I have a 07 freightliner business class with mbe 900 engine that engine has a aluminum pan so i am told it can't be rethreaded.No one stocks a new one it comes across the pond from Germany,and it's 700 hundred dollars not including labor,and it will take a week or so.I think the engine has be out a couple yrs,is there a bone yard i can call and maybe get lucky? only one i've heard of is near Terre Haute I.N.I won't be able to respond for couple days got a load into canada,but i am not sure who stripped the pan.The team is gone and i have there last oil changes but i have'nt called the manager yet but you'd think the last place that did it should have said something and they didn't at least not on the bill,can't reach the driver.
Drain plug ruined threads in oil pan,need new oil
- Thread starter pellgrn
- Start date
RE: Drain plug ruined threads in oil pan,need new
Check out this thread.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r170-slk-class/1297289-oil-drain-plug-stripped-change-pan.html
Check out this thread.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r170-slk-class/1297289-oil-drain-plug-stripped-change-pan.html
slfisher45
Expert Expediter
RE: Drain plug ruined threads in oil pan,need new
Same thing happened to me. I have been dealing with Speedco. On their worksheets they have a checklist of points to check. When they check a fluid level they mark it and when they are done they initial or sign it. My last oil change the trans pan fluid plug was cross threaded and almost impossible to remove. It was removed by the manager after close to an hour. I showed him that the fluid was checked last oil change (Gary, Indiana Speedco) and the checklist signed. Speedco was responsible. He took care of repairs and he billed the Gary branch for his time and that cost me nothing.
The fluid level actual wasn't checked in Gary based on the fluid level and condition, but because they said they did they assumed responsibility.
Same thing happened to me. I have been dealing with Speedco. On their worksheets they have a checklist of points to check. When they check a fluid level they mark it and when they are done they initial or sign it. My last oil change the trans pan fluid plug was cross threaded and almost impossible to remove. It was removed by the manager after close to an hour. I showed him that the fluid was checked last oil change (Gary, Indiana Speedco) and the checklist signed. Speedco was responsible. He took care of repairs and he billed the Gary branch for his time and that cost me nothing.
The fluid level actual wasn't checked in Gary based on the fluid level and condition, but because they said they did they assumed responsibility.
RE: Drain plug ruined threads in oil pan,need new
I am a bit confused as how you know the threads are stripped. But in any case before you drop 7 big ones on a new oil pan check into a self-tapping oversize drain plug. Even though the pan is cast aluminum the treads are still a hardened steel insert. There is a chance this insert could be knocked out and a new one welded in its place. So you should check into that also. Another option is an oversize plug with a spring loaded valve for draining. With this you won't have to remove the plug for oil changes. Thus eliminating the moron factor.
Good luck and let us know the outcome.
I am a bit confused as how you know the threads are stripped. But in any case before you drop 7 big ones on a new oil pan check into a self-tapping oversize drain plug. Even though the pan is cast aluminum the treads are still a hardened steel insert. There is a chance this insert could be knocked out and a new one welded in its place. So you should check into that also. Another option is an oversize plug with a spring loaded valve for draining. With this you won't have to remove the plug for oil changes. Thus eliminating the moron factor.
Good luck and let us know the outcome.
greg334
Veteran Expediter
RE: Drain plug ruined threads in oil pan,need new
pellgrn
Didn't you catch this by seeing oil seepage before the team took off?
(note to future fleet owners)
How do you know it is stripped out?
Can there be a larger plug put in, tapping the hole and using that?
Chance's are this is a Magnesium pan, not aluminum and only a certified welder should mess with it. I would consider getting the pan dropped and finding a certified welder who also can machine the thing for you, it should be less then $400 to do this, not including the labor to drop the pan.
I find it hard to beleive that they have no warehousing here in the states for this part - try another dealer or Canada. I know according to Daimler policy that they keep X number of parts for high turn over items around, oil pans seem to be a high turnover part. If you have to Call Detroit Diesel in Redford here, see if you can contact a regional service manager and see what they can do for you.
Chances are that if you do call the place that did the oil change, then they may just say it is too long since you had it done and you can't recover a thing - especially seeing you were not there or signed for it in the first place. The team should actually pay for the damage, seeing that they were in charge of the truck and this makes me think that all CDL holders need to have more mechanical then they do.
pellgrn
Didn't you catch this by seeing oil seepage before the team took off?
