Tapping Oil Pan For Supercharger: Easy Step-By-Step Guide

Tapping an oil pan involves punching a small hole in the side of the oil pan above the oil line, then using a tap to create threads to secure the hose barb fitting. This process is necessary to attach an oil drain line to the pan. While it is possible to tap an oil pan while it is still on the car, it is generally recommended to remove the pan first to avoid the risk of engine damage from metal shavings. When removing the oil pan, it is important to jack up the car, remove the front passenger wheel, and mark the target hole location according to the provided instructions. Some additional tools that may be needed include a 3/8 NPT tap, a plumb bob, bearing grease or similar lubricant, and a hammer.

Punch a hole in the oil pan

Punching a hole in the oil pan is a crucial step in tapping the pan for a supercharger installation. This process involves creating a small hole in a specific location above the oil line, which will then be used to secure the hose barb fitting for the oil drain line.

• Jack up the car and remove the front passenger wheel. Remove the mud shield, but leave the oil in the car. The hole will be above the oil line, so there is no need to drain the oil.
• Crawl under the car and mark the spot on the oil pan where you will punch the hole. This location should be specified in the supercharger installation instructions.
• Use a sharpie to mark the depth of the plumb bob on the pipe. This will ensure that you do not push it too far into the pan.
• (Optional) Drill a small pilot hole to make it easier to pierce the pan. If you do this, make sure to lubricate the drill bit with grease to catch any shavings.
• Place the point of the plumb bob into the hole while someone else taps the pipe from the wheel well. This may take a few tries as the initial taper on the plumb bob is steep. Once past the point, remove the tip to prevent contact with any internal components.
• Stop tapping when the hole is slightly smaller than the desired final size. You want to ensure that the entire hole is uniform in size and not just the outermost diameter.
• Grease the tap to catch any shavings during the tapping process. This is important to prevent debris from falling into the oil pan.
• Tap the hole with the grease-packed tap, being careful to keep the tap straight. Follow the normal tap procedure, going half a turn and then backing a quarter turn, until the tap reaches the desired depth.
• Once the hole is tapped, apply Teflon tape and silicone to the fitting and screw it into place. Be careful not to overtighten, as there are only a few threads holding the fitting in place.
• Finally, drain the oil to wash out any shavings or debris that may have fallen into the pan during the process.

It is important to note that this process can vary slightly depending on the specific supercharger kit and vehicle being used. Always refer to the provided instructions for exact measurements and locations. Additionally, some people choose to remove the oil pan before punching and tapping the hole, which can make the process easier.

Secure the hose barb fitting

Securing the hose barb fitting is a crucial step in tapping an oil pan for a supercharger. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

First, it is important to understand what a hose barb fitting is and how it works. A hose barb is a type of coupling inserted into hoses and tubing. It has ridges that grip the tube, creating a secure and tight connection. When it comes to selecting the right hose barb fitting, it is important to consider the inside diameter of the tube. Soft tubing works best with hose barbs, as it allows for a stronger connection.

Now, let's get into the step-by-step process of securing the hose barb fitting:

• After creating the tapped hole in the oil pan, use a tap to create threads. This will allow you to securely seat the hose barb.
• Pack the flutes of the tap with a generous amount of multipurpose grease or bearing grease. This step is crucial as it helps catch any particles or shavings, preventing them from entering the oil pan.
• Carefully tap the grease-packed tap straight into the hole. Be extra cautious to ensure the tap goes in straight and does not bend. A slight bend in the tap can result in a crooked hole.
• Follow the standard tap procedure, turning the tap half a turn and then backing it out by a quarter turn. Repeat this process until the tap reaches the desired depth. Typically, a depth of about 1/4" to 3/8" is recommended.
• At this point, you should have a well-threaded hole ready for the hose barb fitting. Apply Teflon tape and silicone to the fitting. This will ensure a tight and secure connection.
• Carefully crank the hose barb fitting into the threaded hole. Be sure not to overtighten it, as there are only a few threads holding it in place. However, you can make it pretty tight, and extra silicone won't hurt.
• Once the hose barb fitting is securely in place, you can move on to the next step of draining the oil to wash out any shavings or particles that may have gotten into the oil pan during the process.

Securing the hose barb fitting is a delicate but straightforward process. By following these steps, you can ensure a tight and leak-free connection, which is crucial for the proper functioning of your supercharger.

Attach the oil drain line

Attaching the oil drain line is a crucial step in tapping an oil pan for a supercharger. Here is a detailed guide on how to attach the oil drain line:

Step 1: Mark the Location

Using the provided instructions and measurements, identify and mark the exact location where you will drill the hole for the oil drain line. This spot should be above the oil line to prevent oil leakage.

