CROSS THREADED DRAIN PLUG

Alright so... the one time I don't change my own oil, someone cross threaded my drain plug on my oil pan. I don't even want to take it back there to get it fixed because if they can't even change the oil, I don't want them repairing it either lol. What's the best way I can fix this at home. Would you recommend re-threading the plug or just buying an entire new pan? I will have to do another oil change regardless. Some have said I could get lucky and it won't need to be replaced because the cross thread will still hold the oil, but I have been noticing a tiny leak every now and then. Thanks!

 

Tap it one size bigger? Other than that buy a new pan.

 

Luckily the lower pan on our Tacomas are easy to replace! I would just replace the entire lower oil pan and drain plug.

https://www.partsgeek.com/1zfmffn-t...sGeek+ShopZilla&fp=pp&utm_term=Toyota+Oil+Pan

 

https://www.carparts.com/details/To...TLUKwDN1refWSt1LgOMaAim5EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

At this price, I’d honestly just replace the oil pan. If you’re comfortable with the work.

Looks like it comes with a drain bolt too. You’ll need a gasket / seal as well though.

EDIT: disregard my link, it’s for an x-runner. Thought it looked too shallow from what I’m used to seeing.

 

I agree. Just throw a new pan on it. And odds are it's not cross threaded. It's probably been over torqued and blew out the threads.

 

They sell oversized drain plugs for this exact problem. It's a tempting fix that might get you by for a couple of services, but replacing the pan is really the only way to go.

 

Just replace the lower oil pan and and see if they would reimburse you for parts and oil(unless you have something clean to recover it and reuse it).

 

Damn, that’s about the only both cheap and easy to install part on a Tacoma. Everything else costs $$$$ or is a motha to install. Yeh definitely replace the pan.

 

No gasket either. Pan is sealed with Toyota FIPG. The link I posted above is the correct pan.

 

on a side note, also might consider this for the future: http://fumotousa.com/

 

You could try a self-tapping drain plug as a temp solution. I have used them with mostly good results. Worst case is it will leak and alert you to "time to put a new pan on."

 

Agreed. Love mine.
Op:
Fumoto F-103N Engine Oil Drain Valve https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003UT822G?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

Thanks everyone, I'll just replace the pan since it's so cheap. Plus, don't want to deal with a temp fix and have it blow out again.

 

Look up

$104 Lisle 58850 Oil Pan Plug Rethread Kit

Lisle 58850 Oil Pan Plug Rethread Kit

 

I would suggest reading a shit ton of reviews on fumoto valves outside of TW before deciding to use one. Many rave reviews and many complaints about leaking and valves opening after being struck by brush. It’s definitely not full proof.

 

retap to bigger size would be easiest

 

I believe the drain plug is m12 x 1.25
You can try on over sized plug if you want?
I’d probably try it.

I would thread the new over sized plug in to just before it seats against the pan.
Then back the plug out, pour in a cheap quart or 5w-30 to flush any metal shavings created by the new oversized plug. (You could use the old oil also?)
Finally thread the new over sized plug in, pour in some oil and hope for the best.

The Torque Spec. On the drain plug is 30 ft/lb IIRC?
It’s your call on how tight you want it.

If it doesn’t work, replace the pan.

 

This is what keeps me from getting one. They do have a plastic thing to keep it from opening. Just my luck, I can see road debris hitting it just right to break the plastic off, then another hitting it just right to open the valve leaving me stranded in a bad neighborhood with no oil in the engine, no way to reach under to close the valve.

 

1st oil change after installing self tapping oversize drain plug.

 

Miniature hose clamp is the way to go. My valve is going on seven years. It's never leaked and never knocked loose. I have an EZValve and Fumoto; prefer the EZValve because the inside diameter is larger, enabling for quicker draining. Fumoto is on wife's RX350. Both have the hose clamp to keep the little handle from accidentally opening.