Need some assistance/Advice

TigerfaninAR · May 3, 2010

Changed the oil for the first time on my newly purchased B7300 (876 hrs) last week. Was hard as heck to get the oil plug off. It loosened and then just spun and spun. Finally was able to get some downward force while turning and got the bolt off. The bolt was stripped big time so took it in and the Kubota place got a me a new one with the washer (they called it a gasket) and said that would do it. Put it on, threads caught and just when it felt just slightly snug I turned another half turn and then it had that loose feeling.

Went ahead and put oil in it and let it run for a few minutes. Had to move it from where it was so starting over at that point wasn't an option(at a rural property out in the open and big storms on the way). Checked it yesterday and around the bolt is oil but nothing on the ground. If it did drip it wasn't many at all, this over a 5 day time period. Checked the oil and it was still full.

So, is the oil pan threads bad? Is there something that can be sprayed or put around the bolt to make it through until next oil change? (I doubt but doesn' hurt to ask). Someone said I could probably put another washer on the bolt so it would catch earlier and tighten.

Yankee Clipper · May 3, 2010

Tiger,

Someone obviously stripped the pan in the past - the only repair is to remove the pan and have it machined for an oversize plug or use an expansion type plug. The expansion type plug is readily available from most hardware or auto parts stores.

Don't use it with the plug as it is - it may fall out and you could really do some serious / expensive damage in a short time.

Good luck!

TripleR · May 3, 2010

Teflon tape would work in the short, very short term, but I agree with Yankee Clipper that you will be risking catastrophic failure if the plug fails. I have done stuff I certainly wouldn't recommend for anyone else.

mustangsallysdad · May 3, 2010

TigerfaninAR said:
Changed the oil for the first time on my newly purchased B7300 (876 hrs) last week. Was hard as heck to get the oil plug off. It loosened and then just spun and spun. Finally was able to get some downward force while turning and got the bolt off. The bolt was stripped big time so took it in and the Kubota place got a me a new one with the washer (they called it a gasket) and said that would do it. Put it on, threads caught and just when it felt just slightly snug I turned another half turn and then it had that loose feeling.

Went ahead and put oil in it and let it run for a few minutes. Had to move it from where it was so starting over at that point wasn't an option(at a rural property out in the open and big storms on the way). Checked it yesterday and around the bolt is oil but nothing on the ground. If it did drip it wasn't many at all, this over a 5 day time period. Checked the oil and it was still full.

So, is the oil pan threads bad? Is there something that can be sprayed or put around the bolt to make it through until next oil change? (I doubt but doesn' hurt to ask). Someone said I could probably put another washer on the bolt so it would catch earlier and tighten.

Take the pan to a machine shop that does automotive engine rebuilds...they can install a new boss on the inside of the oil pan with the appropriate sized plug...shouldn't cost more than $25-30.

TigerfaninAR · May 3, 2010

mustangsallysdad said:
Take the pan to a machine shop that does automotive engine rebuilds...they can install a new boss on the inside of the oil pan with the appropriate sized plug...shouldn't cost more than $25-30.

Probably the best and smartest idea. Thanks

TigerfaninAR · May 3, 2010

Just looked at the Coleman Equipment site out of Kansas. A new oil pan is only 31 dollars so I may just order a new one and put it on myself. I'm no mechanic but surely I could do that job.

How hard of a job would it be?

number two · May 3, 2010

Oversized self-taping drain plugs are available at auto parts stores-just screw them in with some effort and reuse every time there after.I think there are even double oversize plugs available in some sizes.As Yankee Clipper said,those quick oil change places use repair plugs when their animals overtighten drain plugs.Why pull/replace the oil pan?

TigerfaninAR · May 4, 2010

number two said:
Oversized self-taping drain plugs are available at auto parts stores-just screw them in with some effort and reuse every time there after.I think there are even double oversize plugs available in some sizes.As Yankee Clipper said,those quick oil change places use repair plugs when their animals overtighten drain plugs.Why pull/replace the oil pan?

Went to a couple auto places that looked at me like I was an alien but finally found a place that knew (I hope so) what I needed. Measured my old plug and got me an oversized bolt with a piggy back so I can tighten the main plug and not have to mess with it again. Hope it works.