I had to go timesert method, 4 years still all is well!
also tried the oversized drain bolt before no luck.

Joe
85gl
Oregon

-----Original Message-----
>From: Jeff Lincoln <magikvw@GMAIL.COM>
>Sent: Nov 30, 2009 1:28 PM
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Oil Drain plug is stripped
>
>OK, gang when I changed the oil in Grover 2 weeks ago some of the threads
>from the drain plug came out with the bolt. I know this isn't uncommon with
>aluminum.
>
>Anyhow, I thought I'd be alright because I was able to get the drain bolt
>snug - but I was wrong and it was leaking. So when I redrained the oil to
>take a look at what exactly the situation was. Well, then I couldn't get the
>plug snug because more threads came out. So I tried the longer drain plug my
>local mechanic had given me (that worked on the old engine) - same problem -
>so then I tried the spark plug trick (that worked on the old engine too) -
>nope won't work.
>
>So I've read the archives and the Samba forums and decided to purchase a
>self tapping 1/2" Double oversized piggy back drain plug - those seem to
>have worked for many others in these situations. I'd really rather not have
>to go heli-coil or timesert if I can avoid it.
>
>So I still have a couple of questions
>
>1. Should I run an engine flush or something similar through it to be sure
>there aren't threads up in the oil sump?
>2. Should I use some sort of sealant on this self tapping plug when I put it
>in?
>3. Any reasons I should avaoid the self taping plug?
>4. I know the stock plug is 13mm - is this 1/2" one going to work? - it's
>the only size I could find.
>
>OK, I appreciate your advice and knowledge ahead of time. Hopefully I'll get
>a good cross section of opinion before I get home and try this.
>
>
>--
>Thanks,
>
>Jeff
>'90 Carat (Grover)
>'86 (We call this one Parts)
>'78 Bus (Melissa) Patty's Bus

Have a nice Day :)