(note to future fleet owners)
How do you know it is stripped out?
Can there be a larger plug put in, tapping the hole and using that?
Chance's are this is a Magnesium pan, not aluminum and only a certified welder should mess with it. I would consider getting the pan dropped and finding a certified welder who also can machine the thing for you, it should be less then $400 to do this, not including the labor to drop the pan.
I find it hard to beleive that they have no warehousing here in the states for this part - try another dealer or Canada. I know according to Daimler policy that they keep X number of parts for high turn over items around, oil pans seem to be a high turnover part. If you have to Call Detroit Diesel in Redford here, see if you can contact a regional service manager and see what they can do for you.
Chances are that if you do call the place that did the oil change, then they may just say it is too long since you had it done and you can't recover a thing - especially seeing you were not there or signed for it in the first place. The team should actually pay for the damage, seeing that they were in charge of the truck and this makes me think that all CDL holders need to have more mechanical then they do.
slfisher45
Expert Expediter
RE: Drain plug ruined threads in oil pan,need new
Greg,
"Chances are that if you do call the place that did the oil change, then they may just say it is too long since you had it done and you can't recover a thing - especially seeing you were not there or signed for it in the first place. The team should actually pay for the damage, seeing that they were in charge of the truck and this makes me think that all CDL holders need to have more mechanical then they do."
With my situation (noted above)time frame wasn't an issue. Documented service was the factor, of corse dealing with reputable businesses helps. You're right, the team has some responsibility oil dripping while parked (can't see it as easily while rolling) is part of PTI...
Greg,
"Chances are that if you do call the place that did the oil change, then they may just say it is too long since you had it done and you can't recover a thing - especially seeing you were not there or signed for it in the first place. The team should actually pay for the damage, seeing that they were in charge of the truck and this makes me think that all CDL holders need to have more mechanical then they do."
With my situation (noted above)time frame wasn't an issue. Documented service was the factor, of corse dealing with reputable businesses helps. You're right, the team has some responsibility oil dripping while parked (can't see it as easily while rolling) is part of PTI...
RE: Drain plug ruined threads in oil pan,need new
Mine was stripped by Speedco in Wythville VA. We took to to the Western Branch Diesel shop at 3100 Mac Corkle Ave. S.W. South Charlestown WV. They cut new treads into the pan and we had a new system put in. I now only have to remove a brass cover, screw on a drain hose and the oil drains. NO more plug to take out. A new pan will strip just as easy. I cannot remember the name of the new parts we put in, my mind is not working today. Speedco took care of it. The entire bill was under $400.00 Layoutshooter
Mine was stripped by Speedco in Wythville VA. We took to to the Western Branch Diesel shop at 3100 Mac Corkle Ave. S.W. South Charlestown WV. They cut new treads into the pan and we had a new system put in. I now only have to remove a brass cover, screw on a drain hose and the oil drains. NO more plug to take out. A new pan will strip just as easy. I cannot remember the name of the new parts we put in, my mind is not working today. Speedco took care of it. The entire bill was under $400.00 Layoutshooter
RE: Drain plug ruined threads in oil pan,need new
Found a hotspot here in canada,anyway right now all i know is the nut is stripped,the head that is, i am thinking worest case senario cause if i get the nut off and am at a shop like a freightliner they won't do any rethreading or tapping they will only replace the pan at least that's what i've been told by one in St louis and in Gary.I wil talk to my mechanic mon he can do it,i just need some companys that make the fiting and plug and he will have to work outside and it's getting chilly,not to mention downtime cause i know he's jammed up.I got the info on the S.C shop thanks,i don't think it's leaking driver says oil level's ben good and when i got it back from team the levels were perfect.I did not look at the drain plug,the team gave me trk back in good shape.when i get home i can go threw recites and get specific with the shop that did this.I will post the shop ,and try to get repair taken care of by them.
Found a hotspot here in canada,anyway right now all i know is the nut is stripped,the head that is, i am thinking worest case senario cause if i get the nut off and am at a shop like a freightliner they won't do any rethreading or tapping they will only replace the pan at least that's what i've been told by one in St louis and in Gary.I wil talk to my mechanic mon he can do it,i just need some companys that make the fiting and plug and he will have to work outside and it's getting chilly,not to mention downtime cause i know he's jammed up.I got the info on the S.C shop thanks,i don't think it's leaking driver says oil level's ben good and when i got it back from team the levels were perfect.I did not look at the drain plug,the team gave me trk back in good shape.when i get home i can go threw recites and get specific with the shop that did this.I will post the shop ,and try to get repair taken care of by them.
