Stripped oil pan Drain plug
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 63
Likes: 1
From: Bronx NY
2008 ML350
Stripped oil pan Drain plug
Hey everyone, I've been taking me 2008 ML350 to a local shop for an oil change for a few years now and with no problem. A few days ago i noticed an oil leak coming from under the truck, so being that i had an appointment with the dealer for an unrelated issue, i asked them to check the leak ... said that the drain plug was stripped and i needed to change the oil pan $$$$. does anyone know if this is true, or is there a fix ...?
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 142
Likes: 1
From: Braselton,GA
2008 ML320cdi Irid.silver, 2013 VW Jetta Prem. Tdi Dsg red
Sounds like whoever has been changing your oil cross threaded your drain plug (put it in crooked) and tightened it down. You'll have to get a new oil pan & drain plug. I'd try to get that shop to pay the bill...
Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 205
Likes: 3
From: Denver / southern AZ
'11 ML350
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Madison, AL
2009 ML320 Bluetec
As for a new pan, I disagree. Helicoil(tm) or Thread-Sert(tm) and a new drain bolt should be a perfectly good stronger than new fix.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 625
Likes: 4
From: Australia
X350d GLE500e 2017, ML350 BlueTec 2012(sold), A200 2013, ML350CDI 2009(sold), Aston Martin DB7 2003
This is not an unheard of problem with all makes. There are repair methods available, which can avoid the need for engine removal to replace the sump.
Oversize plugs are available for common sumps such as Ford and GM, but I doubt they are available for Mercedes.
"RECOIL" thread inserts are available and will fit. The kit includes an oversize tap to make the hole larger, then a formed wire thread coil is wound in leaving a new stronger than OE thread correct size for the standard sump plug. Okay, there must be a suitable gasket washer on the plug, which I believe is standard on Mercedes.
Also Loctite make a thread repair kit. It will work to perfection but I have my doubts about the long term reliability unless you resort to suction draining in the future.
Of course I am not saying who should pay!
Oversize plugs are available for common sumps such as Ford and GM, but I doubt they are available for Mercedes.
"RECOIL" thread inserts are available and will fit. The kit includes an oversize tap to make the hole larger, then a formed wire thread coil is wound in leaving a new stronger than OE thread correct size for the standard sump plug. Okay, there must be a suitable gasket washer on the plug, which I believe is standard on Mercedes.
Also Loctite make a thread repair kit. It will work to perfection but I have my doubts about the long term reliability unless you resort to suction draining in the future.
Of course I am not saying who should pay!
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Madison, AL
2009 ML320 Bluetec
Best I can tell most all Mercedes-Benz, gas and diesel, AMG and not, use 14mm diameter with 1.5mm thread pitch.
Seeing how oil wets the felt insulation around the drain plug and no magnet I gave serious consideration toward one of these: http://www.qwikvalve.com/fumoto-f-106-valve.html
Due to the nuisance of removing the plastic belly pan I thought a lot about cutting a hole in it. Ultimately purchased an oil extractor to pull it out from the top.
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Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
250, WRX, ML63, CL-S
its most likely the copper compression washer I drove mine home from Chicago to Detroit and dripped 3-4 quarts out the bottom in 5 hours. They crushed the copper washer at 90 degrees into the hole and tightened it. No cross thread but bad washer.
Let the dealer do the oil Its 120. Oil is 10/quart for 12 quarts. Why get hands dirty" I replace oil filter only every 2500 because, I can . It at top of front of engine.
Let the dealer do the oil Its 120. Oil is 10/quart for 12 quarts. Why get hands dirty" I replace oil filter only every 2500 because, I can . It at top of front of engine.
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Madison, AL
2009 ML320 Bluetec
Your ML63 holds 10.2 quarts. The Bluetec, V6, and V8's hold 9.0 quarts.
Oil is currently $5.40/quart after rebate at
I replace oil filter only every 2500 because, I can . It at top of front of engine.
