Oil tank, cross threaded!!!

[Sledhead_BR]

I feel pretty stupid posting this but wanted to get some ideas. I changed my oil on Nytro yesterday and when I took out the drain plug on the oil tank I noticed that it was cross threaded. I can't believe I must have cross threaded it last year as I have been doing this long enough and now better. Anyway, The bolt threads back in but I can not tighten it enough before the bolt just slips. I filled the can with oil to test it and there is an ever so slow leak less than a drop every 12 hours. I am looking at taking the can off and taking to a machine shop to see if they can re-thread? Any other ideas?
BTW, I called my dealer and he advised that the new oil tank is around $400 and some change!!!
Thanks for any ideas.

 

[arteeex]

Remove the tank and take it to a shop that can drill out the hole and install a Helicoil or go up to the next size thread. It's the copper washer that provides the seal but you do need to get the screw tight. I don't suggest that you try this at home unless you have a good way to secure the tank and do the drill and tap operation. That bung is mounted to some pretty thin material and you'll want a have things lined up well to prevent it from flexing too much.

Be sure to clean the chips out of the tank before refilling it.

 

[2008FxNytro]

X2, i posted that in the other one but i see it got deleted lol.

 

[dhkr123]

It is aluminum -- should be very easy to drill and re-tap, but definitely suggest you take it off and secure it in an orientation that makes it easy to work on.

As arteex suggested, a helicoil would be a good idea, secured with RED LOCTITE or EPOXY (i.e. jb weld). This would keep you with the same size of plug bolt and protect you from having to do this again in case you cross the threads again.

 

[bbrunick]

Just had the same issue. Took the tank off in 25 min. Had my hardware store tap the thread for 10 bucks. Don't spend 400!

 

[enticeraised]

Make sure to start the bolt by HAND only once repaired or before incident occurs. Too many people use a ratchet and you don't get the same "feel" to see if a bolt is cross threaded. 2 cents

 

[stopdropanroll]

ALWAYS use a vise grip on the bung when removing the bolt as well, the metal is very thin and will crack easily.

 

[Sledhead_BR]

Thanks for the help. I removed the oil tank last night and I am taking it to machine shop today. Any suggestions for cleaning out the oil tank. I am just a little worried about any filings that may end up in the tank after being re-drilled?

 

[arteeex]

The shop you use may have a parts washer with degreaser in it. If not, try an auto repair shop.

 

[dhkr123]

Fill quarter way with diesel/kerosene/furnace oil, shake, release, repeat.