Probably. I'm going to check some of the local auto parts places this weekend for one. I did a test fit with an aluminum crush washer from the drain plug of our Honda Insight and it slides over the threads quite nicely. One problem I may run into (and possibly others) is that there are about 3 threads on the adapter and a decent sized gap between the end of the threads and the part that you wrench on. While the washer fit snugly over the threads, it was loose over the part that it's actually going to sit on when tightened. I'll be installing the drain plug sending unit this weekend (hopefully) so I'll let you guys know how it turns out.

 

I may have found at least a temporary solution. My drain plug adapters design doesn't look that good. They stopped the threads about 1/8" before the head of the adapter and the space between is machined down to have a smaller diameter than the threads. A crush washer that barely fits over the threads has quite a bit of wiggle room once it gets past them. The Honda Insight crush washer does fit perfectly over the threads, though. I ended up using some RTV to bond the washer with the adapter in the correct (centered) position. This should hold it until it's tightened onto the oil pan. It should work but I don't like the fact that I'd have to re-do the RTV every oil change plus silicone isn't something I'd like to have in my oil. 42 Draft Designs does make an M14x1.5 drain plug adapter that looks very good. It has a built in crush washer as well as an o-ring. See it here. My plan is to run with my jerry-rigged setup until my next oil change and then switch over to the better one. Question... will i do any harm by using some yellow teflon tape on the threads of the plug adapter? I'm already going to use it on the temp sender to adapter threads but is it alright to use it on the adapter to oil pan?

edit: Nevermind, I did it today. Used some yellow teflon tape on the threads to make sure it sealed (which it did). 4 quarts of green german castrol plus 3/4 quart of gold and it's done. It's 100 degrees today and oil temps rose fairly quickly. I was over 180 within 5 minutes and it topped out just north of 220 while cruising the freeway. It sat around 220 when I got off the freeway.

 

I know this thread is very old and most of you may not even be on this site any more. I'm was looking to install the temp guage as well. purchase and autometer plug and that didnt work. tried the craven speed and that didn't work either any idea. I have an 03 did mini change the pan thread pitch after 03 or something. 14mmx1.5 doesn't seem to work.

 

You did see me do this, right? More work than replacing your plug, but it's one way to do it.

 

Hi there!

I'm planing to install an electrical oil temp gauge, using a drain plug adaptor (r56 cooper s). Very usefull info here!

However i would like to know how the sensor will be exposed to the road, once the plug is facing down? Do you have any pictures of it?

Thanks in advance!