Stripped Oil Plug

[Anonymous]

I wish I was never born. I think I really messed things up this time.

Yesterday, I changed my oil, like Ive done a few times before. But, apparently I tightened the plug bot too much. I rode the bike around yesterday and then parked it in my garage for the night. This morning, I noticed a puddle below the bike (fresh oil.) So, I did the logical thing and tried to find the source of the leak- I found that it was coming from the area that the plug contacts the bottom of the engine.

So, I dumped the oil into a pan and cleaned the threads of the plug. I wiped the washer and the bottom of the engine. As I was pouring the oil back into the engine, I noticed a few metal specs and several small metal circles.

Needless to say, It still leaks. Now, I don't have a clue what to do. The bolt wont tighten, it spins, but will not tighten.

If you know how to seal this plug in a way so it can be removed, It would be appreciated.

Thanks, Matt

[Anonymous]

I've heard that NAPA and others carry oversized, self-threading replacement plugs.

Michael

[Anonymous]

I've also heard that replacement plugs are made, but I heard that aluminum doesnt thred very well. If I runed the hole completely, then Im really screwed.

[Anonymous]

I've also heard that replacement plugs are made, but Doesnt aluminum thred poorly. If I runed the hole completely, then Im really screwed

No, aluminum is a soft metal and one of the easiest to put threads into.

Michael

[jonr]

Napa does have the oversized plugs, but make sure the pitch of the threads match. I tried to do this for my 78 GS750 and all they had was an M14-1.5 and I needed an M14-1.25.

otherwise, your're talking about a complete re-thread and you might as well put a piggy-back in if you're going to do that.

-Jon

[nabrams]

If they have a helicoil that is the right size then you should do that. It's a bit more involved (drill, tap and insert coil) but it's worth it.
I've done a spark plug hole and several bolt holes with excellent results.
Just make sure you follow the instructions precisely.

[Anonymous]

Something that isn't as easy, but may work better is to go junkyard diving. I think my local zuke dealer sold me the oil pan gasket for 11 bucks. You could get a new gasket and buy an old oil pan. I can't see them charging too much for it. (Unless you live in boise, those guys smoke crack!!.)

[bgmart450]

I got my gasket off Bikebandit for 6$, and I got the sump cover off ebay with an oil filter cover and all nuts and bolts for less than 20 if I remember correctly. I still have yet to put it on....

So is it more common to strip the plug from overtightening than cross threading? I would like to avoid doing this to either of our bikes if I could. (My bike came to me stripped)

[mdole]

I am going the oil pan route on my 81 750. I don't think they have any 400's at the junk yard but if you like I can check for you.

Mike

[jonr]

One thing to mention:

The torque specs for my 78 GS750 indicate only 7 (yes seven) ft-lbs or torque for the oil drain plug. Hard to believe, but then again, not really. It's a 14mm bolt threading into about 3mm of aluminum. Easy to roast!

-jon

[MichaelHoward]

Guess I will be the one to be cheap here but,,,

Mine did that a few years back and I just put some red RV silicone around the bolt, about an eigth of an inch and re-tightenend the bolt. No leaks for 3 years so far. :roll: