Stripped oil drain plug

[Den]

as per the title, at some point in the previous (and first) owners ownership the oil drain plug was threaded and a helicoil application was installed. Since I bought the big ol gal I've taken her for two oil changes and for whatever reason during the second oil change the helicoil thing came out with the bolt when they went to drain the oil. They only realised what had happened when they tried to put the bolt back in. Ultimately a new helicoil was inserted however it was a nightmare getting the bolt back in there, it was as if the thread was 1 or 2mm too narrow. I'm kinda fussy and with something as important as this I thought I just buy a new bottom end bit and be done with it, however one of the guys at the shop said its a simple fix where they remove the plate and have someone weld in a new plug. I'm not so sure....what are peoples thoughts on this...have a real cheap fix done on it or spend 10 times the amount on a new part + gasket etc?

 

[magic]

Check into a solid thread insert such as a Keensert. I'm sure there are other brands available. You will probably wind up taking off the oil pan to properly install this insert. You will have to drill out the old threads and cut some new threads with a tap. If you can't do it yourself or don't have a mechanic or machinist for a friend most machine shops should be able to fix it for you for a lot less than the cost of a new oil pan. Good luck

 

[~TABASCO~]

http://www.timesert.com/

 

[Don in Lodi]

It's $200 +or- in parts and install yourself... or the labor, gasket, and the time-sert kit. The time-sert is an awesome fix, from oil pans to spark plug holes. Me, I'd go with the new cover, strainer, 23P-13417-00-00

Wholey Cow, ProCaliber does not appear to be the place to go for pricing any more. Looks kinda like they got bought up by another entity.

 

[mebgardner]

http://www.timesert.com/

Some fascinating (to me) reading on the Information / FAQ page.

Old Dog / New Tricks = Me!

 

[Den]

Hmm, that's something new to me too! I like the look of those, however unfortunately I couldn't find anywhere locally that uses either of those two fixes. I'm not as mechanically minded as many on here so I'll probably keep my mind at ease and stump up the extra wedge & go with a new pan. I'm guessing the Japanese engineers that designed and built my bike would be grateful if I did it that way too O

 

[Crew Chief]

I haven't looked at the price of the part nor do I know what the welder would charge, but I'd have no problems running with a properly welded repair. In fact I'd prefer it strongly to a helicoil. I just can't judge if it's cost effective or not. I would prefer almost anything to a helicoil.

 

[Den]

Labour costs, including quality work, is relatively cheap over here. I'm guessing welders labour + mechanic labour will cost roughly 1/5th what a new pan & gasket would.

Agree a good weld will do the job, but we have a 3 week trip all over Greece coming up and I really don't want something that could have been avoided by spending a couple more shekels throwing a spanner in the works. I think I fuss too much :