Stripped Oil Pan Plug

[mike5]

Thought I'd pass this along in case someone needs the info in the future.

I decided to do my own oil change for the first time recently...didn't go to plan. I've previously had a local shop handle the oil changes. Long story short, removal of the oil drain plug required a lot more force than necessary, and a thin strip of metal (looked like a twisted paperclip) came out of the hole.

In weighing my options I decided to go with a slightly oversized drain plug that cuts new threads. This one is kind of neat because once you thread it in, you leave it, and drain the oil using the hex bolt in the middle going forward.

If you're in a pinch you can check with your local out parts store for a drain bolt that is slightly oversized. Similar concept to what I did, but with this you remove this bolt in its entirety every time you want to change the oil.

Also, I could not find much information on changing the lower oil pan. There is a video out there that shows how to do it, but it's a rear wheel drive 4Runner. In looking at mine (4WD), the spot is tight but it looks doable. What I don't know is if the oil pickup would get in the way when trying to wiggle it out. Oil pan part number is 12102AD010 and it is pretty affordable.

BTW: the oil filter housing was on so tight...needed a half inch breaker bar. Luckily no damage.

 

[apc9199]

Another good option is to install a Helicoil to repair the old threads. It requires an oversize tap to cut new threads and installation of the coil insert which can be tricky to do, but it creates a thread that is stronger than the OEM one, continually repairable, and you end up with the properly sized thread instead of an oversize one.

A Fumoto oil drain valve is a good idea, especially if you do your own oil changes and like to stay clean doing it. Your threads basically never get used again and the 90° valve does all the work. I'm not sure how popular they are in the 4Runner world since people wheel their rigs pretty hard and the Fumoto does, by design, hang down a little bit. A good skid plate that accommodates the Fumoto would be a must for anyone who offroads regularly.

Hopefully you installed the new drain plug, then removed it and did a flush to remove any chips/debris from the thread-cutting action of the oversize drain plug?

 

[Nick B]

Who stripped the pan ? Dealership or one of those quick change places ?

 

[Bmnorm2]

Who stripped the pan ? Dealership or one of those quick change places ?

An ape with a tool

 

[Refinery6271]

Man I feel your pain. First time I tried to change the oil on my rig, I had to resort to a cheater pipe and it broke my harbor freight ratchet. A gorilla also tightened the filter and I stopped before I accidentally cracked the housing.

Let’s just say I see a lot more value in a $100 oil change now.

 

[Will_4R]

Are you sure it was the pan that is stripped and not the just the plug? I had this problem with my rear diff drain plug, but luckily it was only the plug that was stripped and not the threads on the diff.

 

[KD5NRH]

Who stripped the pan ? Dealership or one of those quick change places ?

Probably the same guy that put the filter on with Loctite and an impact.

 

[kishstl64]

Never had the plug issue but the Quick change guys stripped the skid pad bolts. Now I keep a little packet of anti-seize in the car and have them put it on the bolts.

 

[CutthroatSlam]

Another reason to do your own work.

 

[RC57]

This is why I skipped the two free oil changes at the dealer when I bought my 2024. Too many horror stories about professional mechanics using power tools.