Honda Drain PLug thread stretching....HELP
McCoy Kristoffer G
I have a 90 honda civic, 1.5L. It has 125k on the clock and after about
40 oil changes my drain plug threads are leaking...I can overtighten the bolt
to stop the leak, but I can feel the thread stretch. Does anybody know where
copper crush washers are available, or how hard is it to retap the
hole (with the pan still on the car)...and what is the current size of the
bolt and whitch size should I go up to. THanks
kgm...@usl.edu
-Kris
Ignasi Palou-Rivera
Do you replace the washer often? I replace the washer everytime I
change the oil and filter. I buy Honda filters at the dealer, and get
a (free) new washer every time. Go to the dealer and ask for a washer.
Ignasi.
--
Ignasi Palou-Rivera
Dept of Chemical Engineering U of Wisconsin, Madison
pa...@osnome.che.wisc.edu http://osnome.che.wisc.edu/~palou
Ron
Try a little teflon tape on the threads. Just make sure you get the old
stuff off and reapply fresh tape each time you change the oil.
McCoy Kristoffer G wrote:
>
> I have a 90 honda civic, 1.5L. It has 125k on the clock and after about
> 40 oil changes my drain plug threads are leaking...I can overtighten the bolt
> to stop the leak, but I can feel the thread stretch. Does anybody know where
> copper crush washers are available, or how hard is it to retap the
> hole (with the pan still on the car)...and what is the current size of the
> bolt and whitch size should I go up to. THanks
>
> -Kris
Kevin Mouton
McCoy Kristoffer G wrote:
>
> I have a 90 honda civic, 1.5L. It has 125k on the clock and after about
> 40 oil changes my drain plug threads are leaking...I can overtighten the bolt
> to stop the leak, but I can feel the thread stretch. Does anybody know where
> copper crush washers are available, or how hard is it to retap the
> hole (with the pan still on the car)...and what is the current size of the
> bolt and whitch size should I go up to. THanks
>
> kgm...@usl.edu
> -Kris
drain plugs to fit you application.
--
Please direct all E-mail replies to:
kevin...@linknet.net
************************************************
Kevin Mouton - Automotive Technology Instructor
************************************************
"If women don't find you handsome they
should at least find you handy!"
Red Green of Possum Lodge
************************************************
sixtyfive
This is not uncommon. The plugs get overtightened and strip the fragile
aluminum threads in the pan.
Your Honda dealer should have something called a time-sert which is
sorta like a HeliCoil.
They will repair the threads as well as they can and expand the insert
in the old threads. As long as the old threads aren't too far gone this
corrects the problem. Since the new threads are smaller, a smaller plug
and washer are used. It also helps to use a sort of silicone Honda
dealers have, called HondaBond, on the new plug and washer. This works
at least 95% of the time.
sixtyfive
McCoy Kristoffer G wrote:
>
> I have a 90 honda civic, 1.5L. It has 125k on the clock and after about
> 40 oil changes my drain plug threads are leaking...I can overtighten the bolt
> to stop the leak, but I can feel the thread stretch. Does anybody know where
> copper crush washers are available, or how hard is it to retap the
> hole (with the pan still on the car)...and what is the current size of the
> bolt and whitch size should I go up to. THanks
>
> kgm...@usl.edu
> -Kris
This is extremely common.
People tend to overtighten the drain plug, especially 20-minute oil change shops.
Your Honda dealer may be able to fix it if it isn't too far gone.
First, they repair the threads. Then, they will put in an insert called a time-sert.
This will make the hole smaller, so you will have to use a special plug and gasket from then on.
All this is done with the pan on the car.
It also helps to put a sort of silicone sealant called HondaBond on the new plug.
I have done this over a hundred times and it has worked 95% of the time.
Yuan Wu
> Try a little teflon tape on the threads. Just make sure you get the old
> stuff off and reapply fresh tape each time you change the oil.
>
> McCoy Kristoffer G wrote:
> >
> > I have a 90 honda civic, 1.5L. It has 125k on the clock and after about
> > 40 oil changes my drain plug threads are leaking...I can overtighten
the bolt
> > to stop the leak, but I can feel the thread stretch. Does anybody
know where
> > copper crush washers are available, or how hard is it to retap the
> > hole (with the pan still on the car)...and what is the current size of the
> > bolt and whitch size should I go up to. THanks
> >
> > kgm...@usl.edu
> > -Kris
Should you just retire the poor little guy? :-) Just kidding.
