Date: Sat, 25 Sep 1999 23:47:20 -0400 From: "CCR" <CCRiekernopsam.net> Subject: Re: Darn! I stripped the gearbox drain plug!
>>About three years ago I while changing the oil on my 1984 900 gearbox I noticed aluminum in the threads of the drain plug. After removing the aluminum I was able to replace the plug on the gearbox although I was reluctant to tighten it up too much. Last week it started to leak and I'm afraid to tighten it. Can I get a replacement plug that is slightly wider? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance Bruce<< I never could understand why manufacturers use NPT (pipe threads) on something that gets removed and replaced maybe 70 times over the life of a car. When mine stripped, I repaced it with a straight thread o-ring plug. You really have little choice but to drill and tap the pan for the next pipe size (1/2" NPT if memory serves). But instead of using a 1/2" NPT plug, and risking a repeat occurance, just buy a 1/2" to 1/8" NPT bushing reducer, drill and tap it for the straight thread, which btw are normal machine tap sizes, and voila.