Okay, well here it is. Upon taking off my oil pan which went swimmingly with the exception of this one bolt, I have one question. Am I screwed? Basically, one of the bolts that goes in through the tranny side got cross threaded on the way out...don't ask me how! I basically broke the bolt lose and then started to screw it out when I noticed it was very difficult. I've felt this feeling before and knew it was cross threaded. I couldn't stop now because I had to take the bolt out. Well, finally after many hard turns, cursing of all sorts and praying that the head wouldn't break off, it came out and I saw that it was indeed stripped.

My question now is that it looks like the oil has nothing to do with that hole and in fact, it's there just to hold it in place, so can I just use a nut and washer on one end and then just another bolt to hold it together? I reckon it'd be okay, but I'd like to get your opinions!

Cheers boys.

 

I would retap the threads, and use a bolt there...but if im thinking of the right bolts you should be okay.

 

I don't see why that wouldn't work. That kind of stuff happens. The best thing to do would be to tap the hole out if there's enough material left though and get a new bolt.

 

Chase the threads with an OEM size cleaner tap and try installing the bolt. If it strips out (go light, there's a ton of them on the pan), go up the next size tap and bolt.

 

Agreed, I would retap at the next size and match the bolt. Make sure to use plenty of oil/lubricant because you can break your taps if you aren't careful. Turn the key in 1/8th to 1/4 turn increments and back out a bit, oil, turn more, etc...

You'll see what I mean when you get down to it.

Good luck!