RE: Drain plug ruined threads in oil pan,need new
Hey Greg,
You lost me on something. Replace what on the oil pan? My oil pan had no steel insert and I was told that none of the newer MBE's do. My was cast aluminum with a steel drain plug. That is why they strip sooo easy. Layoutshooter
Hey Greg,
You lost me on something. Replace what on the oil pan? My oil pan had no steel insert and I was told that none of the newer MBE's do. My was cast aluminum with a steel drain plug. That is why they strip sooo easy. Layoutshooter
greg334
Veteran Expediter
RE: Drain plug ruined threads in oil pan,need new
layout,
Here is the quote - "all i know is the nut is stripped,the head that is"
This means to me that the oil plug's head is stripped off so you can not put a socket or a wrench on the plug to remove it. It does not mean that the plug is actually stripped out and the pan needs to be replaced. The removal of the plug does not even require removing the pan, either with a bolt style or a recessed style oil plug.
But I am also going to p*ss some off by saying this: if you own a truck, want to get a cdl or want to be a fleet owner, I strongly feel that you need to learn what the oil plug is, actually how to change the filters and oil, what the difference between a bolt style oil plug and a recessed style plug among knowing your truck and how it works to keep it running.
I am so amazed (no offense towards anyone here) that how many people drive a truck that can't figure out how to check their oil or know how to do basic repairs and PM. It is akin to going to a doctor who never finished med school but got the degree anyway.
layout,
Here is the quote - "all i know is the nut is stripped,the head that is"
This means to me that the oil plug's head is stripped off so you can not put a socket or a wrench on the plug to remove it. It does not mean that the plug is actually stripped out and the pan needs to be replaced. The removal of the plug does not even require removing the pan, either with a bolt style or a recessed style oil plug.
But I am also going to p*ss some off by saying this: if you own a truck, want to get a cdl or want to be a fleet owner, I strongly feel that you need to learn what the oil plug is, actually how to change the filters and oil, what the difference between a bolt style oil plug and a recessed style plug among knowing your truck and how it works to keep it running.
I am so amazed (no offense towards anyone here) that how many people drive a truck that can't figure out how to check their oil or know how to do basic repairs and PM. It is akin to going to a doctor who never finished med school but got the degree anyway.
RE: Drain plug ruined threads in oil pan,need new
Yor are right, everyone should know how too. I do but choose not to due to time constraints and problems with getting rid of the stuff. Not worth the hassel. I missed the quote. Sorry. My pan was stripped by a worker. The soft aluminum is easy to strip with the steel drain plug. A very poor design. Too easy to screw up. It should have been steel on steel. OH well, it is only a $20,000 to 30,000 engine. What do you expect for cheap stuff? Good Designs? Real world applications? What a novel idea. Layoutshooter
Yor are right, everyone should know how too. I do but choose not to due to time constraints and problems with getting rid of the stuff. Not worth the hassel. I missed the quote. Sorry. My pan was stripped by a worker. The soft aluminum is easy to strip with the steel drain plug. A very poor design. Too easy to screw up. It should have been steel on steel. OH well, it is only a $20,000 to 30,000 engine. What do you expect for cheap stuff? Good Designs? Real world applications? What a novel idea. Layoutshooter
RE: Drain plug ruined threads in oil pan,need new
Is that for real? An aluminum pan without a steel threaded insert. What were they thinking?
If the oil technician (I am using that term very loosely) was able to round out the head of the drain plug then he must have cross threaded and ruined the pan threads.
In any case a pair of Vise Grips should be able to get a bite on the plug and be loosened.
Is that for real? An aluminum pan without a steel threaded insert. What were they thinking?
If the oil technician (I am using that term very loosely) was able to round out the head of the drain plug then he must have cross threaded and ruined the pan threads.
In any case a pair of Vise Grips should be able to get a bite on the plug and be loosened.
