The spark plug thread is a different pitch so you pretty much destroyed the
chance of an easy fix such as an oversized plug. Try to locate a 2x or
double oversize but you most likely will need to go the Heli-Coil or
Timesert route. The oil drain plug was 14X1.5 pitch. Spark plug is 14X1.25.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Jeff Lincoln
Sent: Monday, November 30, 2009 4:28 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