So I just serviced my oil myself today and noticed the drain plug was tight the whole time while I was unscrewing it and immediately knew it was crossthreaded. Finally got it off and yep, it was crossthreaded when it was last put on. I last had it serviced by Conrads (they are a chain of shops in ohio) and they are the ones responsible for putting it on incorrectly. My question is, is it worth contacting them about this? They serviced it about 4 months ago. Do I have a chance at all of them fixing the problem or am I just screwed? Also is my only fix a new oil pan?

 

You could try but chances are they will deny any claim. You might get lucky by chasing the pan threads with a M14x1.5mm tap and a new drain plug. I'd try that before replacing the pan. Just get the tap started right or it's a goner for sure.

 

Odds are they will not accept responsibility for this. I would however call & talk calmly to the stores manager. You never know they may make it right. Never take your MINI to a non-MINI shop it is just asking for problems. Let us know how this works out & good luck.

 

Try giving them a call. Most likely they stripped it out by over tightening it or it was damaged from a time before and tightened it down even more to make it hold.

Chaser thread might work otherwise you will need a new pan. Doing it yourself is much safer then some quick oil change places.

 

Question: are we talking a GEN1 here or later?

Cuz a GEN1 bung goes into the back side of the pan .... and I'd just tap to the next larger size Fumoto, install a Fumoto and never worry about the issue again.

If we're talking a GEN2 however the issue is a wee bit more complicated cuz the bung screws into a recessed hole in the bottom of the pan and should be flush when fitted. A bit more difficult to find a replacement oversized bung .... so you would be looking at a new pan or an insert. A helicoil insert should work IF there is euf room to work in that 'recess'.

Can't comment on later cars, haven't touched one . ..