ska*utomatic

iTrader: (3)

Well i just put my engine back together and now i have a massive oil leak. I mean this thing just flows. I've narrowed it down to the oil pan leaking. When i was putting on the oil pan one of the bolts got stripped so i pulled the bolt out and put gasket sealer all around the hole and tightened the two around it pretty well. The missing hole is right in the front left corner (driver's side). Oil seems to be spewing out of it. I can't tell if it's leaking out the edge then falling by the hole or if it is gushing out of the hole itself.
Now here's the question
1. do i pull my engine out take off the oil pan and redo the oil pan seal
The problem with this is a couple of other bolts were very close to stripping so i might not be able to get some to thread the 2nd time around meaning i would have to go through and tap and dye new bigger threads in several areas.
2. stick a screw type threaded bolt in the hole and tighten it down and let the screw type bolt make a new thread in the metal
The problem with this is if it fails to fix the problem now i have a thrashed hole that i can't reall thread anything to.
Im kinda stuck here im not sure what to do I've already had to pull my engine back out once since the rebuild and i really don't want to do it again and redo the oil pan if i don't have to. What can my solution be here
Oh and i sealed it with just silicone instant gasket sealer not the stock pan gasket

1234rotor

iTrader: (1)

You need to get a heli-coil kit for that bolt size and do those three holes. I know it should be a 6mm, but I do not remember the thread pitch.

Make sure you have a light oil film on the bolts and that the threads/bolts are clean when you re-install them. Torque them in the proper sequence and do not over-torque them ( make sure you torque to factory spec which should be only 7-10 lb-ft).


Hope you get it worked out.

ska*utomatic

iTrader: (3)

what is a heli coil kit? i assume it's a tap and dye thing but where do i get it? also should i just tap those three holes wit the oil pan on and then torque it down on the already existing silicone seal or should i redo the whole thing.

DaveW

Heli-Coils are spiral threads inserts used to redo stripped threads. They are supplied in kits with the tap and insertion tool needed to do the job. They are available at many industrial supply houses and also at many auto-parts suppliers.

Once the pan is leaking, you should really take it off and start over. Unfortunately, that's a big job, although it can be done from the bottom. Search for threads on oil pan leaks and oil pan removal - there are a lot.

REAmemiya FD3S

I just got the Gotham Racing Oil Pan Brace to help with my oil leak...i've tried sealing the oil pan 4 times already...once with gasket, three times without...once without the subframe in the way...i'm hoping this is the last time i have to do it...i'm really hoping the Gotham Racing Oil Pan Brace will do the trick...i'll let you know how it goes once it comes in.

you should go to http://www.scuderiaciriani.com/rx7/oil_pan_removal.html for step by step process on how to do it.