papaindigo wrote:
2. OEM plugs come in allen head or hex head PLUS a copper, probably, washer. If someone drains the oil and reinstalls the plug without the washer the pan threads will likely get damaged (I forget the details of why).
Most 'plug' type screws (such as the oil pan plug) don't have threads that go all the way to the head.. They do that so the crush washer has 'room' to expand while being,well, 'crushed'.. and IF you don't use a nice thick washer, the screw will go up into the pan even further, and have less threads to engage... making it easier to strip. aka 'pulling the threads through'.
I can see this being a problem, ^^^^^ and, NEVER removing sparkplugs from a aluminum head whilst hot... Most of us change oil when it's good an hot, there may be something here too.
Thanks for clarifying what gets stripped.. I would've sworn I read a post that someone rounded out the allen head.. hence the fumoto valve.
I've several stationary engines that use that valve, the only thing I don't like about them is the time it takes to drain 5-7 gallons of oil out!! Not really an issue with our crds..
Good idea with your safety device!.. I'd be a little leery of driving through brushy, tall grassy spots without a safety. I do have the skid plates however.