Next step after oversized drain plug

TigerfaninAR · Mar 22, 2014

Doing the 400 hr service on Kubota B2320 and was down to reinstalling rear hydraulic drain plug after all fluids were out and new filters put on. Had that bad feeling when it wouldn't tighten correctly and sure enough stripped some of the threads. Went to auto parts store and got an oversized piggy back type plug. I've used that before on an old vehicle with success. Problem now is when I line it up and it gets off square in about a turn once in grabs. I took the rear tire off so I could do it better and have spent hours and that plug will not go in straight.

Besides time for a cold one what's my next step?

Buckgnarly · Mar 22, 2014

Helicoil or drill and tap next size up.

Have you tried to clean up the threads with a thread chaser? NOT a tap though, only a chaser.

Winmac · Mar 22, 2014

Next step would be to relax, drink your beer then find some one qualified to repair it.
Might seem harsh but unless your a machinist or have a working knowledge of thread repair procedures this is not a job for the do it yourself.

Buckgnarly · Mar 22, 2014

Winmac said:
Next step would be to relax, drink your beer then find some one qualified to repair it.
Might seem harsh but unless your a machinist or have a working knowledge of thread repair procedures this is not a job for the do it yourself.

Seriously? It's a drain plug, not a head bolt in some super rare block....

A drain plug is one of the simplest thread repairs, take some time to learn and a great place to start learning!

sixdogs · Mar 22, 2014

I have known people that did this (I did it too but 40 years ago) and the best method of last resort was a tap or a stubby tap and re-thread it. Take your time, take it easy and it should work. Also, you may need to add a copper washer and/ or a rubber gasket to get a snug fit.

TigerfaninAR · Mar 22, 2014

Went back to auto parts store to get a Helicoil repair kit. Had an old timer working there that suggested another fix. He showed me a plug that was 33 thousandths larger that could cut new threads. Said he liked this type much better than the piggy back type I had tried earlier. Also had a magnetic part that caught a lot of shavings I was able to wipe off and not stay inside. Happy to say it is snug and no visible leaks. Took a whole Saturdy but guess I was blessed it was 65 degrees and nice.

Appreciate the responses and help.