Good Evening All,

I'm getting very close to getting my XJ6 back on the road and as such I've giving everything the once over. First problem found! I have oil leaking from the sump plug. I've removed the plug and it looks like the sump has had a previous helicoil repair? I'm assuming that they weren't helicoiled from the factory?

What are my option for repair? I have found something for AJ6 engines, but not the XK?

Woz

 

I went to the local parts store, happened to be my place of employment at the time, and found a 14mm sump plug, Mitsi/Toyota/dunno, and then snooped around some more, and found a 14mm Taper tap, and drilled the sump to the size for the tap spec, and that I forget now, but since I was using a 1st taper thread tap it was only a "lick", and rethreaded that alloy sump to take the 14mm sump plug, simple.

THEN

Dont let idiots change your oil.

NO, they were not helicoiled from the factory, and usually oil will seep between the coil and the parent, and ya got a leak.

 

Thanks Grant,

I've taken a closer look now and I can clearly see the helicoil (of the wrong depth!) but, the sump plug thread is 5/8-18 UNF (15.875mm x 1.41mm), so an M14 won't be enough. I'll need to find the helicoil thread size and maybe make an adapter or just go up to 3/4 UNF and use a new sump plug?

 

Commodore V6, say VXish has a 19mm threaded sump plug, memory here, as I am not at work at the moment. They do have a standard 14mm plug and then this option for the bigger one. My sons V6 S/charged has the big plug as supplied by GM, so not molested.

Duck into Super Cheap, they should have a chart for all cars, Kelpro is one brand, and pick one that suits, and then a tap, and done and dusted.

Late S3, and AJ6/16 has a "monster" thread sump plug, but I reckon that is going too far, or maybe not.

 

Well the drill size for the current helicoil is 41/64" (16.27mm), so you need to go to 3/4-16 to remove the helicoil thread. The 3/4-16 needs a 17.5 hole to tap into.

Although, being Aus it will be easier (cheaper) to go with a metric thread. M20x1.0 would do the trick. I'll have a shop around tomorrow.

 

 

OOPS.

Very sloppy repair by any standards.

Maybe, unwinding it carefully, cleaning with Solvent (Carby cleaner etc) and loctite the coil into place. Then a decent copper washer, or a Dowty washer, nd should be fine.

The depth is no matter, just the security and the face finish is what gives the seal.

 

Remove the loose Helicoil. Use a new one with tools. Seat the new coil. Use a better washer under the bolt.

J-L has a long thread on the issue..

Carl

 

Yep, thanks gents. That is the current plan as it will be the quickest as long as I can get the insert and I have the correct make. From experience different manufactures use different insert threads. 'Champion' inserts for example are not compatible with 'Recoil'.

 

 

BUGGA.

 

YUK!!!

Who ever "installed" that Helicoil made mess. As I get it,. once the coil is seated in the new clean threads, the tang is to be busted off, It's location job done.

It looks like there is enough "meat" left for a new bore and a clean tap. And, yeah, the threads are straight and as sucj do not seal, they merely fasten. use a good washer and all should be well....

Carl

 

We did repair on my buddies BMW aluminum oil pan drain screw by simply drilling and tapping one size bigger hole. I think we went from 17mm head bolt to 19 mm bolt (probably M12 to M14 thread size). Maybe similar repair could be applied here?