2006 XC 70 oil pan bolt stripped threads

[ctracy]

recently took my 06 XC for oil change to local Monroe shop- Mechanic pulled out threads( explained that steel bolt likely was over-tightened last change) when he removed bolt in oil pan- had some difficulty but ultimately able to retighten bolt with silicone. Thinks I may need new oil pan .

Any thoughts. Car has 42K mi. Thanks Charlie

[JDS60R]

Hi Charlie,
Sorry to hear about your problems on such a new car. You can always take it back to the shop that overtightened it if you are sure it was them.

The pan is just a piece of metal and can be repaired. Oversized oil pan bolts are availalbe (do not use a self taping oversize plug as they are meant for steel and can fracture aluminum alloys) or a new thread can be expoxied in after the damage is removed. Just get with shop who understands what a Helicoil is and you will be fine. As always compare the repair costs with the replacement cost of a new or salvaged pan.

If you have high mileage it might be a good time to get the oil pan o rings replaced and have them put on a good used or new pan while it is off.

These are great too http://www.timesert.com/html/drainplug.html

Best of everything,
JD

[JDS60R]

For the most part I would suggest a timesert over a helicoil.