Was doing my second oil change today, when I put the oil plug back in, it wouldn't tighten...keeps turning like it is stripped
It came out easy, and I really didn't think that I had tightened it too much. So what are my options? A new oil pan, or could this be drilled and tapped? If a new pan, is this something that I could do in the drive way, or better left to the dealer? Yes, Ive got that sick feeling in the pit of my stomach...........


Dave

Been there --- Oversize plugs are available at most auto parts stores.
Merry Christmas

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2006 Silver CRD Limited

Another reason for the Fumoto Drain Valve with the special adaptor provided by Greg at Lubespecialist.com and listed on CRD FAQ's if I remember correctly.

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91 MB 300D 2.5L Turbo. Her's

05 MB E320 CDI. Mine

If my drain plug was stripped, I'd tap the thing out to the next common size larger and then buy a Fumoto to fit the new size.

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Matt B.

05 Limited CRD. Bought it new. 112k on the clock now.

GDE Eco-tune, rear differential drain plug (drilled and tapped the pumpkin), transmission pan drain plug, Fumoto oil valve, fuel filler neck restriction removed, front hitch, Hayden fan clutch, Sears P1 battery since 08, Mobil 1 5w40, 5 volt glow plugs, DIY timing belt at 109k

Thanks guys, does any one know what the size of the original plug is?

Thanks,

Dave

It is what they call a b@stard thread in the machine world and is custom to VM only. You can do as suggested above and retap the threads to a common size. Check with Greg at lubercationspecialist.com for what would be the best size to go to for the conversion.

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91 MB 300D 2.5L Turbo. Her's

05 MB E320 CDI. Mine

[/quote]It is what they call a b@stard thread in the machine world and is custom to VM only. You can do as suggested above and retap the threads to a common size. Check with Greg at lubercationspecialist.com for what would be the best size to go to for the conversion.[/quote]

Thanks OldNavy,
I think I'll check with greg in the morning and get one of his valves and be done with it. Should have just left it alone. I'm starting a new job tomorrow, didn't want to have to play musical cars with the wife! Supposed to get a company truck, but not until later in the week.

Dave

Had the same thing happen to me about a month ago. The Stealership tapped it to 5/8" for about $120. Fumoto does not have a valve in that size so I would definetly contact Greg first to see what size to tap it to. On the plus side I haven't had any problems with this arrangement so you should be fine.

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2005 Liberty CRD, 245/75R16, OME CRD Springs front, OME HD rear

I stripped out the pan on mine. I have no idea how that could of happened. I've changing oil for 20 years and never seen or heard of the pan getting stripped out.

The dealer replaced my pan under warranty though.

My guess is it is because the threads are very fine and at such a straight up cut that it would be extreemly easy for even someone with years of experience to cross thread or over torque and strip the threads. The listed torque is 35 ftlbs but I only used 25 ftlbs when I did mine and then when I installed the adaptor I torqued it to about 20>25 lbs and so far so good.

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91 MB 300D 2.5L Turbo. Her's

05 MB E320 CDI. Mine

Walt. Did you get the Fumoto with the hose nipple on it? I have one and it will stick down 2.25" from the pan, most likely 2" further then the original plug and I'm affraid it will/could get knocked off and take the pan with it. What are your thoughts I'm ready for a change and am undesided. It looks like it's only 5 threads holding it in
Thanks
Joe

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Atlantic Blue 06 CRD Limited (his)
Joined by a 2000 XJ Classic (hers)

I have the tranny skid plate and the nipple does't clear the skid but maybe 1/8th inch, not to sure I would use one without the skid plate. If I did it would be W/O nipple. If I wasn't ever going to run skid plates I would have it drilled and retapped for a standard bolt.

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91 MB 300D 2.5L Turbo. Her's

05 MB E320 CDI. Mine

If your crush washer is good, I wouldn't risk it. I do mine at 20lbs. That is plenty to keep it from leaking and nowhere near enough to strip it out. Better safe than sorry. For those that don't have one...and nice craftsman torque wratchet would be cheap insurance since it costs a little more than half of the $120 bill the other poster stated he/she was charged. Plus, if you are a DIY...that should be one of the first things to go into your tool box.

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06.5 Jetta TDI PKG 2 - Silver/Anth

The length of the adaptor is the main reason I didn't add a Fumoto valve. Just don't like long fittings screwed into an oil pan (or anywhere else) on a diesel as I've seen too many fail/crack over the years from vibration. If the Fumoto fit flush against the pan, I would have got one. Tapping out the hole to a standard size makes more sense.

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2005 Liberty Sport CRD, Lt Khaki, sunroof

Thankful to now be an EX-CRD owner.

Oh sure, where was this thread when I needed it LAST weekend?? Mine is not leaking, but I would heed the advice of anyone installing the Fumoto; do NOT try and torque the adapter to 35 ft lbs! Mine isn't leaking thankfully. I reused the washer that came with my original plug and it is fine.

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2006 CRD
Build Date 5/20/06
Purchased New August 23rd, 2006

it's funny that this got brought up. well i shouldn't say funny but...last time i changed the oil about 3k ago something strange happened. after i drained the oil and went to put the plug back in it stopped several turns in and got real tight so i backed it out and started again, and it stopped up around the same point so i just kept her going and got her through the tight spot til it was tight. did i strip it out or do you think i'm ok?

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2005 CRD Sport
Rotella T 5W-40
Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 245-70/16

You know, the first time I changed the oil I had to use a 1/2 inch rachet and more force than is usually used on a lug nut to get the darned thing loose. What were they thinking at the factory I wonder? That was not 35 foot pounds. I put the Fumoto on the second time and I have left it alone. No leaks from the fumoto.

As for sticking out-- the fumoto with the nipples does stick out, but no problems so far. I have a Skid Row plate and it clears it, but only by 3/4 of a centimeter. I am still thinking about "trimming" the nipple a centimeter so it has better clearance. As it is, if I ever have the vehicle resting on that plate-- I am sure it couild bulge in enough to have that sucker get snagged.

There is a chance you got it on there cross threaded, and when you take it out it may be for the last time, or it could be that there was just a little crud in the threads somewhere.

My plug goes all the way up till it touches just using my fingers to turn it. If it doesnt I stop, take the plug out, clean the threads off both the plug and the pan, and try again. I think I am going to order a backup plug just in case I damage the threads on the one I,ve got.

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It may be that your only purpose in life is to serve as a warning to others.

06 CRD Sport
Built 5/11/06
Jeep Green
Rocklizard diff cover
V6 Airbox

I always keep a spare bottle of brake parts cleaner around. When you get the drain plug out and while you are waiting for the rest of the oil to drain into your oil pan, take the drain plug and washer and give it a quick spray with the brake parts cleaner. I reuse my washers for 4 or 5 oil changes before I replace them...and....knock on wood...I have never had a leak. It is a good idea to clean the drain plug because you don't want dirt in the threads.

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06.5 Jetta TDI PKG 2 - Silver/Anth

so you think i just might need a new plug and that the pan is not ruined?

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2005 CRD Sport
Rotella T 5W-40
Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 245-70/16