Installation of oversized oil drain plug

[Schreiber]

Stripped my oil drain plug threads - like an idiot. Tried replacing with original size plug... was still leaking oil. Got a self-tapping single oversized plug. At the moment, I'm nearly jumping up and down on my wrench, REALLY PUTTING A LOT OF TORQUE on the darn thing, trying to tap new threads. Need to find out how much torque is required to install a self-tapping oversized plug.

 

[knack]

All I can think to suggest is to treat it like a tap. Crank it in a bit, back it out, turn it in a half turn further, back it out. Lots of lubricant - that's probably not a problem, with oil dripping out of the pan. If it doesn't start cutting new threads try another new plug. If the edges of the tapping plug roll over when they are supposed to be cutting, the tap (plug) is junk - need to try another one.
If it won't start at all - maybe it's just too big a plug? Need to find a slightly smaller replacement.

 

[KyleQ]

Yuck - that sucks. Does the package say to pre-drill?

 

[bknbronco]

Mine was stripped years ago. I think I ended up with a slightly larger self taping plug like you got, but it can be too much to big. For some reason I remember getting a metric plug. You probably cant just jump to the next size standard plug, the metric will probably end up between the two.

What size plug did you get?

 

[Broncobowsher]

Does it say 1X, 2X or 3X? The 1X is for the first time you strip it out.
The 2x is for when you strip out the 1x.
If you are up to the 3x you need to quit changing your own oil.

 

[OldBarnBronco]

I wonder, is this included in the disclaimer on a 3X replacement plug?

 

[KyddsPly]

You can use a pan saver as well. One side looks like a wing nut that anchors inside the pan then just spin the it tight. We use them at work and the hold great. Replace every 2-3 oil changes.

 

[Schreiber]

Thank for the assistance, guys. Finally got it all the way in!

Crank it in a bit, back it out, turn it in a half turn further, back it out.

It took backing it out, and then going another few turns, again and again. Took longer than expected.

Does the package say to pre-drill?

No instructions included - which was a pain. It was self-tapping though.

What size plug did you get?

Does it say 1X, 2X or 3X? The 1X is for the first time you strip it out.

1/2"-20 1X oversized