The Ford Barn

michaeld1 · 05-03-2016, 08:53 PM

Our Model A oil pan plug spins due to the ring spinning in the pan. Possible solution suggested was to drill a hole in the pan plug - then install a new (smaller) pan plug.

Is this idea reasonable?

Thank you for your ideas.

Mike

Gary WA · 05-03-2016, 08:57 PM

Need to remove pan. re- braze., is the best way . or look for a better pan. Check with the local Model A Club in your area.

Synchro909 · 05-03-2016, 09:36 PM

The boss that is moving on you is only soft soldered in (not brazed). I repaired mine by removing the sump and welding. I checked for leaks with a little fuel (egg cup full). The small leak I found was repaired with a little epoxy putty. Been like that for years now without trouble.

Mitch//pa · 05-04-2016, 07:12 AM

The main reason for the bung to break loose is from over tightening the drain plug

Bob Bidonde · 05-04-2016, 10:07 AM

The the threaded fitting in the oil pan (AKA drain boss) is a poor design as it is kept from spinning by friction. Try this:
>Take the oil pan down, remove the tray and thoroughly clean the pan;
>Put some lacquer thinner into the pan and spin the drain boss fitting a few times;
>Using a bottle gas torch of acetylene torch, melt some plumbers tinning paste into the spinning joint, all the way around and being careful not to get it into the drain plug threads;
>Again using the torch, flow solder into the spinning joint all the way around and let it cool;
>Unscrew the drain plug.

The solder will not only fix the drain boss from spinning, it will also seal it.

michaeld1 · 05-04-2016, 10:54 AM

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We appreciate all of the alternative solution(s). Our question was the suggested idea of drilling the existing pan plug - then installing a smaller pan plug. This idea has its merits since I do not crawl on my belly as good as I did when I was younger.

Has anyone tried the solution of drilling a smaller hole in the pan plug?

Thank you all for the suggested ideas.

Mike

jax55 · 05-04-2016, 01:12 PM

Mike,
I amy not totally understand what you are asking. Basically it sounds like the bung in the pan has come loose, OR the drain plug has stripped.
In either case, without correcting that there will be a leak. Drilling out one or the other does not really fix it, there is still the probability of the leak.
Sorry if I am way off base, I said I was confused. ;-)

Wick · 05-04-2016, 01:14 PM

I would do it in a heart beat. Drill a 1/8" pilot hole and let it drain. Then drill it out and tap for a 1/4-20 plug.
Or like the boat dealers do,put a hose over the dipstick tube and suck the oil out.

michaeld1 · 05-04-2016, 01:58 PM

Thank you "Jax55". The "Bung" although turning - does not leak (at this time). If it was leaking, I would not consider the drill and (smaller) new plug option.

Thank you "Wick". I purchased a patented "vacuum pump" last week - then worked myself into a lather trying to keep the vacuum seal. Bottom line, I was able to change the oil - however way more work than I had anticipated. I will purchase a 1/4 inch "pipe" plug since the "taper" of the plug will create a better seal. Wish me luck since I may be on a questionable adventure - drilling out my pan plug.

Mike

mantta · 05-04-2016, 02:03 PM

Mine did the same thing. I removed the pan and cleaned the area good and brazed it.

05-03-2016, 08:53 PM	#1
michaeld1 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Chehalis, Washington Posts: 8	Model A oil pan plug spins Our Model A oil pan plug spins due to the ring spinning in the pan. Possible solution suggested was to drill a hole in the pan plug - then install a new (smaller) pan plug. Is this idea reasonable? Thank you for your ideas. Mike

05-03-2016, 09:36 PM	#3
Synchro909 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 7,496	Re: Model A oil pan plug spins The boss that is moving on you is only soft soldered in (not brazed). I repaired mine by removing the sump and welding. I checked for leaks with a little fuel (egg cup full). The small leak I found was repaired with a little epoxy putty. Been like that for years now without trouble. __________________ I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood.

05-04-2016, 07:12 AM	#4
Mitch//pa BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bucks County, PA Posts: 11,454	Re: Model A oil pan plug spins The main reason for the bung to break loose is from over tightening the drain plug

05-04-2016, 10:07 AM	#5
Bob Bidonde Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 3,463	Re: Model A oil pan plug spins The the threaded fitting in the oil pan (AKA drain boss) is a poor design as it is kept from spinning by friction. Try this: >Take the oil pan down, remove the tray and thoroughly clean the pan; >Put some lacquer thinner into the pan and spin the drain boss fitting a few times; >Using a bottle gas torch of acetylene torch, melt some plumbers tinning paste into the spinning joint, all the way around and being careful not to get it into the drain plug threads; >Again using the torch, flow solder into the spinning joint all the way around and let it cool; >Unscrew the drain plug. The solder will not only fix the drain boss from spinning, it will also seal it. __________________ Bob Bidonde Last edited by Bob Bidonde; 05-04-2016 at 10:15 AM.

05-04-2016, 10:54 AM	#6
michaeld1 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Chehalis, Washington Posts: 8	Re: Model A oil pan plug spins Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) We appreciate all of the alternative solution(s). Our question was the suggested idea of drilling the existing pan plug - then installing a smaller pan plug. This idea has its merits since I do not crawl on my belly as good as I did when I was younger. Has anyone tried the solution of drilling a smaller hole in the pan plug? Thank you all for the suggested ideas. Mike

05-04-2016, 01:12 PM	#7
jax55 Senior Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Santa Barbara, Ca Posts: 329	Re: Model A oil pan plug spins Mike, I amy not totally understand what you are asking. Basically it sounds like the bung in the pan has come loose, OR the drain plug has stripped. In either case, without correcting that there will be a leak. Drilling out one or the other does not really fix it, there is still the probability of the leak. Sorry if I am way off base, I said I was confused. ;-)

05-04-2016, 01:14 PM	#8
Wick Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Gwynn's Island Va Posts: 1,386	Re: Model A oil pan plug spins I would do it in a heart beat. Drill a 1/8" pilot hole and let it drain. Then drill it out and tap for a 1/4-20 plug. Or like the boat dealers do,put a hose over the dipstick tube and suck the oil out.

05-04-2016, 01:58 PM	#9
michaeld1 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Chehalis, Washington Posts: 8	Re: Model A oil pan plug spins Thank you "Jax55". The "Bung" although turning - does not leak (at this time). If it was leaking, I would not consider the drill and (smaller) new plug option. Thank you "Wick". I purchased a patented "vacuum pump" last week - then worked myself into a lather trying to keep the vacuum seal. Bottom line, I was able to change the oil - however way more work than I had anticipated. I will purchase a 1/4 inch "pipe" plug since the "taper" of the plug will create a better seal. Wish me luck since I may be on a questionable adventure - drilling out my pan plug. Mike

05-04-2016, 02:03 PM	#10
mantta Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Keweenaw Bay, MI (Michigan's Upper Peninsula) Posts: 218	Re: Model A oil pan plug spins Mine did the same thing. I removed the pan and cleaned the area good and brazed it.