that sounds about right. I think over the years using the 12 point 13mm
slowly rounded it off to where it is now.

either that or I have stripped the threads and just don't know it yet.

I tried the 1/2" because it actually fits right on there already, but its
doing the same thing.
When its light out again ill try it once more and make certain it's as tight
as can be up against the plug.

thanks for the tips everyone.

ive got the spare plug ready to go once I get this thing outta here.
wishful thinking.
----- Original Message -----
From: "mark drillock" <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, January 27, 2006 5:00 PM
Subject: Re: stripped oil drain plug

> Heli coils are great but by his description it sounds like what he did
> was round off the drain plug rather than strip the threads. I would get
> a 6 point 1/2" socket and hammer it onto the plug very hard. Then it may
> well come right out. The 1/2" is slightly smaller than 13mm and the 6
> point socket will bite into it much better than a 12 point. If he had
> used a 6 point 13mm in the first place the rounding of the head would
> likely never have happened.
>
> Mark
>
> Jake Beaulieu wrote:
>
>>Hey cr,
>>
>>I am in the process of having a heli coil installed in my cylinder head to
>>take
>>care of stripped spark plug threads.  I have searched the archives for
>>info
>>about heli coils and came across a ton of messages about stripped oil
>>drain
>>plugs.  I didn't read many of these so I can't tell you what they said,
>>but
>>check out the archives.  Lots of info on this subject in there.
>>
>>good luck,
>>Jake
>>82 air cooled westy
>>
>>
>>
>>>On Fri, 27 Jan 2006, Chris Renz wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>>well, I finally did it. I wrenched it too tight recently I guess and
>>>>have
>>>>seemingly stripped into a perfect circle.
>>>>
>>>>any tips on getting this sucker out so I can replace it without damaging
>>>>
>>>>
>>>the
>>>
>>>
>>>>case?
>>>>
>>>>Thanks!
>>>>
>>>>cr
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>