Hey all, ran into an issue with my FX45. But this is a fairly general question, so I'm posting here.

Right after I moved out to CA from MD, I took the FX for an oil change (Philips Tire shop near my house). They told me that the pervious shop overtightened the plug and when they took it off, the thread on the pan had started to strip. They said they could use a oversized plug and patch it. The shop manager said it's a "patch" and may not hold forever. The sure fix it to replace the pan all together. The oversized plug held for another oil change. Now, after the third oil change, it's leaking. I haven't taken the car back to the shop, but I'm assuming the pan needs to be changed?

Anyone have experience in matter such as these? Should I have the pan changed (cost for job like that?) Or should I look into a "insert" like this http://www.timesert.com/html/drainplug.html

Thanks

 

You need to change the pan, imagine driving on a long trip and the oil drains out? Booom there goes your motor and a easy repair turned into a motor replacement.

 

There's no way I would run on that "patch" for long.... I mean the kind of investments you make on this vehicle, if the oil did run out and caused engine problems, warranty wouldn't cover it....
I have the oil pan (lower oil pan) comes with new drain plug $100 shipped if you are interested
~Phil~

 

Replace the pan with another OEM one. Take a look in the Private Classifieds on here and on my350z.com. There are plenty of guys parting out motors - I'm sure you can pick up one for a few bucks plus shipping. Courtesyparts.com sells new ones for $100ish, again, you can find a used one easily in the classifieds.

Its very straightforward to replace a pan - definitely DIY if you're worried about another shop screwing things up.

 

I definitely misspoke, that is for the FX35, the FX45 doesn't have the little lower oil pan, it only has the one oil pan,
and it's going to be about $210 shipped....
sorry about that!
~Phil~

 

I agree change the pan its not all that expensive and if.the patch does fail you will be spending alot more to fix the damage

 

oh wow, that blows if its a single unit!

 

yeah I agree, I double checked, the FX35 has the little lower oil pan, but the FX45 doesn't, but either way, need to get it fixed because $210 shipped is still less than a new engine... or valves, or internal engine issues
~Phil~

 

after you get a new pan, install a fumtoto drain valve. You will never have to worry about some monkey over tightening your plug again!!
http://www.fumotousa.com/

 

+1 what everyone else says on just replacing it, look around for a used one where someone's parting out a motor--craigslist, ebay, forum classifieds, etc-- if that fails then you're stuck with a new one.

If you were handy with tools I'd say pull it off, weld the hole shut then drill and tap it for a new one.. but thats a lot of work...

 

Same problem happened to a buddy of mines, the patch fell out of the pan and the motor went soon after.

 

Thanks for the feedback, all!

Phil, thanks for the info, I'll definitely keep you in mind. Can I trouble you to check with your service dept to see how much this install runs? I'm just trying to get an idea.


I like that idea! Looks easy enough, I may start changing my own oil again!

 

I hear ya. I've got my eye on the oil levels. I check the dip stick before I leave and after I get to my destination. I always see fresh oil drops on the ground under the car, so I know it's leaking pretty consistently. It's been four days, and I'm down to 3/4 on the dip stick. I'm going to need to figure something out pretty quick. Topping off Mobil 1 every couple days is not going to be cheap

On a side note, for everyone, how long can a car run without oil in the pan? ie, if I was driving and the plug fell out and all the reserve oil leaked out (keep in mind, the car is running with oil in the engine).

 

Just a consideration, but if you're going to install one of those drain valves, wire the lever into the closed position. I know they have a "safety catch" but it's not that great a design. A loop of bailing wire around the closed lever adds a bit of peace of mind.