Reply to "Oil drain plug catastrophe"

STOP!! Do Nothing yet!!! I have repaired 3 stripped oil pans for 'Jiffy Lube'. The cure I invented is simpler than all others. You use a Tap and cut new threads of 1/4" NPT Thats National Pipe TAPERED. You just cut the NEW thread right OVER the stripped-out threads DO NOT 'tap drill' before-hand. Yes! It works even though you are working with 'Sheet-Metal'. You can do it while everything is still in the car. There should be enough room to turn the tap with a 'cresent wrench'. Then you thread in a 1/4 NPT TO 1/8 NPT ADAPTER using teflon tape or sealer or lock-tight. Into this adapter goes a 1/8 NPT PLUG! This is your NEW drain plug and the Adapter remains in the pan PERMINANTLY! The Tapered pipe thread should have been used by the entire automotive industrie IN THE FIRST PLACE!! I have said this for decades! The taper tightens up quickly, and PREVENTS any further tightening and therefore stripping. I have saved Jiffy lube hundreds of dollars on just these three pans. It works so well; it will scare You! If I have 'caught' you in time, before you have done any cutting to the crossmember, You are in luck! Try this procedure and you'll be smiling for months. Good-Luck with it!!