in the meantime, if you have to, I think you'll find a small allen screw
down there too.
I have drained oil from that screw hole when I was afraid to touch the main
drain plug.

good luck on the insert thing.
there are also 'self treading' 'rescue drain plugs' I believe, not that
that's such a great repair.

Scott
----- Original Message -----
From: "Brian T." <nobleman1962@YAHOO.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, June 05, 2010 7:36 AM
Subject: tired oil drain plug threads (case side)

Hi Folks,

I was wondering if anyone has had experience & could tell me about "what" to
use for thread insert (helicoil etc) on my 90' 2.1L motor.

I did an oil change last night and the threads are getting soft, am afraid
the next oil change will mean doing an insert.

Thanks,
Brian T.
Salem Or.