Stripped sump plug thread M62 4.4 V8

[p38arover]

A week or so back, Scouse and I removed the sump to check for bits of plastic from the timing chain guides. Thankfully, there was none.

However, while the sump was off, we saw the plug hole thread was damaged. The plug is very short - less than half the depth of the hole thread. It wasn't practical for us to go into town to try to hunt down a longer plug and we didn't have any suitable bolts we could use. The thread as M12x1.5 - not a standard bolt size. M12 are usually 1.25 or 1.75mm thread pitch.

So we did a bodge of wrapping the plug with lots of thread sealing tape pending arrival of a helicoil kit. When that arrives, I'll drop the sump again and bolt it to my drill press table where I can rotate and angle the sump such that I can accurately drill and tap a true hole.

Regrettably, the tape did little to stop the oil leaking. Scouse later came across these sump plugs at SuperCheap: Oil Drain Plug | Drain Plug | Sump Plug

I have temporarily fitted one of these sump plugs. The thread is about twice as long as the original BMW plug. For the first time since I have owned the car, there are no oil drips off the sump plug.

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Early yesterday morning (blasted dog woke me with a cold nose in my face at 4:40am!) I did the change without draining the sump (cold engine, the Rangie was already up on the ramps in readiness). I dropped a bit of oil into an oil drain pan under the car. Getting the thread started was a tad difficult, possibly because of the O-ring. It needed pressing in whilst tightening.

It also took a fair bit of torque to tighten (I know I should have used my torque wrench to check). I don't know if that was due to the O-ring or because it was cutting new thread.

I'll find out when I drop the sump to helicoil it. This Smart plug can't be used with helicoils so I've ordered a couple of magnetic plugs from China at $3 each.

s-l1600.jpg

The helicoil (copy) kit also from China was $20.

s-l1600 (1).jpg

[101RRS]

Ron - why not drill the hole and retap to a common sump thread size - probably easier than drilling, retapping for a helicoil, putting it in and getting a new sump plug.

Likewise you can by sump plug kits that come with the plug already in a threaded insert - you just drill and tap the sump hole to fit the insert which is locktighted in and the plug just screws into it - many of the independent parts suppliers (not Repco or Supercheap carry them and they are not expensive).

I recently did that on a sump of mine on another car and works fine and was simple to do.

Garry

[Grappler]

To avoid stripping and the need to replace the plug each service I have fitted this permanent type sump drain valve to my Landrovers
Available in M12 -1,5
With a fitted tube for draining the oil can be directed into a container without a mess. The screw on cover keeps it free of dust and is a double leak prevention

The stahlbus(R) oil drain valve

[Nomad9]

Hi Grappler, I’ve done the same to both my Rangies, only difference for me was I fitted the Fumoto valve and not the one you fitted. Works a treat and drip free even when changing the oil. Easy to drop a small amount of oil out if you accidentally overfill.

Cheers Marty

[Laurie]

I agree Marty, very popular in the UK also. For extra piece of mind you can get a security clip and dust cover for under $10.


Fumoto Oil Drain Valve - Something good for a change


Laurie

[p38arover]

Ron - why not drill the hole and retap to a common sump thread size - probably easier than drilling, retapping for a helicoil, putting it in and getting a new sump plug.

Yes, that was considered but I couldn't recall just how much meat there was around the hole. I suppose if there's enough for a helicoil, there's enough for a 14mm sump plug.

Re the Fumoto, that was suggested on the FullFatRR forum. There is an Australian supplier, too. It's still an option after I repair the thread.

That Stahlbus looks the goods! Thanks for that link.

EDIT: Where did you get it? The German and French sites don't show Australia as a shipping destination and the US site wants another US$30 to ship it.

[Grappler]

I got the stahlbus from a motor cycle shop in Victoria online
It was a few years ago
I replaced a fumoto with the stahlbus
They stickout further than the stahlbus which is very flush and has the extra dust cap

[p38arover]

Thanks Grappler. I'll hunt around.

One thing I forgot t say earlier - if I tapped the aluminium sump out to 14mm, I'd still be in a situation where the threads could stripp again. I'd hope that didn't occur with the helicoil.

I wish I knew what happened to all Dad's tools when he went into a nursing home, he had genuine Helicoil tools in his kit. He's losing it a bit these days (he's nearly 98) so there's little chance of him remembering.

[Roverlord off road spares]

Yes, that was considered but I couldn't recall just how much meat there was around the hole. I suppose if there's enough for a helicoil, there's enough for a 14mm sump plug.

Re the Fumoto, that was suggested on the FullFatRR forum. There is an Australian supplier, too. It's still an option after I repair the thread.

That Stahlbus looks the goods! Thanks for that link.

EDIT: Where did you get it? The German and French sites don't show Australia as a shipping destination and the US site wants another US$30 to ship it.

I don't like the Fumoto lever type idea if knocked then oil can leak out, the Stahlbus has a cap to stop oil leakage. Stahlbus show this mob as Aussie seller.
IMS - International Motorsport Solutions PTY LTD

Straße / Street:
1/53 Elm Park Drive

Plz / Zip code:
3029

Stadt / City:
Hoppers Crossing, Victoria

Land / Country:
Australia

Telefon / Phone:
+61 (0) 3 8742 7000

Fax:
+61 (0) 3 8742 7015

E-Mail:
simon@ims-racing.com.au

Website:
http://www.ims-racing.com.au

[p38arover]

Thanks Mario or Heather.

I've seen others comment that the Fumoto can't be accidentally knocked open. There are also 2 types of lever lock to prevent that.

More of concern might be, for an off-roader (mine isn't), striking the valve on a rock.

EDIT: Re International Motorsport Solutions, their website only lists Stahlbus as a clearance item and not in a suitable size.