Yuan
Trevor Jensen
SNIP
> > to stop the leak, but I can feel the thread stretch. Does anybody know where
> > copper crush washers are available,
> > kgm...@usl.edu
> > -Kris
Try the local auto parts chain. This is one item that they ought to
have that they might have a bit of difficulty screwing up. But know
what size bolt you have. My personal bet is about a 10mm bolt if the
oil plug is removed with a 13 or 14 mm wrench. I may be mistaken
though, I can not remeber, it has been a while since I broke a bolt on
one of my Honda motorcycles.
djd
In <5g484l$6...@rouge.usl.edu> kgm...@ucs.usl.edu (McCoy Kristoffer G)
writes:
>
> I have a 90 honda civic, 1.5L. It has 125k on the clock and after
about
>40 oil changes my drain plug threads are leaking...I can overtighten
the bolt
know where
>hole (with the pan still on the car)...and what is the current size of
the
>bolt and whitch size should I go up to. THanks
>
>kgm...@usl.edu
>-Kris
Assuming that a gasket won't fix the leak, wouldn't it be easy enough
to use a caliper to measure the id of the hole and od of the nut and
tap it out to the next larger appropriate dimension?
Arch Stanton
Ron wrote:
>
> Try a little teflon tape on the threads. Just make sure you get the old
> stuff off and reapply fresh tape each time you change the oil.
>
> McCoy Kristoffer G wrote:
> >
> > 40 oil changes my drain plug threads are leaking...I can overtighten the bolt
> > to stop the leak, but I can feel the thread stretch. Does anybody know where
> > copper crush washers are available, or how hard is it to retap the
> > hole (with the pan still on the car)...and what is the current size of the
> > bolt and whitch size should I go up to. THanks
> >
> > kgm...@usl.edu
> > -Kris
You may want to call Imparts in St. Louis, MO. They have drain plugs
that are a "pet-cock" style. I installed 2 of them on my cars and it
sure makes draining oil much easier than trying to unscrew the drain
plug while oil runs down one's hand. The drain plug is not removed, but
just open the pet-cock and let the oil drain. I don't have their 800
number handy; there might be other places that sell them too.
Arch.
Joseph Abril
>
>
> Try a little teflon tape on the threads. Just make sure you get the old
> stuff off and reapply fresh tape each time you change the oil.
>
> McCoy Kristoffer G wrote:
> >
> > I have a 90 honda civic, 1.5L. It has 125k on the clock and after about
> > 40 oil changes my drain plug threads are leaking...I can overtighten the bolt
> > to stop the leak, but I can feel the thread stretch. Does anybody know where
> > copper crush washers are available, or how hard is it to retap the
> > hole (with the pan still on the car)...and what is the current size of the
> > bolt and whitch size should I go up to. THanks
> >
> > kgm...@usl.edu
> > -Kris
Sorry, but I have to disagree with the teflon tape advice. Teflon tape
is only effective on, and should only be used with, tapered pipe
threaded fittings, which your Honda drain plug is not. Teflon taped
joints are not meant to be regularly disassembled. Each disassembly
increases the risk of getting teflon flakes in your oil pan. Sure, the
filter will probably get them, but why chance it? Your best bet IMHO is
to get the proper gasket from the dealer. If the the gasket surfaces
are nicked see about using a gasket made from something more malleable,
such as -Ta Daaah- teflon!
Gasket si, tape no.
Good luck!
Joseph
"You can have it fast.
You can have it cheap.
You can have it good.
Pick two."
DDS
In article <3326D7...@usa.net>, Arch Stanton <ar...@usa.net> wrote:
>Ron wrote:
>>
>> Try a little teflon tape on the threads. Just make sure you get the old
>> stuff off and reapply fresh tape each time you change the oil.
>>
>> McCoy Kristoffer G wrote:
>> >
>> > I have a 90 honda civic, 1.5L. It has 125k on the clock and after about
>> > 40 oil changes my drain plug threads are leaking...I can overtighten the
> bolt
>> > to stop the leak, but I can feel the thread stretch. Does anybody know
> where
>> > copper crush washers are available, or how hard is it to retap the
>> > hole (with the pan still on the car)...and what is the current size of the
>> > bolt and whitch size should I go up to. THanks
>> >
>> > kgm...@usl.edu
>> > -Kris
>
>
>that are a "pet-cock" style. I installed 2 of them on my cars and it
>sure makes draining oil much easier than trying to unscrew the drain
>plug while oil runs down one's hand. The drain plug is not removed, but
>just open the pet-cock and let the oil drain. I don't have their 800
>number handy; there might be other places that sell them too.
