Frank,

I see that Time-Sert is a competitor of Helicoil.  I hadn't heard about
them before.  But, I do see a problem.

As you pointed out, the Time-Sert has a shoulder that extends beyond
the original sealing surface.  I agree the that the seal will then be
between the drain plug and the Time-Sert if an OEM copper crush gasket
is used.  However, what prevents oil from leaking though the junction
of the threads on the outside of the Time-Sert and the engine case?  Is
the Time-SertAnd threaded in with some sort of sealant?  And, if the
leak is from a crack in the original steel insert and the adjoining
case (11 o'clock on the photos), sealing with a Helicoil replacement
will do nothing.  Please keep in mind that the Helicoil, OEM drain plug,
and cardboard gasket worked fine for 20 years.

Thanks,
Mike

------------------------ Original Message ------------------------
Date: Sat, 14 Apr 2018 08:01:11 -0500
From: Frank Condelli <RAlanen@AOL.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Mysterious Oil Drain Plug Leak

        Mike, use a Helicoil Time-Set instead of an ordinary Helicoil.
The Time-Sert is a solid insert and will give better results if
installed correctly.  The surface for the OEM drain plug will be
restored with the Time-Sert thereby allowing the use of the OEM drain
plug and a copper crush gasket.

Frank