Oil drain plug stripped out

[midlifec]

I changed the oil for the first time in my 94 XII and the front drain plug does not seem to be tightening down. The threads on the end of the plug were a little smashed so I ran the correct size metric die down it and it cleaned up great, however when I tighten it down it doesn't seem to lock down tight and I am afraid to turn it much tighter. Has anyone tried to Helicoil this and if so was it successful or is there a better fix for it?

[Mr Jensee]

There is an alternative to a helicoil. There is a company that makes a threaded insert and fits the same or smaller metric plug. Ezlock Inserts have several metric sizes, though at the moment I am not sure of the bolt size. You can go by any bolt supply house and have them check the diameter and thread pitch to order the correct Ezlock one to fit. My suggestion is if you go this route, go ahead and order a new drain plug and don't reuse the old one.
http://www.ezlok.com/InsertsMetal/installVideo.html
I hope this helps.

[RCK]

You might want to check with Carl Leo the one he uses is http://www.timesert.com this looks like a better insert than a Heli coil. RCK

[doug of so fla]

To avoid damaging the threads on the XII oil filter and plugs a good tip is to go by the spec's in the manual and never tighten the drain system without a torque wrench. 14ft lbs for filter and 22lbs for the plugs. These threads are built on small stanchions in the oil pan and have very little meat to them. Also the brake caliper bolts need to be torqued exactly (24ft lbs) or will not come off without damaging them..