oil pan problem help asap

[tkerickyj]

problem here with my oil pan, looks like the threads fromt he oil pan are stripped and the oil pan plug wont stay in properly dont know what to do i dont wanna change the oil pan cuz its seems like a simple problem to spend $$$ on fixing

1-so my options are an expansion rubber plug (which i cant seem to find) cuz drain hole on my b5 is huge
2- heli coils which sound great but (cant find them either)
3-re-threading the oil pan, but that means i have to work from the inside out (cuz left over aluminum debree will be pused into the oil pan), implicating the fact that i have to remove the oil pan and still i have no idea how to do that or a shop to do it at, local shop will charge about $200 to do it (seems a lot but they are the only ones that will do it)
4- new oil pan way too expensive about 350 for pan and gasket plus labor comes out to like 600

any ideas, suggestions, plz help

[mackuk]

Man thats a tricky one! bit if a nightmare realy.

Definatly the sump thats threaded and not the plug? If there is wear on both the pan and the plug a new plug "might" give the threads enough bite to see you ok. I really can't think of a safe way to repair it other than a new pan, but as you said thats going to be a pricey job.

There are things you can do for instance using thread tape on the plug to make it fit a bit tighter, the problem is you dont want to have the plug pop out at a later date. You also have the issue of havign to face this dilema every time you change the oil.

Replacing may be the only real option, what year is your car. Is it worth trying to locate one from a breakers for instance. Will work out a lot cheaper than fitting a new part. All you will need to buy new are the gastets and a new plug. Just get used part rubbed and painted and it will be good as new.

Mack.