RE: Oil pan plug stripped-option #3

["john martyn (NOC/BTH)" <john.martyn@attws.com>]

A third option for fixing the stripped oil plug is one I found very 
satisfactory, although a little unconventional.  I had a local aircraft 
aluminum welding specialist weld a new bead of aluminum inside the stipped 
hole.  Then they tapped a new thread to match the diameter of a (gasp) 
Mercedes Benz plug.  This is now over two years old and has been a superior 
fix for the following reasons:
Cost: $160 for labor and parts  (more than an Impart solution but less than 
a new $450pan)
Engine:  The welding process created no lose aluminum filaments to get in 
the engine.  The welding continues the solid design of the pan without 
fittings that could become lose over time and weaken.
TechnoGeek appeal:  Yes, I had a high performance aerospace aircraft 
aluminum trained welder fix my oilpan drain plug.

HTH,
John
90 "Qoupe" Yeller