Stripped threads on oil pan won't release oil plug ?!?!

Atomicteal_M3 · 09-20-2014, 03:57 PM

I recently purchased a 2008 E90 M3 from a private seller on this forum. Today, I took the car in for an oil change and the tech told me that he could not unscrew one of the oil plugs. He said that it just turns and turns. He also told me that he literally had to use a breaker bar to unscrew the first oil plug and that whoever previously change the oil must have over tighten the plugs. I checked it out for myself and the screw in fact does turn either way without tightening nor loosening. Now I'm stuck not being able to get a oil change. I believe my only alternative is to buy a new oil pan. The best price I've found so far is around $900 shipped. Are there any other things I can do to remedy this issue before I pull the trigger on this oil pan??

C|3R1C · 09-20-2014, 04:01 PM

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1036134

Try to drill it out?

Atomicteal_M3 · 09-20-2014, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C|3R1C

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1036134

Try to drill it out?

I never thought about that but it sounds very good! I will attempt that Monday. Thanks....

surlynkid · 09-20-2014, 04:40 PM

You must turn while prying at it or pulling down to overcome the stripped section. Tough but possible.

tinman831 · 09-20-2014, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by surlynkid

You must turn while prying at it or pulling down to overcome the stripped section. Tough but possible.

This. Plus you can retap the threads and get an appropriately sized plug. This happens now and then. No need to buy a new pan unless they completely trashed the drain hole.

Atomicteal_M3 · 09-20-2014, 04:49 PM

Thanks guys for all the ideas. I wanted exhaust every measure before ordering a new oil pan. Much appreciated!!

Sirius Black · 09-25-2014, 10:25 AM

I had the same problem with my car. A Time-Sert kit saved me big time. Did it myself, very easy. You drill out the old threads, re-tap a little larger, add steel threaded insert, then just put your drain plug back in.

Groundpilot · 09-25-2014, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sirius Black

I had the same problem with my car. A Time-Sert kit saved me big time. Did it myself, very easy. You drill out the old threads, re-tap a little larger, add steel threaded insert, then just put your drain plug back in.

I learned something new. Thanks.

Atomicteal_M3 · 09-25-2014, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sirius Black

I had the same problem with my car. A Time-Sert kit saved me big time. Did it myself, very easy. You drill out the old threads, re-tap a little larger, add steel threaded insert, then just put your drain plug back in.

Its at a local shop and I believe that's what they are doing. The tech explained the procedure and it sounded pretty much like what you described.

09-20-2014, 03:57 PM	#1
Atomicteal_M3 Brigadier General 748 Rep 4,429 Posts Drives: E90 M3 AW Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: FT. Bragg, NC. iTrader: (28) Garage List 2007 335i [9.00]	Stripped threads on oil pan won't release oil plug ?!?! I recently purchased a 2008 E90 M3 from a private seller on this forum. Today, I took the car in for an oil change and the tech told me that he could not unscrew one of the oil plugs. He said that it just turns and turns. He also told me that he literally had to use a breaker bar to unscrew the first oil plug and that whoever previously change the oil must have over tighten the plugs. I checked it out for myself and the screw in fact does turn either way without tightening nor loosening. Now I'm stuck not being able to get a oil change. I believe my only alternative is to buy a new oil pan. The best price I've found so far is around $900 shipped. Are there any other things I can do to remedy this issue before I pull the trigger on this oil pan?? __________________ ModeCarbon V1 CF lip/PF AG CF SS ext./ARKYM CF Diffuser/OSS AE's/B&G Springs/CF Performance Spoiler/V2 Led Performance SW/Meisterschaft GT exhaust
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09-20-2014, 04:01 PM	#2
C\|3R1C So Kewl Guy 49 Rep 619 Posts Drives: 2010 E93 M3 DCT Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (3)	http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1036134 Try to drill it out? __________________ 2010 E93 M3 / MS Catless X-Pipe / AA Catback / Vorsteiner Vented Hood and Bootlid E93 Trunk / ADV1 7.1 Wheels GB / LS3 LED Lights / Harrop Supercharger
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09-20-2014, 04:40 PM	#4
surlynkid Major 115 Rep 1,470 Posts Drives: 2013 E92 M3 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: League City, TX iTrader: (1) Garage List 2010 Porsche GT3 [0.00] 1988 Toyota 4Runner [0.00] 1995 Toyota T-100 4x4 [0.00] 2013 BMW M3 [0.00]	You must turn while prying at it or pulling down to overcome the stripped section. Tough but possible. __________________ Stoptech 380mm/355mm \| PFC08 / Pagid RS-29 \| Akrapovic EVO - CF tips \| Benvo Tune \| MS UDP \| AA air filter \| MCS 2-way with 700/1000lb springs \| Solid bushings and adjustable links \| RD front swaybar \| Apex EC-7 18x10 square 275/35-18 NT01 \| Turner Race Studs \| GT4 Brake Cooling \| GT4 Power Steering Cooling \| Alekshop Oil Cooler \| Performance Steering Wheel \| \| CF Spoiler \| Varis System 1 Full CF Diffuser \| Extended Paddle Shifters \| Schroth Quick Fit Pro \| Turner Steering Rack Stops \| Vorshlag Camber Plates
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09-20-2014, 04:49 PM	#6
Atomicteal_M3 Brigadier General 748 Rep 4,429 Posts Drives: E90 M3 AW Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: FT. Bragg, NC. iTrader: (28) Garage List 2007 335i [9.00]	Thanks guys for all the ideas. I wanted exhaust every measure before ordering a new oil pan. Much appreciated!! __________________ ModeCarbon V1 CF lip/PF AG CF SS ext./ARKYM CF Diffuser/OSS AE's/B&G Springs/CF Performance Spoiler/V2 Led Performance SW/Meisterschaft GT exhaust
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09-25-2014, 10:25 AM	#7
Sirius Black Second Lieutenant 18 Rep 241 Posts Drives: 2011 E93 M3 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Annapolis, MD iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW M5 [5.00]	I had the same problem with my car. A Time-Sert kit saved me big time. Did it myself, very easy. You drill out the old threads, re-tap a little larger, add steel threaded insert, then just put your drain plug back in. __________________ 2013 F10 M5/TTFS CUSTOM TUNE/PURE S1 TURBOS/METH/AMS CL DPS/RPI CATBACK/KW SLEEVE OVERS/RPK FRONT LIP/M PERF REAR SPOILER/20" LOMA SUPERTEC SUPERLIGHTS
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