Is this a self tapping drain plug?

[billboe]

i've had an oil leak at one of the plugs since the dealer changed my oil last fall. i finally got around to changing the oil myself and wanted to fix the leak. anyway, below are the two plugs and i'm guessing the one on the right (the one that was leaking) is already a self tapping plug... is that right?

also note the metal threads that came off with the plug (in front of the plug).

for kicks, below are the tops of the plugs...

thanks!

 

[billboe]

hmmmm... the "img" tags are not working for me?!?! the url pointed to my google photos (with the appropriate permissions).

i'll try to attach the photos...

 

[billboe]

oh great... i purchased a replacement plug, crawled under the tractor, wiped the old oil from the pan ready to installed the plug and discover 2 cracks in the pan (see below). fun fun fun...




i have a call into the dealer that changed the oil last year.

 

[crazyal]

It doesn't look like it's a pipe thread taper (if it was I would say they over tightened it). I guess it's still possible but less likely. Is it possible something while you were operating it? Do you see anything that makes it look like it was a bad casting? That does suck as I don't think fixing it in place is an option.

 

[flyerdan]

My guess would be that it's a cast aluminium pan, and the original steel plug on the left had taken some threads out, so they used a universal self tapping plug that's a bit oversize (calipers can confirm) and it cracked the boss.
If that was a dealer job, they should stand behind it and replace or repair the pan. Depending on how far the cracks go, it might be cheaper to replace due to the labor involved.

 

[Stimw]

Possible someone used an impact to install the plug. ???

 

[billboe]

i can't imagine operating the tractor could have caused the cracks. they are pretty specific and the loader frame protects the plugs. also, googling suggests that this is pretty common on the DK45 (strip plug, use oversized plug to fix it, and crack the aluminum pan screwing it in).

it seems to me that the only possibility is the dealer**. the service manager did say there was a special order plug on the invoice, so, they certainly knew something was up. anyway, he said he would look into it and i just hope he does the right thing.


** or, if it wasn't the dealer, it was already cracked when they got it and they either missed/ignored it or just didn't say anything. both of which are not ideal...

 

[WranglerX]

Take pictures of pan and drain plug and invoice back to dealer as ask if it's their usual shoddy work and if the are willing to make it right....

Dale

 

[billboe]

the service manager just called and is offering a $100 discount. my opinion is "big whoop"... he said that is all the owner would do. so, i guess i need to talk to the owner...

would this be something kioti corporate could do something about?

 

[WranglerX]

the service manager just called and is offering a $100 discount. my opinion is "big whoop"... he said that is all the owner would do. so, i guess i need to talk to the owner...

would this be something kioti corporate could do something about?

Can't hurt to inquire, but doubt is will go anywhere as it is something dealer/service dept did...

Dale

 

[crazyal]

How old is it? If it's out of the warranty then Kioti will help. Even if it's not that old they could say that it's the dealers (or who ever damaged it) fault. If the receipt says a special plug was used then they are kind of on the hook. I would find out what the correct drain plug looks like and then talk to the owner. If all else fails I would take the dealer to court. I also wouldn't use the dealer in the future. If it wasn't leaking before you brought it in and is now then either something was done to stop the leak and the dealer should have seen it and brought it to your attention (not just ordered a special plug). I can't see the threads being stripped before being brought to them as why wouldn't they have contacted you before trying to repair it? Hopefully the owner realizes that the downside to this is going to cost him a lot more than just not eating the cost and repairing it correctly.

 

[radios1]

this member had the same problem.. apparently, when you strip the pan, and use that self tapping plug, it cracks the pan.. what ever happened to steel pans.. sheesh.. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kioti-owning-operating/207198-dk45s-oil-pan.html

 

[flyerdan]

They should have punched it out to the correct size for a helicoil for the plug. Granted, it is difficult to do while upside down and dripping oil, that's why it should be done at the factory for any aluminium casting that hosts a steel drain plug.

 

[radios1]

They should have punched it out to the correct size for a helicoil for the plug. Granted, it is difficult to do while upside down and dripping oil, that's why it should be done at the factory for any aluminium casting that hosts a steel drain plug.

I like time-serts better, myself.. Time-Sert Thread Repair - Helicoil Alternative- Cross Tools Co

 

[billboe]

quick update... owner said he would just charge an hour of labor. i'm fine with that... but, i need to get the tractor to them (35 minutes away and i have no trailer) or wait until they come down for a service call.

 

[newbury]

quick update... owner said he would just charge an hour of labor. i'm fine with that... but, i need to get the tractor to them (35 minutes away and i have no trailer) or wait until they come down for a service call.

Rent a trailer or put in some seat time. Take the dealer up on it before he changes his mind.

 

[Ritothebull]

I'm seeing this happen on a lot of the new cars and motorcycles with aluminum oil pans, these castings that their using are quite thin and brittle and they will crack easily. Some of the drain holes will only have a 1/4'' or so of threads so it takes practally nothing to strip them out so watch out.

 

[mcfarmall]

Well, at least you got the plug out in less than 30 pages.

 

[Jstpssng]

Rent a trailer or put in some seat time. Take the dealer up on it before he changes his mind.

That was my thought also. First get it in writing though, it sounds like they've already dropped the ball a couple of times.

 

[crazyal]

Well, at least you got the plug out in less than 30 pages.

Best comment of the day! If it was me I wouldn't wait. Get it down there and get it fixed. I'm happy the owner changed their opinion (free of charge would of been better) and you're not facing a huge bill. Part of me would be tempted to ask them for the pan in advance and bring it to a machine shop to put a helicoil in while it's easy (unless you feel comfortable doing it). Never used the timecerts so I can't comment. Since this drain plug will be removed numerous times over the years a little extra money now could save you from ever having this problem again. This time it was the dealer, next time it could be a friend or family member trying to help out.

Reminds me of my childhood. I had a Honda ATC 90 three wheel atv. I was going to change the oil when a friend who lived up the street came over and wanted to help. I didn't pay attention but he grabbed a 1/2" breaker bar and socket and tried to remove the drain bolt by tightening it. After a few minutes he said he turned it lots of times but it wasn't coming out. Back then you just did what you had to because the correct tools like taps were things I didn't have. From that day forward the plug was RTV'd in place and oil changes were extremely rare.