1989 245 oil pan drain plug replacement

roberto frances · Post by **roberto frances** » 13 Apr 2014, 15:22

I have a 1989 245 that may have a problem with the treads on the pan drain. While removing and replacing the oil drain plug during the last oil change the plug felt a bit strange. Having owned the car for 22 years (and personally changing the oil very regularly with only 6 or so trips to the jiffy lube) I suspect that the treads in the oil pan drain hole might be stripped ( I hesitate to blame it on the oil change guys…) There is no sign of leakage but I don't feel comfortable with how it feels when tightening.

Has anyone used a 3/4-16 Zinc Plated Self Tapping Oil Drain Plug with Gasket available on line? See attached image. Apparently this plug is slightly larger and will tap new treads into the pan and should be used as the drain plug afterwards.

Thanks,

lummert · Post by **lummert** » 13 Apr 2014, 16:39

That should work providing it's over-sized. But maybe locate a plug that isn't so long.

roberto frances · Post by **roberto frances** » 06 May 2014, 07:51

I found a replacement self tapping 3/4"- 16 drain plug on-line from Fastenal. I tried to install it but could not align it properly. I installed a temporary Dorman rubber expandable 3/4" plug and took it to a trusted mechanic who installed the new self tapping plug plug with no leaks and no problems. Other mechanics said that I needed a replacement pan and re-tapping the treads was not possible.

Post by **mtd240** » 08 May 2014, 06:35

I had the same issue with my '90 245 a little over a year ago. Grabbed a used replacement oil pan from someone on Turbobricks ($40 or so), and dove in. REAL PITA to maneuver the pan around the oil pump and get it out. You need to lower the crossmember and/or raise the engine.

While you have the pan off, DEFINITELY replace the oil pump seals. PN#: 418360. OEM, from-the-dealer only. Yours will be hard and crumbly. Doing them now will prevent the inevitable oil pressure light in the near future.

Using a new crush washer (add a couple to every FCP order you place) every oil change and torquing it correctly (44 ft-lb) will prevent this from happening again.

roberto frances · Post by **roberto frances** » 09 May 2014, 19:05

Thank you, I would probably never have replaced the pan because of a stripped pan drain hole.

As much as I like the 240 series (the last of the user friendly volvos I'm told) I beginning to think that enough is enough I am very careful about how time and money are spent keeping it well maintained.

I'm lucky that the self tapping plug worked and will be careful about taking it to oil change places in the future.

Thank you for your interest!