Retapping an oil pan bolt that’s spinning free

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Joined
Feb 12, 2022
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Location
perth, australia
Hey guys,

Yesterday arvo I replaced my oil pan to get on top of a leak. All bolts went back in fine but it appears the bolt near the leak had been replaced with a generic 10mm head bolt. In turn it has stripped the holes thread and the bolt just spins freely. Which explains how the oil made its way to that point. I do know that Toyota use JIS threads. Can anyone recommend the best way to go about retapping this thread. Just tap with a generic size ?
 
I would figure out what size the original thread was (likely M6x1.0?) and get the appropriate Helicoil type threaded insert to fix it. Otherwise if there's enough clearance around the hole you could drill it out and retap it to the next size up.
 
Not fun in or under the engine bay! I think you may have to carefully drill it out starting with small bits and stepping it up. May have to super glue tack the bolt so it does not spin whilst drilling after a brake cleaner cleanup. When you have got close to the 6mm size you maybe able to re-tap it. Hope you don't need a helicoil.

Either it was a low tensile bolt or more than likely pvo just kept tightening it until the thread was stuffed, they only need 21ftpounds torque.

I just put on a restored oil pan on the 2h engine I am building. It is m6 1.25pitch. Having the correct taps for toyota is very handy to have, use them frequently.

Unlike some oem enthusiasts , sometimes I use something which I consider an upgrade. Where there is high chance rust damage for the bolts with low torque values I have been using 316 stainless bolts. Such as thermostat housing, oil cooler, oil pan. Admittedly they are 13mm heads but they are not usually pieces which need to be pulled on and off frequently. Some folks hate the 13mm. Stainless is soft and even easier to strip, but I really observe most damage done to engines and bodies is over tightening threads. I may get some flack for this!

In your circumstance I would keep it consistent with what you already have. Unsure how successful a seal would be obtained from replacing a single bolt on the pan. It may continue to leak until the whole gasket and goop is replaced as oil would have penetrated beyond the seal of one bolt.
This is why indie mechanics tend to leave leaks and just top up oil, unless going for a rwc. It is not best practice but sure is easier.

If you want to do it once for sure and already have a happy engine, take it all off and do it proper. Can clean up your lower end at the same time. Gasket and goop is cheap. Costs in time and love.

JIS sems bolts can be a pain to source, unless you pay for it through toyota or spend a few hours in the Japanese isle in a pickapart. MXstore and Ebay has them, but make sure they are at least tensile.
 
You could also try using a longer m6 1.25p bolt on which you can put a nut on the other side once you get it out. Not the best, but a bit better. But still, chances are that oil has already penetrated the seal.
 
I was
You could also try using a longer m6 1.25p bolt on which you can put a nut on the other side once you get it out. Not the best, but a bit better. But still, chances are that oil has already penetrated the seal.
under the impression that the holes do not penetrate all the way through to fit a nut
 
I was

under the impression that the holes do not penetrate all the way through to fit a nut
depends which one, under the timing gear or flywheel no, but most of the rest both sides should be able. wouldn't risk pulling timing gear cover out of whack though.
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I would buy a Helicoil (thread repair insert) kit. This requires drilling and tapping for the insert.
Otherwise find the next bolt size up, metric or Imperial and tap for that.
 

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