Help! I think I FUBARed this oil change.

I tried changing the oil in my sc3 for the first time today as I haven't had it that long and this is the scheduled time, but now that I've gotten the oil drain plug off, I can't get it back on.

It's almost as if the plug is too small, when I go to ratchet it back on, it just rotates in the oil pan and I can't torque it down. It'll tighten for a bit, but then suddenly loosens and falls back out a few turns. I'm afraid that I've stripped the the inside of the oil pan, but was hoping someone here could help save me.

Also, I scavenged around the oil that dripped out and noticed a little coiled spring like thing that had fallen into the oil. Not sure if this helps the diagnosis at all.

I've changed oil lots of times before on other cars and this has never been an issue. Please help as I really need my sc3 to be running.

JM

 

I'd be inclined to head over to your nearby auto parts store with the oil drain plug (for size reference) and see what they have in stock to help. They might have a universal expanding rubber plug or something to get you back on the road.

It sounds like you might have stripped the threads. If you search the archives, you'll find threads on what to do, long-term, for that problem.

 

OK, I'll search through the archives again. Just searchd the sc300 forum, will search this one now.

I don't think I stripped it, because on closer inspection, I see the remnants of red silicon in and around the hole. I assume the PO must've brought the car somewhere that messed it up. *sigh*

Thanks man.

JM

 

Don't bother dude. you stripped you're pan. Time for a new one.

 

How hard is installing a new pan myself? Also, where would you guys recommend to find the cheapest replacement? Standard Lexus price appears to be about $330.

If I wanted to get a dealer to do the install, what temporary fix can I use to get the sc3 over to the dealership?

JM

 

<ahem!> You were already told the temp fix in post #2.

 

i think they make a new plug with something called a heli-coil or something like that

You could re-tap but i would take the pan off the car first ..but then whats the point just buy new

 

Perry,

Sorry about asking again, but SinisterSC's reply made me think that he meant that the temporary fixes wouldn't work either so I just wanted to confirm so that I don't lose the drain plug on my way over to the dealer.

JM

 

With all due respect Panda, I recommend you tow this car to the dealer (or good repair shop) and have them take care of it. It's great for "newbies" to start working on their car, however, (refering to your coolant/refrigirant post) I really recommend that you either take some classes, have an experienced person help you, or leave cars alone. You have a nice car there and I'd hate to see you loose an engine, or brakes, or whatever else you worked on because of something silly.

 

You've got a point. I don't get why this happens on my sc3. I have no trouble doing everything on my infiniti. But yeah, looks like a trip to the dealer will be in order.

 

I've found a toyota dealer who's willing to do the service, but they're not sure if the oil pan for the sc3 is the same as that for the supra. Does anyone here know?

Thanks.

JM

 

Yup. It is.

 

Sounds like the pan has already been stripped and the person/mechanic before installed a thread insert as a fix.

If the pan has enough rigid metal in that area, it can be tapped for a slightly larger drain plug and will be less than a new pan and install. So long as the person doing this tapping is good it will not pose any problems. You will have to keep in mind the plug and gasket will be a different size. I did this on one of my cars and it hasn't given me any problems. Cost was $15 and the guy had it done in a couple minutes.