one I got, but it's the one I wish I'd gotten . Aside from the captive bolt-in-a-bolt, mine was the same otherwise -- tapered, self-tapping (slotted) plug. The only difficulties I had were getting it started -- make sure it's straight, and just keep slowly turning it until it bites. Then slowly work it in. I kept it oiled very well with motor oil as I was putting it in, and pulled it out and cleaned the shavings out of the tip a few times, then used an oil-soaked rag to wipe the inside of the hole once it was finished cutting, and flushed the plug well with oil to get the shavings off.

Worked very well on mine. No problems, no leaks. Just make sure you start it straight! Compare the way the old drain plug seats in the hole and make sure the new one doesn't try to wobble as it cuts the first thread. I used an extension and socket wrench, and put pressure on the head of the wrench, and turned the extension by hand to start it. Once it bites and begins making threads it's no issue.

If you end up using the captive plug (as above), I would take TC's suggestion and throw some red loctite on there.

Even if it doesn't go as well as it should and the pan gets messed up, Andreas Weiss has used oil pans for cheap, so all isn't lost. Less than $30 shipped cheap.

[Danny Crawdad]

Couldn't find the box for the one I got, and can't find it on the site, I should be able to get the part no. for the one I got tomorrow, though, if you just want a one-piece plug.

[XS1100_OEM4ME]

Danny

Hi Danny, I think you did fine, you were carful to remove the shavings and I like the fact the the "one-in-one" bolt will let all the oil drain out when draining the pan (most of the crap is in the last few drops that come from the pan) Don't worry, be happy

Couldn't find the box for the one I got, and can't find it on the site, I should be able to get the part no. for the one I got tomorrow, though, if you just want a one-piece plug.

[Axel]

Right on

Thanks T.C. Seems like a good idea to not keep wearing away the soft metal .
I'm wondering if I would get much mileage out of a longer plug to reach those extra threads Phil mentioned . Ahh decisions ...

[bikerphil]

Axel, it's going to be hard to find an oil drain bolt that long, I used a regular metric bolt with a nylon washer. It had a larger head on it (22mm?) which made it more difficult to remove with my 4-1 headers, YMMV. I have since replaced the oil pan.

[Axel]

ok

Thanks Phil . I will take that into consideration . I found the shift detent bolt 3Phase mentioned on eBay . It is about the price of another pan ( $35 delivered) .
I'm off to Napa today to see whats up . I will drop the oil again and see whats available to remedy the situation . The bike is in storage so I am limited to what operations I can perform . Thanks again everybody for your posts .
I was quite frustrated in the beginning but now I see it is just another repair .

[DAVINCI]

Want a longer 'bolt'? Try an old spark plug. BTW, they also fit the rear pumpkin and the middle drive.

[Axel]

wow

Now that is good to know !
I went to Napa and was denied the oversize type of plug so went on with a new magnetic normal size plug that had a thread length of 12mm .
Turns out my plug on my XJ also had a thread length of 12mm . So no joy there .
I returned to Napa and to my surprise they had found the oversize plug of the type Danny used . I ordered the piggyback type and went back to the bike again .
Just like Danny said this cuts deeper threads so there is metal filings involved . I used a magnet on a stick to probe around inside the pan to attract any offensive matter . I cut and then removed the plug repeatedly to clean it of filings .
In the end it worked like a charm .
Sidenote: This plug seems longer than the one pictured above . It has a good length of O/S thread and an additional tapered cutting area with the relief slots .
I'm wondering( I know) if I should install the piggyback as it seems so much shorter and there is no mention if it is an oversize plug . It says replacement if lost or damaged . I would imagine that now I have used the oversize plug that the piggyback might be kinda loose even with red loctite . T.C. ?

It was a good day , all in all .

[DAVINCI]

A magnet isn't much good with non-ferrous metals

[Axel]

Damn

Oh crap - I better drop that oil out again before I start the engine.

[3Phase]

$35?!

I think I have one lurking in a roached engine case somewhere. If I can make peace with the spiders long enough to dig it out of the shed you can have it.

[Axel]

Appreciation

Thanks but I think that bird has flown

[3Phase]

Thanks but I think that bird has flown

Saw that after I posted but it was too late to un-post!