Hi everyone. I recently stripped the threads in the oil pan for my 1998 VFR. I was wondering what the best thing to do would be. I've heard of helicoils, but have never had to use one before. Has anyone used one? Thoughts about it? And if anyone knows where to get a replacement oil pan affordable by a poor college student, I'd appreciate it. Thanks
I hate it when that happens! I've never had this happen on a motorcycle, but have used the following technique many times in the automotive world, with excellent results. You can find an aftermarket, oversize, self-tapping, plug at the auto parts store. Take in the plug from you VFR and match it as closely as possible. Stay away from the neoprene expandable plugs, the WILL fall out. Coat the plug with grease to hang on to the shavings and carefully use it to cut the new threads. Afterwards, clean out the hole the best that you can. You might even want to flush out the crankcase with kerosene followed by motor oil. A Heli-Coil would also do the job. Fairly easy to do. Going to cost a little bit more to buy a special Helicoil tap and insertion tool. If you go this route use the grease on the tap to catch shavings etc. Let us know what you end up doing. Good Luck Old_Codger
It should not be that hard to find a slightly larger drain bolt at any major auto-parts store. Get yourself the correct tap and drill set. Use grease to catch the filings. Be careful. If you have a friend with a shop and tools (especially the tap and drill) you can probably do it for $4. -Jim
