STRIPPED DRAIN PLUG!!

When i went to drain my transmission fluid today, like usual i went to losen the drain plug (bolt) and it just spins and spins. I do not know how the threads got to be stripped and now it wont tighten anymore either so now i there is a slow drip of fluid. Is there a way to tell if it is just the bolt threads that are stripped or is it the pan threads? and next, what is best way to fix it/re-thread? im debating bringing it to the dealership or trying to take care of it tomorrow myself...just not sure how to get the bolt out.
thanks in advance...it has gotten to be a big headache

 

Have you removed the plug yet?
If not buy a new one and when you have it remove the stripped one by pulling out as you turn it.
If it comes out and has no threads then they are in the pan and pan threads may be OK and you might be able to clean the pan threads with a tap.

If the plug has the threads from the pan on it Then it is time for plan B.
Plan B is re tap the pan and an oversize plug or perhaps someone knows a better option.

 

plug is still in there, dont know how to get it out. i tried pulling down as i turn and it still does not thread. it will not thread up or down. its just in there...if im correct it is most likely the bolt that is stripped since the pan is steel?

 

Usually you can pull them out with a pair of vise grips by rotating and pulling at the same time. Take the original down to the parts store and try to find a "piggyback" plug. Those have a small plug in the middle of the larger self tapping plug. That way you never have to pull the big plug out again and risk messing up the threads a second time. Of course, replacing the pan would be a better option, but I dunno what Toyota gets for one of those.

Edit: There is a possibility that all you need is a new, normal drain plug. I had an oil drain plug that some moron mechanic had stripped for me. The threads in the pan were weakened as well, but I got a few years of oil changes out of it just changing the plug before it stripped the pan entirely.

 

piggybacking plug sounds nice, if is the bolt threads that are messed up. i just need to find a way to get the bolt out, i tried pulling and turning with some channel locks and it did not work but i will get some vice grips tomorrow and try and hope it works but if it doesnt are there any other suggestions?

 

When you clamp the vice grips on the plug head use some type of lever to get extra push down to remove it.
Now if the worse happens and the pan threads come with it you must be prepared to either get a new pan and or an expansion rubber type freeze plug deal.
This will only be temporary so plan on getting a pan in the future.
Best of luck to you.

 

I will try with vice grips tomorrow but i did pull with some channel locks and a screwdriver for leverage but i didnt manage to get it out, i just hope there is enough for the vice grips to bite down onto but i just hope its the bolt thats stripped and not the pan

 

Just use some dynamite!!!! JK. Hope you get it out man. I'd just get a new pan. You were going to pull it anyways to change the filter.

 

Sounds like the nut on the inside of the pan that the bolt threads in to broke free from the pan. They're just tack welded in place.

 

i didnt know there wasa nut in there, i thought the pan itself had threads, if thats the case and the nut its come off then im left with no choice than to get a new pan

 

not sure how much of a PITA it is, but almost sounds cheaper to drop the pan and have the nut welded back in.

 

what about a helicoil?

 

If you were in san diego I would give you a hand...Seems like removing stripped hardware is my only job lately...Damn avionics guys i work with dont understand what a torque wrench is for...Strip out screws and bolts on a daily basis, lol

 

yeah its a big PITA so far. would a helicoil work even if the pan has threads or if it has a nut in there that broke off? just a thought, if there is a nut in there and it broke off, wouldnt i would have to drop the pan to get it out because i dont think it would be good for it to be ratteling around freely?

 

well...speaking from personal experience...just remove the pan, drill and tap it w/ a size larger plug and you'll be good! i did this exact same thing on my '98 and the fix worked perfectly!

 

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Helicoil won't work if there is supposed to be a nut welded in there...there won't be anywhere for the helicoil to be set.

If you can't weld, or don't know anyone that can, then I would just get a new pan.

 

thanks guys, my dad can weld but he is working out of state, even though i wouldnt mind trying this myself, im actually just going to bring it in to toyota to save some headache and have it done right.

 

Brought the truck to the dealership today. Price for new pan and plug = $560. Just the pan itself was just over $200

 

im telling you dude...just drop the pan, tap it w/ a size larger and get a new drain plug...worked perfect for me when i stripped it and cost under $30 IIRC.

i had the same exact truck, '98 2.7 auto prerunner...