Club 80-90 Forums

A while ago a mechanic "fixed" a leaky oil drain plug with "an insert and an oversized plug".  It is still leaking.  After a few years in the garage I am trying to get the van running again and need to address this.  I have removed the plug very easily but what came out looks like the original plug, the insert and a few other bits in between.  The diameter of the insert looks to be 16mm.  I can see no trace of a copper washer.  I have a photo but I don't think I can attach it to this post - can I?

Any suggestions on the best way to proceed from here?

David.

If the drain plug seal is compromised you may find a dowty washer does a better job than a copper one. Certainly better than none at all !

Here is the photo of the plug and all the other bit.  I think the washer is a Dowty washer although I had never heard of them until today.  I can't get the washers over the insert.

Any more thoughts?

Looks suspiciously like a Timesert/Würth insert and a shortened & modified spark plug...

M14 x 1.25 pitch, not the correct M14 x 1.5

Measure across 4 thread tops of the insert and do you get 5mm or 6mm?

+1 for the Dowty washer, when you have got the insert off the plug/bung

Measure across 4 thread tops of the insert and do you get 5mm or 6mm?

It looks like 5mm to me.

Assuming I can't get the insert off without trashing it, what are the odds that I can buy a new insert (16mm?) that will take a standard plug or an oversized plug?  I can imagine that there are a few potential problems.  Will the new insert thread match the existing thread in the sump?  Will I have to re-tap it?  How do I fix the new insert?  Do I need a special tool?  Is there a kit to do all this and, if so, what's it called?

Sorry, if this all sounds a bit helpless but this is new ground for me.

After a bit more investigation, I think the repair was done with a Time-sert spark plug kit!  I think the insert is M16 x 1.25 so I guess the internal thread is M14 x 1.25.  The only M16 x 1.25 inserts I can find are by a company called Midlock but I can't find a way to buy them online.  Any advice gratefully received.

I have had good results with inserts like this

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/V-Coil-19117-M14-x-1-25-Spark-Plug-Thread-Repair-Kit-With-Solid-Inserts/183968209652

The kits i bought included dril, tap and insertion tool, though in your case i think all you will need is the insert tool.

I suggest that you threadlock the insert in, hopefully it won;t pull out next time you need to change the oil. May as well get a replacement bolt with the right thread as well, specialist fastening sellers will be able to sort you out.

That looks like exactly what I need - hope I don't need all those inserts   Many thanks.