>
>Arch.
Do they have a homepage?
Dennis Z Kuo
Ignasi Palou-Rivera (pa...@osnome.che.wisc.edu) wrote:
: kgm...@ucs.usl.edu (McCoy Kristoffer G) writes:
: > I have a 90 honda civic, 1.5L. It has 125k on the clock and after about
: > 40 oil changes my drain plug threads are leaking...I can overtighten the bolt
: > to stop the leak, but I can feel the thread stretch. Does anybody know where
: > copper crush washers are available, or how hard is it to retap the
: > hole (with the pan still on the car)...and what is the current size of the
: > bolt and whitch size should I go up to. THanks
: Do you replace the washer often? I replace the washer everytime I
: change the oil and filter. I buy Honda filters at the dealer, and get
: a (free) new washer every time. Go to the dealer and ask for a washer.
I agree with this recommendation. The Acura dealers I've been to replace
this washer EVERY time--after a while the washer deforms, with the result
being a less than perfect seal.
--
Dennis Kuo "Stay on target."
Penn Med '97
--Email: ku...@mail.med.upenn.edu
--Home page: http://mail.med.upenn.edu/~kuod
Ya Hozna
HondaBondo whats this world coming to! :-)
sixtyfive
This stuff is great. It's way better than regular hi-temp silicone.
Go down to the dealer and buy some. You'll agree.
Ya Hozna
I'll give it a try!!
Honda is sending it over now.
Roger Gannam
If you want to bypass the self-threading drain bolt option, or if you
install one and your problem continues (as with mine), you can order a used
oil pan with a functional drain bolt from Woodfin for about $75.00. They
are a Virginia-based scrap yard that specializes in used Honda parts, and
they have good service. Their number is 800.223.4663.
Roger
> > McCoy Kristoffer G wrote:
> > >
> > > I have a 90 honda civic, 1.5L. It has 125k on the clock and after
about
> > > 40 oil changes my drain plug threads are leaking...I can overtighten
the bolt
> > > to stop the leak, but I can feel the thread stretch. Does anybody
know where
> > > copper crush washers are available, or how hard is it to retap the
> > > hole (with the pan still on the car)...and what is the current size
of the
> > > bolt and whitch size should I go up to. THanks
> > >
> > > kgm...@usl.edu
> > > -Kris
>
thst...@ix.netcom.com
>McCoy Kristoffer G wrote:
>>
>> I have a 90 honda civic, 1.5L. It has 125k on the clock and after about
>> 40 oil changes my drain plug threads are leaking...I can overtighten the bolt
>> to stop the leak, but I can feel the thread stretch. Does anybody know where
>> copper crush washers are available, or how hard is it to retap the
>> hole (with the pan still on the car)...and what is the current size of the
>> bolt and whitch size should I go up to. THanks
>>
>> kgm...@usl.edu
>> -Kris
>
>This is extremely common.
>
>People tend to overtighten the drain plug, especially 20-minute oil change shops.
>
>Your Honda dealer may be able to fix it if it isn't too far gone.
>
>First, they repair the threads. Then, they will put in an insert called a time-sert.
>
>This will make the hole smaller, so you will have to use a special plug and gasket from then on.
>
>All this is done with the pan on the car.
>
>It also helps to put a sort of silicone sealant called HondaBond on the new plug.
>
>I have done this over a hundred times and it has worked 95% of the time.
Hell, if you've got that kind of problem, better check and see if the
oil pan isn't rusting thru yet -- these are known for this. Shouldn't
happen on one as new as a '90, but not out of the question.
Jim HU
My friend is interested in buying a new Accord LX with AT
in Seattle. I would like to hear any opinion/experience
regarding geting the good deal in the area. Also like to
have info on the car loan. Thanks in advance.
Jim
Jim "VuDoo" Vu
Don't go to Bellevue Honda. They were too snotty and uptight for my
taste.... Honda of Seattle were nicer, but their on-site selection wasn't
that good, although they were willing to find one for me. However I wanted
a car that weekend, and ended up getting an Integra from Southcenter Acura.
