Striped oil pan mounting screw.

Moparfiend · Feb 11, 2019

Hi I found a small leak from my oil pan. One of the pans mounting screws is stripped. Its below the area of main bearing right up against the pan and trans. Limited acces of course. So my question is whats a good temporary fix you might recommend? I believe these are blind screw holes as well. Trying to do this on my back would prefer not to have to drop the pan. Not cause I am lazy but I have a bad back among other health issues.

I know if I had easy access I could use a Time Sert or Heli-Coil and that would be my long term fix. But upside down on my back in a tight spot (needeing extensions) is not ideal right now. Would prefer to do this on a lift somewhere at some point.

Thanks!

R413 · Feb 11, 2019

BB or SB? SB is real tight.

Remove bolt, is it too short? You may be able to clean the threads with a tap and have a longer bolt hold the remaining threads.

If it is a B.B. and one of the 2 in the center then they go into the aluminum seal retainer. Helicoil is best.

Fill with epoxy, let dry and tap it. Must be really clean first.

Dipstick · Feb 11, 2019

On big blocks, the two bolt holes in the seal retainer are shallower than the rest and take a shorter bolt. If a longer bolt is used it will break out the dome that seals the threads and allow oil to leak past the bolt.

In your case, you could probably coat the bolt threads with RTV and just stick it back in the stripped hole. Be sure to clean the oil from the bolt/hole.

BeeKool · Feb 11, 2019

Can you tell if the block is damaged?
Id pull the bolt and replace it. Sometimes that is sufficient.

Moparfiend · Feb 11, 2019

Its a 340

Moparfiend · Feb 11, 2019

Dipstick said:
On big blocks, the two bolt holes in the seal retainer are shallower than the rest and take a shorter bolt. If a longer bolt is used it will break out the dome that seals the threads and allow oil to leak past the bolt.

In your case, you could probably coat the bolt threads with RTV and just stick it back in the stripped hole. Be sure to clean the oil from the bolt/hole.

Wow wonder if this is true for my motor? Its. SB-LA 340 and a knuckle head put the pan on......

Moparfiend · Feb 11, 2019

BeeKool said:
Can you tell if the block is damaged?
Id pull the bolt and replace it. Sometimes that is sufficient.

Not sure I will pull it. But thank n my back its hard to see in between the oilpan and trans. I will inspect both the bolt and hole to see whats up.

dryheat · Feb 11, 2019

Ron ... I got a reasonable back and if my glasses are clean I can see too! Let me know if you need help.

Moparfiend · Feb 11, 2019

Thank you Jim for the offer of help! How are you doing my friend? You got your car going yet? I will be able to pull the screw out. Getting a tap or helicoil will be a bugger but pulling the screw should be doable. I bought one of those endoscopes! Now that I am writing you that should be perfect for the inspection of that hole!

dryheat · Feb 12, 2019

Moparfeind said:
Thank you Jim for the offer of help! How are you doing my friend? You got your car going yet? I will be able to pull the screw out. Getting a tap or helicoil will be a bugger but pulling the screw should be doable. I bought one of those endoscopes! Now that I am writing you that should be perfect for the inspection of that hole!

Hey Ron ... did you get the scope that hooks up to your phone? Those things are awesome. Making progress on the car ... hope to have it into body and paint before the summer heat hits.

bearman · Feb 15, 2019

if you need some help let me know will come and do what you want to do.

Striped oil pan mounting screw.

Moparfiend

FBBO Gold Member

R413

Well-Known Member

Dipstick

Well-Known Member

BeeKool

Well-Known Member

Moparfiend

FBBO Gold Member

Moparfiend

FBBO Gold Member

Moparfiend

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dryheat

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Moparfiend

FBBO Gold Member

dryheat

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bearman

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