Oil Drain Plug Issue

[PTBill]

I just did my first oil change on my used 2003 PT425 with a Kohler CH730 motor.

I noticed that the oil change nipple turns back and forth about 1/4 inch each way from the center.
Its movement is limited by a small circular cutout in the metal frame that the drain plug and threads hit.
If I turn it to the right as far as it will go (1/4 inch), it tightens up, but it is finger-tight at best.

I don’t think the threads on the motor are stripped; the nipple does not shake when I push it back and forth or left and right (I hope).
It looks like it could use another full turn, but the frame prevents this.

I checked the oil around the plug after the oil change, and it isn't leaking at the moment.
However, I am worried the plug could vibrate loose since it is barely tight.
The only thing I can think to try is cutting the frame to allow for more movement.

Has anyone come across this?

Thanks Bill

 

[GrandpaSmurf825]

I can't tell a great deal from the photo but from your description it sounds like it is fine for now. I would monitor it and plan to "fix" it next oil change. If you don't want to take the motor loose this is how I would do it. I would procure the needed fittings and plan to cut the elbow that is there now and replace it with a straight fitting and 90 degree swivel adapter with a short hydraulic hose to make the whole process easier and less messy going forward.

https://www.amazon.com/HYDRAULICS-DIRECT-2404-06-06-Male-thread/dp/B0BZ6DN2LM/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3NB2ITR7GXLQR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9feJImY5GpKOxKYRzAiXJ4xJ444cYNjw86UoLc-_FKGkFiF_jlVT59J-3VyGAS5-r7TWrxOkx9N7FH-X_YqZu25ma40FfEWUT0vGmLqxI9CJYSHqZJNp6Kteq2TGVIhgxubTG6R9YFXnIPMkt6ZGEBR1vy9jcSkBwF0cYFYosEUpmUkvcoVruyn069oTxFyylXfCaw35ALuKW_JSM7Sm0CTI5lBW0M3LrCnMX4AyZ4jNUaRbbFrICao0b0cc-cGwtbR-At2RnVdm6ZErGOYqk3xpotSwuT5SNGulJwNsfKw.JuOfEt1Qzijv2v2GbG959l_Fia0LaltLjXCyPFb9vd8&dib_tag=se&keywords=2404-06-06&qid=1776457287&sprefix=2404-06-06%2Caps%2C345&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

Then get a hydraulic hose with a 90 female crimp on end to go on the straight fitting. Get a plug for the other end of the hose. Amazon is by no means the cheapest place to get hydraulic fittings and components in most instances. If you have a local hydraulic shop they are generally a better option although I encountered a couple in my career that were out of line. I'm also linking a company that many independent hydraulic shops use as their fitting source. It also gives you a much better idea what options you have.

https://www.tompkinsind.com/products

 

[PTBill]

I added another picture that might be a little better. Hard to get a phone in there for pictures. Thanks for all your info. Would be great to have a hydraulic hose for oil changes. Yes, I guess I will just monitor for now. Thanks again Bill

 

[ponytug]

I guess in line with the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" viewpoint, to me, if it is not weeping oil, I would not worry about it.

Just so that we are clear, the hex nut at the end is tight, right? Your concern is that the elbow isn't any tighter than finger tight, right?

All the best,

Peter

 

[scotts562]

Yes I have that same issue. It has been that way for a long time with no leaks.

If you want to tighten yours, you should be able to remove the 4 engine mounting bolts and slightly lift the engine to get clearance. The pump hangs off the engine and there is enough slack in the hoses to do this. Pretty easy. The engine mounting bolts run thru pieces of pipe that space the engine off the bottom of the tub. These spacers are not attached to anything. Make sure you didn't lose any when you remount the engine.

That fitting is a tapered pipe thread going into an aluminum block. Do NOT try cranking it down hard. You will hear a ting sound and have a cracked block. Hand tight plus a third of a turn is about all you want.

 

[scotts562]

Just looked at you pictures again. You 425 is one year older than mine. drain plug is set up a little different. Diffeent elbow. Dont know if that fitting is tapered or not. Using a drain pipe as suggested above is a pretty good idea.

 

[PTBill]

I guess in line with the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" viewpoint, to me, if it is not weeping oil, I would not worry about it.

Just so that we are clear, the hex nut at the end is tight, right? Your concern is that the elbow isn't any tighter than finger tight, right?

All the best,

Peter

Yes, The hex nut is tight - the elbow is the problem. I'm going to monitor and revisit again on the next oil change. Thanks Bill

 

[PTBill]

Yes I have that same issue. It has been that way for a long time with no leaks.

If you want to tighten yours, you should be able to remove the 4 engine mounting bolts and slightly lift the engine to get clearance. The pump hangs off the engine and there is enough slack in the hoses to do this. Pretty easy. The engine mounting bolts run thru pieces of pipe that space the engine off the bottom of the tub. These spacers are not attached to anything. Make sure you didn't lose any when you remount the engine.

That fitting is a tapered pipe thread going into an aluminum block. Do NOT try cranking it down hard. You will hear a ting sound and have a cracked block. Hand tight plus a third of a turn is about all you want.

Just looked at you pictures again. You 425 is one year older than mine. drain plug is set up a little different. Diffeent elbow. Dont know if that fitting is tapered or not. Using a drain pipe as suggested above is a pretty good idea.

Thanks for the info on lifting the engine a small amount - doesn't sound too bad. Will look at the possibility of a new drain pipe next oil change. Bill