RE: Drain plug ruined threads in oil pan,need new
Mine has an aluminum pan with no steel insert. I was told that they are all that way at the Detroit Diesel shop that did my repairs. I assume that they know what they are talking about. It took the tech about five minutes to re-thread the pan. The metal in the pan appeared to be very soft as he cut the new threads. It took very little effort to cut them. Layoutshooter
Mine has an aluminum pan with no steel insert. I was told that they are all that way at the Detroit Diesel shop that did my repairs. I assume that they know what they are talking about. It took the tech about five minutes to re-thread the pan. The metal in the pan appeared to be very soft as he cut the new threads. It took very little effort to cut them. Layoutshooter
greg334
Veteran Expediter
RE: Drain plug ruined threads in oil pan,need new
The pans are either aluminum or magnesium, most DDs are the former but many of the MBEs are the latter. It all looks the same, it all cuts the same but when you weld it - well it can get messy.
Oh one thing that the people at Detroit Diesel told me that a lot of techs can't figure out the difference so they all say it is aluminum.
AND Moot, they don't put steel inserts because they are trying to save .003¢ per engine.
Really Moot, the issue is leakage and seepage. With the environmental laws we have now, I am surprised that we don't have some states patrolling the truck stops to find who is dripping oil and fining them for that .00012 oz of oil coming from the truck. The manufacture has been careful in limiting their environmental liabilities.
Truthfully if these oil change jockeys and the owners know what they are doing, you will never have a problem with the plug. I have had one car with an aluminum pan and it was 60 years old when I got it (1929 Cadillac). I got it from the original owner's family and got ever receipt for every thing that was done on the car, it never had a problem with a drain plug being cross treaded or anything like that. When I changed the oil, I never seen a problem with putting the plug back in correctly.
The pans are either aluminum or magnesium, most DDs are the former but many of the MBEs are the latter. It all looks the same, it all cuts the same but when you weld it - well it can get messy.
Oh one thing that the people at Detroit Diesel told me that a lot of techs can't figure out the difference so they all say it is aluminum.
AND Moot, they don't put steel inserts because they are trying to save .003¢ per engine.
Really Moot, the issue is leakage and seepage. With the environmental laws we have now, I am surprised that we don't have some states patrolling the truck stops to find who is dripping oil and fining them for that .00012 oz of oil coming from the truck. The manufacture has been careful in limiting their environmental liabilities.
Truthfully if these oil change jockeys and the owners know what they are doing, you will never have a problem with the plug. I have had one car with an aluminum pan and it was 60 years old when I got it (1929 Cadillac). I got it from the original owner's family and got ever receipt for every thing that was done on the car, it never had a problem with a drain plug being cross treaded or anything like that. When I changed the oil, I never seen a problem with putting the plug back in correctly.
RE: Drain plug ruined threads in oil pan,need new
The problem with the MBE's is the drain plug uses a metric hex screw. Some shops don't have the correct size so they use whatever is close and that rounds it out. It's not always that they cross thread it or otherwise screw up the threads. Sometimes it's that the last place buggered up (technical term) the plug so the current shop can't extract it. Been there, done that with an MBE900.
Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB
OOIDA Life Member 677319, JOIN NOW
Owner, Panther trucks 5508, 5509, 5641
EO Forum Moderator
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Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
The problem with the MBE's is the drain plug uses a metric hex screw. Some shops don't have the correct size so they use whatever is close and that rounds it out. It's not always that they cross thread it or otherwise screw up the threads. Sometimes it's that the last place buggered up (technical term) the plug so the current shop can't extract it. Been there, done that with an MBE900.
Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB
OOIDA Life Member 677319, JOIN NOW
Owner, Panther trucks 5508, 5509, 5641
EO Forum Moderator
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Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
RE: Drain plug ruined threads in oil pan,need new
I learned to look at everything before and after. I even carry the proper Metric Allan,and ask them to use it.Also carring an extra drain plug is a good idea.
Three ruined plugs over the last 4 plus years. Every time they try to claim they found it that way.
When at home I always use the same shop. Trouble is they charge allmost double what Speedco charges. Oh well I guess you get what you pay for. Sorta like having brain surgery. You wouldn`t want a rookie.
Oh by the way,Speedco broke an air line for me one time. The mgr was good about it. Went straight to FL had it fixed at their expense.(Yes it was still drivable...Hydraulic brakes. The compressor is only for the air ride)
I learned to look at everything before and after. I even carry the proper Metric Allan,and ask them to use it.Also carring an extra drain plug is a good idea.
