Retightening Oil Pan Plug: A Step-By-Step Guide

The Lisle 58850 Oil Pan Plug Rethreading Kit is a popular choice for those wanting to rethread an oil pan plug. The kit includes a piloted drill, a spring-loaded tapping tool, and five magnetic drain plugs. It is designed to work on soft steel and aluminum oil pans with 1/2, 12mm, and 14mm threads. It is important to note that rethreading an oil pan plug is a complex task that requires mechanical knowledge and skills. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is recommended to seek professional help to ensure a safe and effective repair.

Using a Lisle 58850 Oil Pan Plug Rethread Kit

The Lisle 58850 Oil Pan Plug Rethread Kit is a useful tool for repairing a stripped oil pan plug. The kit includes a piloted drill, a spring-loaded tapping tool, and five magnetic drain plugs. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use this kit:

Step 1: Prepare the Work Area

Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary safety equipment, such as gloves and eye protection. Place a drain pan or container under the oil pan to catch any oil that may leak during the process.

Step 2: Remove the Damaged Thread

Using the piloted drill provided in the kit, carefully drill out the damaged thread. This step will create a smooth surface for the new thread to be tapped. It is important to work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the oil pan further.

Step 3: Clean the Area

Once you have drilled out the damaged thread, use a clean cloth or brush to remove any metal shavings or debris from the area. It is crucial to ensure that no debris falls into the oil pan or the engine.

Step 4: Tap the New Thread

The Lisle 58850 Kit comes with a unique spring-loaded tapping tool. This tool ensures that the new thread will be perpendicular to the gasket surface, preventing leakage. Carefully follow the instructions provided with the kit to tap the new thread.

Step 5: Install the Magnetic Drain Plug

After tapping the new thread, install one of the five magnetic drain plugs included in the kit. These plugs are designed to fit the new thread size and create a secure seal to prevent oil leaks. Make sure to torque the drain plug to the specified tightness.

Step 6: Test for Leaks

Once you have installed the new drain plug, refill the engine with oil and allow it to run for a few minutes. Place a drip pan or cardboard under the oil pan to check for any signs of leaks. If there are no leaks, your repair is complete!

Using the Lisle 58850 Oil Pan Plug Rethread Kit can save you time and money by repairing a stripped oil pan plug without having to replace the entire oil pan. It is important to work carefully and follow the instructions provided with the kit to ensure a successful repair.

Removing damaged threads and tapping new ones

The process of removing damaged threads and tapping new ones involves several steps and requires some specialised tools. The first step is to identify the size and pitch of the damaged thread. This can be done using a thread pitch gauge or by matching the thread to a nut or bolt of a known size. Once the size and pitch of the thread have been determined, the correct tap can be selected. There are several types of taps available, including taper, plug, and bottoming taps. For repairing damaged threads, a taper or bottoming tap is usually the best choice.

With the correct tap selected, the next step is to lubricate the thread and tap with a suitable lubricant, such as WD-40 or cutting fluid. This will help to reduce friction and prevent the tap from becoming stuck in the hole. The tap should then be slowly and carefully inserted into the hole, ensuring that it is aligned correctly and does not become crooked. As the tap is inserted, it will cut new threads into the metal, repairing the damage. It is important to take your time during this step and to back the tap out occasionally to remove any debris and lubricate the tap.

Once the new threads have been cut, the hole should be cleaned out using compressed air, brake cleaner, or lubricant to remove any remaining debris. Finally, a new fastener can be installed, taking care not to over-tighten it and damage the threads again.

In some cases, it may be necessary to drill out the existing threads and tap the hole to accept a larger fastener. This is a common practice when dealing with cast iron and steel alloys, which have a higher hardness rating and greater thread strength. When a larger fastener is not an option, an insert can be installed to repair the damaged threads and allow the use of the original fastener size.

One popular type of insert is the HeliCoil, which is made from square, stainless-steel wire wound in a diamond profile that fits into the repair threads. HeliCoils require a specific type of tap known as a Screw Thread Insert (STI) tap, which is larger in diameter than a standard tap of the same designation. The hole is drilled and tapped to accept the HeliCoil insert, which is then screwed into place using an installation tool. Once the insert is in the correct position, a tang on the end of the insert is broken off to secure it in place.

Another option for repairing damaged threads is the TIME-SERT, which is a solid carbon steel or stainless-steel insert with synchronised inner and outer threads. TIME-SERTs also require an STI tap and a combination drill/counter-boring tool or a separate counterbore to create a flange that allows for precise positioning of the insert. The insert is then threaded into the hole using an installation tool, and a thread locker can be applied to the outer threads for additional strength.

A third type of insert is the Keensert, which is a thick-walled, solid-body insert with retaining keys. Keenserts use standard taps that are two steps larger than the original threaded hole, resulting in a larger hole and tap diameter compared to HeliCoils and TIME-SERTs. The insert is threaded into the drilled and tapped hole using an installation tool, and the retaining keys are then driven into position using the same tool, providing maximum resistance to vibration.

Using a piloted drill

The Lisle 58850 Oil Pan Plug Rethread Kit includes a piloted drill, a spring-loaded tapping tool, and 5 magnetic drain plugs. This kit is designed to remove damaged threads and tap new oversized threads. The unique tapping tool ensures that the new thread will be perpendicular to the gasket surface to prevent leakage.

• Before beginning the rethreading process, it is important to drain the oil from the oil pan. This will prevent oil spills and make it easier to access the plug.
• Locate the oil pan plug and remove it using a suitable tool, such as a socket wrench or an oil filter wrench.
• Once the plug is removed, inspect the condition of the threads inside the oil pan. If the threads are stripped or damaged, proceed to the next step.
• Take the piloted drill from the kit and insert it into the drill chuck. Ensure that the drill bit is securely tightened in the chuck.
• Position the piloted drill over the damaged threads and adjust the drill speed to a low setting. This will help prevent the drill from flinging shavings inside the oil pan.
• Start drilling slowly and apply firm but controlled pressure. The piloted drill will guide the drill bit to create new threads of the correct size and orientation.
• As you drill, periodically pause to wipe off the drill bit and remove any metal shavings or debris. This will help maintain the accuracy of the drilling process and prevent the buildup of excess material.
• Continue drilling until you have created new threads that are deep enough to accommodate the replacement plug.
• After drilling, use a tap from the kit to create new threads. Ensure that the tap is lubricated to aid in the process and capture any remaining shavings.
• Once the tapping is complete, use a pick tool or a magnet to remove any remaining metal shavings from the oil pan.
• Install a new magnetic drain plug into the freshly tapped hole. Ensure that the plug is tightened securely, following the manufacturer's torque specifications.
• Refill the oil pan with new oil, following the vehicle's recommended oil type and capacity.

By following these steps and using the piloted drill from the Lisle 58850 kit, you can effectively rethread an oil pan plug, ensuring a secure and leak-proof fit for the replacement plug.

Using a spring-loaded tapping tool

The Lisle 58850 Oil Pan Plug Rethread Kit is a great option for rethreading your oil pan plug. This kit includes a piloted drill, a spring-loaded tapping tool, and five magnetic drain plugs.

Step 1: Prepare the Work Area

Before you begin, gather all the necessary tools and materials, including the Lisle 58850 kit, safety gear such as gloves and eye protection, and a workbench or flat surface to work on. Make sure you have adequate lighting and a clear workspace to avoid any accidents.

Step 2: Remove the Damaged Plug and Clean the Area

If the damaged oil plug is still in place, use the appropriate tool to remove it carefully. Once the plug is removed, clean the area around the oil pan plug hole to ensure that there is no dirt, grease, or debris that could interfere with the rethreading process.

Step 3: Inspect the Threads

Before proceeding, take a close look at the threads of the oil pan plug hole. Identify any damage, such as stripped or cross-threaded areas. This will help you determine the extent of the repair and ensure that the spring-loaded tapping tool is the appropriate solution.

Step 4: Prepare the Piloted Drill

The Lisle 58850 kit includes a piloted drill that is used to create a new, larger hole for the rethreaded plug. Carefully insert the piloted drill into the drill chuck and tighten it securely. You may also need to apply a suitable lubricant to the drill bit to reduce friction and heat during drilling.

Step 5: Drill a New Hole

Position the piloted drill bit over the existing oil pan plug hole. Ensure that the bit is aligned correctly and securely clamped or held in place. Start drilling slowly and with gentle pressure to create a new, larger hole. Take your time and periodically check the progress to avoid drilling too deep or off-center.

Step 6: Use the Spring-Loaded Tapping Tool

Now it's time to use the spring-loaded tapping tool. This unique tool ensures that the new thread will be perpendicular to the gasket surface, preventing leakage. Carefully insert the tapping tool into the new hole and begin tapping the new threads. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the correct technique and ensure that the tool is securely held or clamped during this process.

Step 7: Clean the Area and Insert the New Plug

Once you have finished tapping the new threads, use a clean cloth or brush to remove any metal shavings or debris from the area. Then, take one of the new magnetic drain plugs included in the kit and carefully insert it into the newly tapped hole. Ensure that the plug is seated correctly and securely tightened.

Step 8: Final Checks and Testing

After inserting the new plug, take a moment to inspect your work. Ensure that the plug is securely in place and that there are no signs of leakage. Double-check all your connections and components to make sure everything is properly tightened and aligned.

Finally, you can refill the oil and start your engine to test for any leaks. If no leaks are detected, congratulations! You have successfully rethreaded your oil pan plug using the spring-loaded tapping tool.

Using magnetic drain plugs

Magnetic drain plugs are an effective way to remove steel particles from your engine oil. They are cheap and easy to install, and can be purchased from a reputable brand or as a steel magnetic drain plug. When installing a magnetic drain plug, it is important to ensure that the thread pitch of the new plug matches the stock one.

Magnetic drain plugs work by attracting and collecting ferromagnetic crud, which can include normal wear particles shed off of things like your primary gear, transmission gears, and piston rings. This helps to keep your engine oil clean and free of debris, which can improve the performance and longevity of your engine.

Some people may question the need for magnetic drain plugs, as most engines have an oil filter that is already effective at removing particles. However, magnetic drain plugs can capture steel particles that are smaller than 30 microns, which is the average size of particles captured by oil filters. These small particles can be the most destructive, as they can fit into tight spaces in your engine and cause damage.

Additionally, magnetic drain plugs can provide an added layer of protection for your engine. Based on the sludge and gunk that can be wiped off of magnetic drain plugs, they seem to be effective at capturing and removing debris from engine oil.

Overall, magnetic drain plugs are a simple and inexpensive way to help maintain the health of your engine. They can capture and remove small, destructive steel particles that may not be captured by an oil filter alone. If you are considering adding a magnetic drain plug to your engine, be sure to purchase a quality product from a reputable brand and ensure that the thread pitch matches your stock plug.

Frequently asked questions