ChilliXJ

Just did a oil change today and have a leak at the front of the pan.
So i decided to tighten them and by hand the front bolts keep going round.
I took them out and noticed stripping around the bolt.
What do i do? Tap in a slightly bigger bolt or will a new oil pan be a better solution?

PDEM87

Depends. If the threads are stripped on the bolt,it doesn't always mean that the threads are stripped in the pan also. Get a new drain bolt and seal,(non-metal seals require less tightening),and see if it will thread in(by hand). If it doesn't, carefully chase the threads with a greased tap (to help catch any chips). A magnetic drain plug would be ideal. Any chips would cling to it. If you can't tighten the new plug enough to seal, you may have to change the oil pan.

ChilliXJ

The stripped metal was around the bolt which just came off. I presume it is out of the block? Or where the bolt goes in.

PDEM87

I think I misread your post. I was thinking drain plug not pan bolts. If some of your pan bolts won't tighten, you may want to make sure the correct bolts were used. Inspect the bolt holes(threads)as best as you can. A good flashlight helps. The two bolt holes at the front of the block are larger then the bolt holes along the sides, (if I remember correctly).

PDEM87

Sometimes a slightly longer bolt can be used to grab some deeper threads.

PDEM87

Yes it more than likely is the block material that came out around your bolt. Must have been overtightened. If no threads are available deeper in the block then you may consider a thread saver/ heli-coil.

PDEM87

Another potential fix (if you have only 2 or 3 threads left)would be to use a short piece of threaded rod with the same thread as the original but about 1/2" longer than the bolt. Clean the hole good. Put some JB weld in the hole and thread in and let set up. Use a nut to finish. Easy on how tight you go.

scottmphoto

If the hole threads are stripped, I'd heli-coil it. While I haven't had to fix too many auto threads, we used to do A LOT on chainsaws and lawnmowers in my dad's shop before he retired. It works.

ChilliXJ

Oh Dang...i found the same bolt thats bout 1/8" longer and torqued it no more than 20lbs...unfurtunately the bolt head snapped off.
Faarrkkkk. No im going to have to do an easy out?
I should have just left it alone.

JackJare9455

20lbs?? i usually just snug them all up and do one last torque pattern round with a good "tug" on the wratchet...

now you will have to drill and use an "ease out".....

Flowpro

It should come out fairly easy. It's a small sized bolt and it's not frozen in rust.

I'd opt for the Heli coil also after you get the broken one out.

Good luck.