Oil pan drain plug

[93ToyCorolla]

Today I was helping a friend do an oil change and when removing the drain plug it feels like it is crossthreaded. Can not take it out by hand once it is loosened. Can not screw it in by hand when putting it back on. I tighten it snug but was afraid to tighten it to torque spec. Seems OK as far as no leaks.
Is there a fix for this or does the whole pan need to be replaced. Thanks!

[tech8]

You may not have to replace the entire oil pan just because the drain plug is cross-threaded. The steel flange inside the oil pan, into which the threads are cut, is harder than the drain plug, which will be stripped during removal. If the pan's threads cannot be cleaned up and restored, there are drain plug repair kits available in the aftermarket.

There are oversized plugs you can buy, rethreading kits with inserts or self-tapping plugs. And there are rubber expanding plugs.

Here's are a couple of articles:

http://www.popularmechanics.com/auto...c/1272161.html
http://www.popularmechanics.com/auto...tml?page=2&c=y

Here is a site showing some oversize plugs, etc.:

http://www.cgenterprises.com/drain_p...ize_repair.htm

Oversize plugs and repair kits should be available at your local auto supply shop.

[freakinbox]

well it's a 93 so I would say depends on the condition of the oil pan. If it looks all rusted and beat up I say might as well replace it before it gets a hole since now you have a reason to. If it looks nice then try his ideas. But it would depends on how much steel there is there for the threads. I would say buy one and keep it off to the side just incase this repair job goes down hill.

[93ToyCorolla]

Very good info!!!

[93ToyCorolla]

I read on another forum that is we are dealing with a 12mm bolt the easy fix is to tap it to 1/2-20. He says there is no need to drill. Sounds like a good option since 1/2-20 are standard drain pan bolts that can be purchased. What do you think??