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Stripped drain plug?
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efnm
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Joined: July 20, 2017
Posts: 10
Location: New Mexico
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PostPosted: Sun Jul 23, 2017 8:34 pm    Post subject: Stripped drain plug? Reply with quote

Hi, new thing owner here and first time to VW's of any sort. I changed the oil today and babied the 10mm nuts when putting the sump plate back on. However, the drain plug seemed stripped and the bolt just spins once you give it some decent torque. Obviously there is now a small leak.

Sooo, I thought you could torque down the drain plugs fairly well, is that correct? I don't think I stripped it.

Next question, the drain plug bolt itself seems odd in that its head itself is smaller than the large copper washer that came with the Jbugs kit. I had to reuse the existing washer. Should I buy a different plug? Does anyone have a favorite source for oil plate and drain plug?

Thanks, Ephraim
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mondshine
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 24, 2017 8:56 am    Post subject: Re: Stripped drain plug? Reply with quote

First, if it is the threaded holes in your engine case that are stripped, consider using a "repair stud". They look like this:
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Usually, they are available in 6mmx8mm size (sometimes, but rarely 6mmx7mm).
The stripped hole in the engine case would be re-tapped to accommodate the oversized thread.

The key to a leak-free sump plate is that the gasket surface of the sump plate needs to be flat.
Often, due to over tightening, the areas around the holes get distorted (cupped) preventing a good seal. They can be hammered flat with a little care.

One of the few aftermarket "billet" accessories of any use are those aluminum drain plates. They are thick enough to prevent this distortion, and remain flat. Mine is re-threaded 1/2" NPT for the drain plug.
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


These Fel-Pro "OS21625" gasket sets are the best I've ever used:

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.



These high quality gaskets come with nice real copper washers, so there's no need to strongarm those M6 nuts.
Lots of places sell these; here's one:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/fel-os21625?seid=srese1&gclid=CKyO4tDUgs0CFRIbgQodiBwKmA

Lastly, there are many methods and procedures for air cooled VW's that are completely different than on other cars. if you are new to air cooled VW's, a good workshop manual is a necessity. I suggest ISBN-13: 978-0837616230.
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


Or this:
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

http://www.thethingshop.com/COMPLETE-181-SERVICE-MANUAL/productinfo/181+SM/

Oh, and by the way, welcome to the Thingdom!

Good luck, Mondshine


Last edited by mondshine on Mon Jul 24, 2017 10:27 am; edited 1 time in total
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911pickup
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 24, 2017 9:29 am    Post subject: Re: Stripped drain plug? Reply with quote

The big oil drain plug in the center of the plate should be torqued to 33 foot/pounds.
If the threads are stripped buy another quality drain plate.
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Bruce
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 24, 2017 10:12 am    Post subject: Re: Stripped drain plug? Reply with quote

911pickup wrote:
The big oil drain plug in the center of the plate should be torqued to 33 foot/pounds.

The book says 23 ftlbs.

Best is to buy a plate with no drain plug. Then it can't leak at the drain plug.
_________________
overheard at the portland Swap Meet... wrote:
..... a steering wheel made from a mastadon tusk.....
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efnm
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 24, 2017 11:23 am    Post subject: Re: Stripped drain plug? Reply with quote

Thanks a bunch, I just ordered the billet cover and my local OReillys had the good gaskets in stock.

Question on the Thing service manual from Thingshop - is the scan better quality that the from RoMDOC CD? The photos in that guy look like bad photocopies from 80s! The diagrams and text read fine, though, but I'd buy the paper manual if the pictures are better (as in usable).
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911pickup
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PostPosted: Tue Jul 25, 2017 2:42 pm    Post subject: Re: Stripped drain plug? Reply with quote

Bruce wrote:
911pickup wrote:
The big oil drain plug in the center of the plate should be torqued to 33 foot/pounds.

The book says 23 ftlbs.

Best is to buy a plate with no drain plug. Then it can't leak at the drain plug.


You're right. I will teach me to trust an internet link to Hot VW. Very Happy

https://hotvws.com/content.php?contentID=62
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