Review on 🪡 M14x1.5 Oil Pan Thread Repair Kit by Time-Sert by Fred Griffin

I used this to repair a stripped oil pan thread on a 2003 Land Rover Discovery 2. The first thing to know is that the inserts are 12.7mm deep (part number 14155), this is not listed in the product description. Inserts are available in a variety of depths, ensure you order the correct kit for your application or order the correct inserts separately. I was lucky that this worked for my needs as I hadn't checked the insertion depth before ordering. The drill bits used for drilling, countersinking and tapping come in a variety of sizes, make sure you have the appropriate bit adapters or tools before you start. I fixed my oil pan when it was installed on my truck, it would take four to six hours to remove and replace; Overall the cost of the kit is good compared to the time it takes and the chance of something breaking or going wrong with the entire oil pan and crossmember removed. The drill bit drive square is 11mm, if you want to use a drill you will need one with a large chuck, probably a 1/2 inch. I used a 1/2" 12 point socket on a 3/8" ratchet. You MUST keep the bit perpendicular to the surface while drilling, which is very difficult with ratchet drilling as you can't apply pressure to the center hole of the bit. There is no drill guide in this kit (there REALLY should be), but you can use one Tap guide, which is included in the kit, although it is slightly larger (about 1.5mm) than the drill. I used the tap guide when drilling to be as square as possible. The drill is sharp and quickly cuts a hole. Clean chips and scales. The next step was to ream the hole you just drilled (the countersunk hole drive square is 9mm). This wasn't easy with a ratchet as I couldn't apply enough pressure to get a clean cut that would go to the depth of the tool. I had to jack up the truck and use a large 1/2" adjustable drill bit to get the job done. The drill bit made this a breeze and quickly cut a groove in the hole for the bit to fit. Clean out the shavings and Flakes. The next step is to cut a new thread (the square of the tap is 9mm). For this job I used a large ratcheting tap tool and the included tap guide. Holding the guide perpendicular to the surface I easily tap new threads. Be careful Be sure to look at the tap guide from all angles to make sure it sits straight across the entire hole when you thread it in. You definitely don't want to tap the thread at an angle to the surface. Clean up shavings and flakes. I trimmed some hanging wire and made a 90 degree bend on the end of the wire to insert it into the new bolt hole to clear any debris in the pan catch, and pulled him down, then a blue paper towel and made a few turns to completely erase and carve the hole. The final step is to install the insert (the drive square of the insert tool is 8mm). Lubricate the insertion tool as directed before proceeding. The bit can either be finger screwed into the hole or partially screwed onto the tool and then screwed into the hole; Both methods work, but when threading a tool you only go 3/4 of the way down the tool. Continue threading the tool into the socket in the hole, you may feel a slight resistance, after which it should loosen. This is a tool that turns the bottom threads of the insert to hold it in place. Twist a few more times to ensure the tool spins freely, then remove it. I was a bit concerned that the insert wasn't flush with the surface, but after checking the Time-Sert website I found this to be normal. Install a drain plug with a new copper washer, pour the old oil back into the engine, wait about 10 minutes to make sure the repair is done properly and does not leak (DO NOT START THE ENGINE). Repair. Drain the oil, then install the plug, retighten with a new copper washer and top up with fresh oil. Start the engine and check for leaks over the next few days. All in all it was a pretty easy fix, I don't think it would have gone so well if I hadn't had a 1/2" chuck drill bit, which most people won't have; The answer might be some sort of 1/4" female adapter. I'm very happy with the repair and I expect it will hold up well. If I have any issues I'll update this review. Guide to make sure that new hole is perpendicular to the surface, considering the cost of the kit.