stripped oil plug

[thomashanno]

I just tried to change my oil for the first time since buying my 97
Outback in January....the oil plug is stripped and I couldn't get it
out. I imagine that I will begin (or continue) slowly losing oil. I'll
keep checking my level, but what is the best solution?

I've heard of rubber plugs, drilling a hole for a larger plug, and full
oil pan replacement. I'd like to go for something cheap/effective, so
the first two seem most appealing. I searched around for a little
information but I was hoping for some Subaru-specific tips, or any
general advice.

Thanks,
Thomas

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

I just tried to change my oil for the first time since buying my 97
Outback in January....the oil plug is stripped and I couldn't get it
out. I imagine that I will begin (or continue) slowly losing oil. I'll
keep checking my level, but what is the best solution?

I've heard of rubber plugs, drilling a hole for a larger plug, and full
oil pan replacement. I'd like to go for something cheap/effective, so
the first two seem most appealing. I searched around for a little
information but I was hoping for some Subaru-specific tips, or any
general advice.

Thanks,
Thomas

Find a mechanic that can put a helicoil insert in and maybe consider
putting a fumoto valve there 'permanently' to prevent any more stress on
that part of the oil pan. Or get an oil pan from a junkyard.

http://tinyurl.com/kwecu

Carl

 

[Ragnar]

Find a mechanic that can put a helicoil insert in and maybe consider
putting a fumoto valve there 'permanently' to prevent any more stress on
that part of the oil pan. Or get an oil pan from a junkyard.

http://tinyurl.com/kwecu

Carl

I second the fumoto valve. No more oil plug to remove. Just turn the
valve.

 

[thomashanno]

Do either of you have fumoto valves?

Are these popular enough that I'm going to be able to find a mechanic
who will install one?

 

[Ragnar]

Do either of you have fumoto valves?

No, I just recommended one based on never actually seeing one or using
one. Geez.

Are these popular enough that I'm going to be able to find a mechanic
who will install one?

They use the same thread pattern and dimensions as the stock oil plug.
If the mechanic can't screw in a bolt, he wouldn't be in business.

For more info, see:

http://www.fumotovalve.com/

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Do either of you have fumoto valves?

Are these popular enough that I'm going to be able to find a mechanic
who will install one?

I confess I do not have one. I don't put enough mileage on the cars to
really justify making the oil change more convenient.(that is the
primary reason folks use the Fumoto) It would come in handy for people
who find themselves doing oil changes every 5-6 weeks, I do mine twice a
year (at present). I have read of many people using them satisfactorily.
To me, though, it seemed like a reasonable solution to your specific
problem. If a decent mechanic could 'chase' the threads on your oil pan
or use a thread repair insert, then insatll the Fumoto valve (perhaps
useing a thread sealant/teflon tape) there would be no reason to ever
apply any force to the area in the future.

Carl