P500 Stripped oil drain hole

[kdou7048]

So I recently purchased a new 500 and upon needing the first oil change I figured I could save some money and change it myself. I've changed oil on all my equipment in the past and never had any issues. So back to my the problem I ran into while doing this oil change. I read the specs and the owners manual just to make sure I didn't miss anything. Got down to the drain plug where it said to torque to 18 foot lbs and that's where my issue started. Ended up stripping the threads inside the oil pan. Is the fixable, is there a replacement oil pan, or is this something that's going to require me to replace everything. Please help!! This has made me sick!! It was actually my 8 yr olds christmas gift and we had given to him early and now I'm not sure what to do. Thanks in advance.

 

[trigger]

What stripped out, the bolt or the pan? If it's the bolt just replace it. If it's the pan, go to the next size up and tap it for that size bolt.

 

[JimmyA]

Heli Coil is your best option! Just make sure that you use the factory crush washer.

 

[NTCPrezJB]

I've seen a product for this issue posted on the forum before but I don't recall what it was called so I can't really help you find it. Hopefully someone else will remember and post a link for you.

 

[kdou7048]

What stripped out, the bolt or the pan? If it's the bolt just replace it. If it's the pan, go to the next size up and tap it for that size bolt.

The pan is what stripped out.

 

[Vondy]

I did same thing on mine and thought pan stripped. Ended up being the bolt that stripped and not the pan. New bolt have been good since. Good luck!

 

[kdou7048]

I did same thing on mine and thought pan stripped. Ended up being the bolt that stripped and not the pan. New bolt have been good since. Good luck!

that's what I was hoping for so I purchased a new plug but same issue.

 

[CID]

Most auto parts stores have 'first over' self tapping drain bolts, I'd start with one of those. If that fails a Timesert is a permanent fix, it's important that you get the pilot hole straight for them.

Helicoils are also a good fix but one step down from a Timesert IMO.

Timeserts -
+ Time-Sert Professional Thread Repair Kits & Inserts American & Metric + (time-sert.com)

 

[Vondy]

that's what I was hoping for so I purchased a new plug but same issue.

Sorry about your luck. guess I got lucky. The one time I actually read a manual and it was wrong!

 

[kdou7048]

Sorry about your luck. guess I got lucky. The one time I actually read a manual and it was wrong!

Same here. Read the manual, looked at specs, and watched several videos just to make sure and this is what happened. Thanks for the reply

 

[kdou7048]

Most auto parts stores have 'first over' self tapping drain bolts, I'd start with one of those. If that fails a Timesert is a permanent fix, it's important that you get the pilot hole straight for them.

Helicoils are also a good fix but one step down from a Timesert IMO.

Timeserts -
+ Time-Sert Professional Thread Repair Kits & Inserts American & Metric + (time-sert.com)

Thanks I will look into those

 

[HondaTech]

Just an FYI, we don't torque drain bolts for this reason.

New drain washer (everytime) and tighten snug only. I've never had one come out this way in 12 years.

 

[CID]

Just an FYI, we don't torque drain bolts for this reason.

New drain washer (everytime) and tighten snug only. I've never had one come out this way in 12 years.

When I was about 10, Dad was showing me how to work on my bicycle; when I asked how tight? He said "Pay attention, you can feel when it almost stops turning and you can feel when it stops completely - just a little past that and you're good". I've used my 'torque wrist' ever since. I will use a torque wrench of engine assembly or other structural assemblies but that's extremely rare. 1/4" - 9/16" and 6 mm - 14 mm are all done by feel.

The problem with torque wrenches is their length, they're much longer than the equivalent end wrench, it's almost impossible to feel what you're doing with something so long.

 

[Russ989]

So I recently purchased a new 500 and upon needing the first oil change I figured I could save some money and change it myself. I've changed oil on all my equipment in the past and never had any issues. So back to my the problem I ran into while doing this oil change. I read the specs and the owners manual just to make sure I didn't miss anything. Got down to the drain plug where it said to torque to 18 foot lbs and that's where my issue started. Ended up stripping the threads inside the oil pan. Is the fixable, is there a replacement oil pan, or is this something that's going to require me to replace everything. Please help!! This has made me sick!! It was actually my 8 yr olds christmas gift and we had given to him early and now I'm not sure what to do. Thanks in advance.

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[Peter_72]

It’s common on the 500 engines, I did it to my 06 Foreman. I went the next size up and never removed it again! I used a suction gun to do oil changes. Now I snug it just enough that it doesn’t leak

 

[Rustell]

A quick fix ... use an expansion plug.

 

[Russ989]

Just an FYI, we don't torque drain bolts for this reason.

New drain washer (everytime) and tighten snug only. I've never had one come out this way in 12 years.

^^^^This^^^^
I helped a guy out with his and asked if he ever replaces the crush washer......his answer was No!

 

[kdou7048]

Wanted to give an update. My mechanic friend came by yesterday afternoon and the problem has been resolved. He ended up taping it out to a 1/2-20 size and with a new plug and crush washer we are back in business. Needless to say it's been a lesson learned. Thanks for the replies.

 

[JimmyA]

Happy for you!

 

[CID]

Wanted to give an update. My mechanic friend came by yesterday afternoon and the problem has been resolved. He ended up taping it out to a 1/2-20 size and with a new plug and crush washer we are back in business. Needless to say it's been a lesson learned. Thanks for the replies.

Thanks for the follow up, a lot of times we're left wondering what happened. 👍 👍 👍