Topic: oil pan bolt leaking

[spaceboy412]

Okay so my oil pan bolt has been slightly leaking forever, and today i changed the oil, when i removed the bolt i noticed that the threads on the bolt are flattend/stripped and there was some small pieces of rounded metal from the threads i dont know if they were from the pan or bolt. Is it more likely that the bolt would strip before the pan or both equally? So can i just replace the bolt and if not is it possible to tap and die a new groove in the pan and replace with a bigger bolt. replacing the whole pan is not really an affordable option right now for me. Are there any other options to fix this?

[Bob Wessner]

You don't mention what model bike, but on my 750 there is a 12mm washer that goes between the bolt and the oil pan. If that is missing, it can result in leaks.

[Buffo]

brass washers can be found at most hardware stores.

If you want a redneck fix... put a small bead of silicone around the base of the bolt (by the head of the bolt). Only tighten as much as needed or you run the risk of stripping it beyond use.

Dont forget to clean around the hole and the bolt so the silicone sticks good.

If you are using a washer put the silicone on the washer between the washer and the pan.

Disclaimer: The redneck ideas that may be displayed in this or any other post in no way reflects the way that Buffo maintains his own machine. The Express purpose of these ideas is to help people who are tring to get around spending money on their machines.

Don

[mcpuffett]

hi spaceboy,it sounds as though the threads on your sump pan are going as they are made out of a softer metal than the bolt, i have just had mine repaired by having it helicoiled, works ok now and also you can pick up sump pans  cheap on ebay     mick.

[Robert]

Redneck fix?  I like that. I learn something new here every day 
Another one: I used a few layer of teflon tape (1.49$) for a year or so (renew tape with every oil change), before doing a "pro fix"
Usually it's the aluminium of the oil pan that gives up, not that steel bolt...unfortunately.
Since I was told prevention is better than cure I use copper washers or aluminium washer on the draining bolt + torque wrench.

[spaceboy412]

Thanks all, its a 74cb550, i fear too that the pan has had it, i don't know anything about helicoiling? I do believe it is stripped when i tighten it it will get tight then loose, then tight again which is where i have it now.I wil try the washers and silicon and tape first, mostly because this is my only mode of transportation at the moment. Would it still be possible to tap out bigger threads as it is?

[Bob Wessner]

If that drain plug bolt is that bad, be very careful. If it works loose and drops out on you on the road, your motor will be history in short order and it will be dropping vast quantities of oil right in front of your rear tire.

[mcpuffett]

ther's only about 10 bolts holding it on so it would be easy to get off and repair or renew, like bob's says becareful   mick.

[eldar]

Fix the bolt hole with a helicoil and then get a washer that has a rubber surround.
 I somehow cracked my hole and jbwelded it and then got a washer that was surrounded by rubber. The rubber will squash a bit and make a good seal.

[spaceboy412]

okay from what i read of helicoiling its not to hard, but i dont see how that will be a liquid tight seal, am i missing something, does the edge need to be welded or something?

[Buffo]

Heli-coil is a great way to fix damaged threads and use the same size bolt not to "seal" anything. It's pretty easy, just take your time.

if you heli-coil or drill and tap new threads the only thing that will stop the leak is a SEALING washer. Be it brass, copper or rubber, not a steel one of any kind!!! Brass is what you should use. You should inspect the sealing washer every time you remove the bolt. If it needs to be replaced then replace it. They are cheep.

Heli-coli and brass washer is in my opinion the best and professional way to fix your drip.



Don

[Uncle Ernie]

This is just one example of a bolt that doesn't have to tightened too much. I just snug it and have never had problems. Some people are rather ham-fisted on aluminium parts.

[Bob Wessner]

okay from what i read of helicoiling its not to hard, but i dont see how that will be a liquid tight seal, am i missing something, does the edge need to be welded or something?

I think I see your concern, but the actual sealing is done by the washer. I've seen instances where the washer was missing and folks just try to snug up the bolt alone to seal it, and it doesn't work right and they usually overdo the tightening of the bolt as a consequence. If the washer has been missing on yours, this may be how the threads got hacked-up.

[nwcafe]

The original bolt on my 750 stripped out the threads on the oil pan. ( or rather the previous owners and myself did ) I took the pan in to a machinist and had it threaded for the next larger size bolt, which was standard thread rather than metric. Its been working fine. I am pretty gentle with it now. I havent had any luck finding a copper or silicone washer to fit so have been using a fiber washer. Feels like pressed paper. It seeps a little it seems, there's always a little drip hanging on to the bolt when i look under there.....

[Bob Wessner]

nwcafe,

I had a fiber washer under mine as well and it too weeped a bit. If you can find a copper washer that will fit the bolt shaft even loosely, as long as most of the rest of the washer fits under the bolt flange, it will work. It doesn't have to be snug to the bolt threads. Mine now stays dry and no more weeping.

[eldar]

Well I dont know if you have an autoparts store in your area, but get a steal washer that is coated in rubber. As I said before, the steal holds the basic shape while the rubber with squash a bit to make a strong seal. If you ae worried about the rubber goind bad from oil contact, how much oil really touches the washer? Not too much and there is no danger of the rubber getting into the engine or anything. SO the worst that could  happen is that the washer leaks after a while....maybe.

[mcpuffett]

hi all, i to use a fibre washer with no problems  mick.