Replacing/swapping the bottom case (78 GS 400X)

[General Zod]

I have a 1978 GS 400 X.

My 14mm drain plug got stripped.
I messed it up further by trying to re tap the threads upside down with out having to take the engine out and flipping it upside down.

QUESTION:

Can I take the bottom pan out without anything falling out?
Meaning, that I dont have to pull the whole motor out and flip it upside down.


someone told me i could do that and nothing would fall out, but i dont want to risk it unless someone can professionally advise me to do so or someoen with expereince in doing so with a 78 GS 400.

the manual for my bike says that in disassembly I ahve to take the motor out piece by piece and then flip it over to show the bottom case.

SHORT CUT QUESTION:

Can I do this without having to take my whole motor out and flipping it over?
CAnt I just remove the pan with the engine still in place within the bike and swap it with another bottom case?

[Ironriot]

Short cuts never work out good in the end.... BUT taking the motor out and apart to get to the pan? That sounds ridiculous. But I dunno I've never taken the pan off

[bwringer]

In looking at the fiche, it appears that this model does not have a separate oil pan.

Your best option, barring removing and entirely disassembling the engine, might be an expanding rubber drain plug. I've used these in cars before with no problems.

Depending on how badly the hole is damaged from your previous efforts, you might also be able to use an oversized drain plug.

Both are available from your friendly corner auto parts emporium.

[tkent02]

Another half assed fix...
Drill a hole through the old drain plug, tap it and put a bolt into it...this is your new oil drain. Now install this old plug into the old stripped out hole with JB Weld, it is in there permanently and should not leak. It will take a little bit longer to drain the oil but that doesn't really matter, does it?

[BassCliff]

Plug it up!

Mr. General Zod,

Have you tried an oversized drain plug? Like these? Just a suggestion. They're self-tapping, many have magnets to pick up bits of metal and keep them from circulating. Like Mr. bwringer says, you should be able to find them at your local auto store.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Suzuki_Don]

Great Site Cliff

Cliff thats a great site. I will use that one in the future.
Cheers. Don