Three ruined plugs over the last 4 plus years. Every time they try to claim they found it that way.
When at home I always use the same shop. Trouble is they charge allmost double what Speedco charges. Oh well I guess you get what you pay for. Sorta like having brain surgery. You wouldn`t want a rookie.
Oh by the way,Speedco broke an air line for me one time. The mgr was good about it. Went straight to FL had it fixed at their expense.(Yes it was still drivable...Hydraulic brakes. The compressor is only for the air ride)
are12
Expert Expediter
RE: Drain plug ruined threads in oil pan,need new
Pellgrn,
We had the same problem a couple of years ago. Sherwood of Freightliner out of Dunmore PA was the one that ordered ours. However, we never needed to use it so they may still have it in stock. Try giving them a call: 570-343-4300
We had the problem where the head of the plug was stripped and they had to drop the pan and tap the plug from inside and back it out.
Put most places will not attempt this project, unless you have a pan for backup. Worst case, it will cost you restock fees.
We now carry spare plugs and crush rings. Fell free to email us or PM if you have any questions.
Pellgrn,
We had the same problem a couple of years ago. Sherwood of Freightliner out of Dunmore PA was the one that ordered ours. However, we never needed to use it so they may still have it in stock. Try giving them a call: 570-343-4300
We had the problem where the head of the plug was stripped and they had to drop the pan and tap the plug from inside and back it out.
Put most places will not attempt this project, unless you have a pan for backup. Worst case, it will cost you restock fees.
We now carry spare plugs and crush rings. Fell free to email us or PM if you have any questions.
greg334
Veteran Expediter
RE: Drain plug ruined threads in oil pan,need new
You know unless they strip the socketed plug so badly that they can't get it out with the tools all mechanics should have, I question the mechanic's ablity to change the oil. Maybe I am critical with some of the wood butchers out there and I watch a few who would be better flipping hamburgers.
Some call these tools ez-outs and there is another brands from Germany on the US market which are really good and expensive. I have removed a lot of recessed socket head bolts that were stripped out because of some idiot not using the right wrench. I agree about keeping extra plugs and the proper wrench but I also think that using one of those drain plugs that have a valve or hose, I am drawing a blank on what they are called or the brand name.
You know unless they strip the socketed plug so badly that they can't get it out with the tools all mechanics should have, I question the mechanic's ablity to change the oil. Maybe I am critical with some of the wood butchers out there and I watch a few who would be better flipping hamburgers.
Some call these tools ez-outs and there is another brands from Germany on the US market which are really good and expensive. I have removed a lot of recessed socket head bolts that were stripped out because of some idiot not using the right wrench. I agree about keeping extra plugs and the proper wrench but I also think that using one of those drain plugs that have a valve or hose, I am drawing a blank on what they are called or the brand name.
RE: Drain plug ruined threads in oil pan,need new
Fumoto Drain Valve
Extra drain plugs? Replacing oil pans? For about $25 you can pretty much eliminate even the possibility of stripped threads and rounded heads.
http://www.fumotousa.com/
http://www.quickoildrainvalve.com/
I got mine here (little cheaper), but I don't think they have the ones for the bigger trucks. They might, I just didn't see 'em online is all.
http://www.lubricationspecialist.com/
It amazes my how people don't have one of these things. It has a lifetime warranty, and Fumoto will even cover consequential damages to the engine and vehicle in the case of a defective product.
$25 or $400 - it's a no-brainer.
Slow and steady, even in expediting, wins the race - Aesop
Fumoto Drain Valve
Extra drain plugs? Replacing oil pans? For about $25 you can pretty much eliminate even the possibility of stripped threads and rounded heads.
http://www.fumotousa.com/
http://www.quickoildrainvalve.com/
I got mine here (little cheaper), but I don't think they have the ones for the bigger trucks. They might, I just didn't see 'em online is all.
http://www.lubricationspecialist.com/
It amazes my how people don't have one of these things. It has a lifetime warranty, and Fumoto will even cover consequential damages to the engine and vehicle in the case of a defective product.
$25 or $400 - it's a no-brainer.
Slow and steady, even in expediting, wins the race - Aesop