I didn't try Kirkland Honda, so he might try them.
- Jim
*! Anything I say is mine and not my employer's, ect...!*
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Jim HU <ji...@voicenet.com> wrote in article
<332F95...@voicenet.com>...
Darek Zia
> McCoy Kristoffer G wrote:
> >
> > I have a 90 honda civic, 1.5L. It has 125k on the clock and after about
> > 40 oil changes my drain plug threads are leaking...I can overtighten the bolt
> > to stop the leak, but I can feel the thread stretch. Does anybody know where
> > copper crush washers are available, or how hard is it to retap the
> > hole (with the pan still on the car)...and what is the current size of the
> > bolt and whitch size should I go up to. THanks
> >
> > kgm...@usl.edu
> > -Kris
This looks like pretty old thread and so I hope somebody has not mentioned this
before ( I can not see all of it).
Have you considered replacing the pan? I have done 3 or 4 of these on older Hondas
and it was a fairly simple procedure. It was awhile ago but I remember that all I had to
do was unbolt the support member under engine, unbolt the exhaust line from exhaust
manifold and move it out of the way (part of it under the engine was a flex hose
which could be bent easily), and than unbolt the pan from the engine. The pan was
around $50 from the dealer.
This way you will not have to worry about loosing your oil and engine for the rest
of your cars life (assuming by that by now you have learned how to tighten your drain
plug)
My $.02
Darek
Darek
Michael Hebb
Do you do all of your oil changes yourself? I have noticed that
whenever I get my oil changed at Honda, they replace the plug as well as
the oil. Maybe they know something about the durability of the plugs.
For an inexpensive solution, I would try a new plug, see if it makes a
difference
Mike
Jason Charbonneau
I have the same problem with my 1983 toyota tercel. I have replaced the
plug about 3 times, as well as putting on a new drain plug gasket. I
did not want to replace the oil pan, since a mechanic was going to
charge $180 for 3 hours labour. I bought a $3 tube of gasket maker
which does not harden and put it around the drain plug threads before
installing the plug. Presto, no more leaks! When you remove the plug on
the next oil change the sealant will come out.
Beats changing the pan or, retapping the oil pan. I wouldn't trust a
retap without removing the pan, since metal shavings may enter inside
the pan and may cause internal damage.
Now someone is probably going to say, that sealant is going to get up
into your engine and screw it up. I have not had any problems since I
have done this over 15,000 Km ago.
Hope this helps
Noel M. Swartz
I had the same peoblem with my 88 Accord. I bought a new drain plug
with a rubber O ring from SureSeal. It requires that the rubber O ring
be replaced every oil change but they gave me about 30 O rings with my
plug. Their phone number is 800-OIL-PLUG. I have been using it for
about 2 years and 40,000 miles with no problems. Also, I think it cost
about $8.00 plus freight. Definately less than $10.
Ed Barrows
In article <333728...@inreach.com>, dz...@inreach.com says...
>
>> McCoy Kristoffer G wrote:
>> >
>> > I have a 90 honda civic, 1.5L. It has 125k on the clock and after about
>> > 40 oil changes my drain plug threads are leaking...I can overtighten the
bolt
>> > to stop the leak, but I can feel the thread stretch. Does anybody know
where
>> > copper crush washers are available, or how hard is it to retap the
>> > hole (with the pan still on the car)...and what is the current size of the
>> > bolt and whitch size should I go up to. THanks
>> >
>> > kgm...@usl.edu
other stores of that type. They sell (for $4.95) a round metal device with a
rubber liner that has what looks like a "Molly Bolt" or expanding wings on the
end of a screw that goes through the middle of it. Take the bolt/washer out and
toss them and replace with this little gizmo. It works for me and I've got
about 20K miles and 4 oil changes on it.
Just my $0000.02
Ed
Chuck Sample
The threads do not seal the oil in the pan, the copper (or aluminum) washer
does. These washers (a type of gasket) are avialable at most autoparts
stores (i.e. Allcar, NAPA, etc.). Replacement plugs are readily avialable
in standard and oversize sizes. An oversized plug would be installed if
your original was cross threaded or otherwise severely damaged. They can be
installed with the pan on the engine.
Good luck!!