2003 x5 4.4 m62tu Stripped Oil Pan Fix Option

[Camalama]

2003 x5 4.4 m62tu Stripped Oil Pan Fix Option

I fixed my stripped oil pan with this longer plug.

On Amazon:
SMART-O R4 Oil Drain Plug M12x1.5mm.

The threads in the drain plug opening go pretty deep into the pan. Looks like twice as deep as the stock plug. Plenty of threads for the longer plug to seal and torque.

This is the process I used:
Note* I already had the car on jack stands and the metal plate off of the underside of the motor. This process allows one to clean out the metal shavings from the stripped pan threads, rather than just pushing them straight into the motor by simply installing the new longer plug.

1. Drain Oil

2. Gain access to unobstructed view of drain plug opening. I removed the Metal Plate and the front right tire.

3. Clean threads with a wire brush. I used a brush like this:
Amazon:
Elitexion 4 in 1 Car Auto Truck Battery Brush

I basically "screwed" the narrower tip of the wire brush into and back out of the plug opening a few times. I took my time and made sure I went straight in and out.

4. I used a shop vac with a narrow opening to suck out the oil and any possible shavings that were pushed in.

5. I poured 1/4ish quart of oil into the "oil fill" hole on top the passenger Valve cover to flush out the pan.

6. Put in the longer bolt and filled the vehicle with oil.

Good to go.

[Thaniel]

Yah that works. The previous owner did that to mine. Sadly it was leaking badly. There isn't much lip lift for the seal with the larger plug and they had used one of those plastic gaskets (Horrible gasket material IMO). I switched the gasket for a rubber one and it's stopped leaking. It was great to get it to stop leaving puddles everywhere :-)

Oh when I pulled the drain plug to change the gasket (truck was serviced just prior to me purchasing it) I used a trick I learned at an oil change place I worked at. I had a helper hold the shop vac on the oil FILL. then when I pulled the plug air went in and no oil came out. And it's heavier than air so for the most part it doesn't go into the shop vac. It's a cool trick in my book.