ChrisSellsHomes

I took my (new to me) '05 AP2 to my local dealer for my first oil / filter change and the service advisor alerted me that I need a new oil pan. I obviously asked why and he said the technician said the drain plug is stripped and it couldn't be tightened to spec. They quoted $1400 for a new oil pan and I was floored by that number. Regardless, I feel they are responsible, because I had no issues prior to that. The service manager was gone for the day and through this weekend, but I will speak to him upon his return.

Any suggestions on the course of action I should take or am I simply screwed?

Thank you in advance for your replies.

flanders

It may very well been overtightened and previously damaged, going to be hard to prove anything there.
New pan is only around $350 and replacing it is maybe 2-3 hours work at most.
I suggest you never use that dealer again and just source a new or used pan and look for a better more reputable shop to get the work done.
Also check you got the correct oil filter there and that it is torqued correctly (hand tight is not enough).
To many engines have been destroyed because of loose oil filters and negligent dealers.

windhund116

What a drag! He will have to arrange to tow the car to the new mechanic.

I find it hard to believe that the Honda Dealer can't be held responsible and fix the problem. Can't they just use Helicoil to repair the thread?

Thanks!

flanders

My drain plug was stripped by previously owners and I have fixed it with a Helicoil insert.
I guess you could do it with pan still installed but you risk leaving debris inside, I had mine removed first.
Could always try and use something like this as well
I think the workshop manual states you need to remove transmission before pan can be removed, which is totally unnecessary.
But this could be an explanation for the insanely high dealer quote, just further proves that they shouldn't touch these cars.

Billman250

They broke it They should pay for it.

Just get a purpose made oversized drain plug, problem solved.

Car Analogy

Hopefully this is your lesson to never bring this car to a dealership.

They don't know these cars.

Dealer service dept main goal is to either get you to buy a new car, or make you pay so much they're happy they didn't sell one today (meanwhile planting a seed that your car isn't reliable, sell new car next time)

They aren't trustworthy. When they screw up, you pay more. A lot more. Everything is always your fault, not theirs.

Chuck S

Billman has posted the solution.

I'm wondering how "the dealer did it" is a logical conclusion. There's nothing special, specific, or difficult about the S2000 oil pan drain bolt, the car is 19 (nineteen) years old and should have the oil changed at least a dozen times so this could have happened any time in the past. Geez, Jiffy Lube can change the oil in a S2000. The OP had "no issues" with the drain plug but this is his "first oil change" so I don't see how he could have issues with it.

-- Chuck

starchland

Another solution that may work if you still have enough good thread deeper inside is a longer Drain plug bolt. Have done this on an accord, nout sure if this will work on our pan.
If said dealer messed up original install, I would not trust them to do a proper threaded insert repair

windhund116

My guess is that they cross-threaded the oil pan's threads --- so the bolt couldn't be tightened.

You must be careful when torquing a steel bolt into aluminum-threaded parts, like the S2000's aluminum alloy oil pan. Most Honda oil pans are stamped steel.

Just my WAG.

Billman250

14 x 1.5 OS (oversized)

Ask a competent mechanic to install this for you. Remove the oem plug, and immediately install the new drain plug (before the oil drains). Once tightened, REMOVE the new drain plug,
the outgoing oil will carry out the metal shavings that were carved by the new plug.

Put the plug back in, new oil, and it will be like a brand new oil pan.

Go back to the dealer and instruct them on how to remedy their incompetence instead of taking the opportunity to rip someone off.