Step 2: Drill a Pilot Hole

Although optional, some people recommend drilling a tiny pilot hole first. Lubricate your drill bit with grease to catch any metal shavings and make it easier to pierce the oil pan. This pilot hole will help guide your larger drill bit and reduce the risk of slipping.

Step 3: Drill the Hole

Use a sharp punch or drill bit to create a hole in the marked location. The size of the hole will depend on the diameter of your oil drain line fitting. Ensure that the hole is straight and clean to facilitate a tight and leak-free connection.

Step 4: Tap the Hole

Using a tap (a tool for creating threads inside a hole), create female threads inside the hole you just drilled. Choose a tap that matches the size and thread pattern of your oil drain line fitting. Grease the tap's flutes to capture any metal shavings and prevent them from falling into the oil pan. Be careful to tap the hole straight and deep enough to accommodate the fitting securely.

Step 5: Attach the Oil Drain Line

Now you are ready to attach the oil drain line. Apply Teflon tape and silicone to the fitting to ensure a tight and leak-proof seal. Carefully thread the fitting into the tapped hole by hand, being cautious not to cross-thread. Once the fitting is secure, you can use a wrench to gently tighten it further, being careful not to overtighten.

Step 6: Final Checks

After attaching the oil drain line, it is crucial to perform final checks to ensure everything is secure and functional. Refill the oil to the manufacturer's recommended level and carefully inspect for any signs of leaks around the fitting. Run the engine and observe for any unusual noises or issues. If everything appears normal, congratulations! You have successfully attached the oil drain line.

Avoid metal shavings

Tapping or drilling an oil pan to install a supercharger can result in metal shavings entering the oil, which is a serious issue that can cause engine damage and failure. To avoid this problem, there are several precautions you can take:

• Use a Tap: Instead of drilling, consider using a tap to create threads in the oil pan for the supercharger's oil return bung. Taps are designed to capture metal shavings in their flutes, reducing the risk of contamination. Grease the flutes of the tap to help retain the shavings.
• Punch a Hole: Another method is to punch a hole in the oil pan. This process stretches the metal into the pan, providing more material for the tap to cut into. It also helps prevent metal shavings from entering the oil.
• Weld a Bung: Alternatively, you can weld a bung onto the oil pan before tapping it. This adds material to the pan, providing a more secure and leak-proof connection for the supercharger's oil return line.
• Magnetise Your Drain: Using a magnetic drain plug can help capture any metal shavings that do end up in the oil. You can also place magnets on the outside of the oil pan near the drain to attract and hold metal shavings, making it easier to remove them.
• Regular Oil Changes: Performing regular oil changes and using an oil filter with magnets can help prevent metal shavings from building up and causing damage. Change your oil and filter frequently, especially after tapping or drilling the oil pan, to reduce the risk of contamination and engine issues.

Remember, metal shavings in the oil can lead to costly repairs and engine failure. Taking these precautions will help you avoid this problem and ensure the smooth operation of your supercharged engine.

Use a tap to create threads

Tapping a pan involves punching a small hole in the side of the oil pan above the oil line and then using a tap to create threads to secure the hose barb fitting. The tap is a tool used to create female threads in a punched hole. The process of cutting or forming threads using a tap is called tapping.

To use a tap to create threads, start by choosing a tap and drill set in the size you need. Tap and drill sets include drill bits and taps that match each other. You can find these sets at your local hardware or home improvement store, or you can order them online.

Once you have the correct size tap and drill set, follow these steps:

• Clamp the metal in place with a vise or C-clamp to prevent it from moving.
• Use a center punch to make a divot where you plan to drill. This will help the drill bit grip and penetrate the surface more effectively.
• Insert the drill bit into the end of your drill and tighten it securely.
• Apply drilling oil into the divot to lubricate and prevent the drill bit from overheating.
• Place the end of the drill bit into the divot and start drilling slowly, gradually increasing the speed to medium.
• Remove the drill bit every 1 inch (2.5 cm) to blow out metal flakes and shavings, then continue drilling.
• Once you have pierced through the metal, insert the tap that matches the hole into a T-handle.
• Apply drilling oil into the hole to lubricate it.
• Fit the end of the tap into the hole, making sure it is straight and aligned correctly.
• Rotate the T-handle clockwise to start tapping the hole and creating threads. Avoid putting too much pressure on the handle and allow the tap to work on its own.
• Continue turning the T-handle until the tap sticks out of the other side of the hole, then turn it counterclockwise to remove the tap.

By following these steps, you can use a tap to create threads in a punched hole when tapping an oil pan for a supercharger.

Frequently asked questions