whats the best wat to drill/tap the oil pan?
 

How did you guys do it? whats the best way to insure no shaveings in the oil pan?


Oh, what length should the oil drain line be?

Grease/vasoline the bit, drill*.

Grease/vasoline the tap, tap*.

Screw in fitting, attach line, bring line up into bay, pour one can of mineral spirits down hose, drain into pan.

disconnect line, unscrew fitting, Permatex/JB Weld/Thedlock threads, screw fitting back in. wait 18-24hr.

*as soon as you break through stop drilling/tapping, the oil pickup tube is directly behind the ideal location.


if you are using silicone hose, buy 24" and cut it down. you'll most likely end up with 14-18". save the rest to use a new tool, stethescope, listen for vacuum leaks, rattles, etc.

thanks!

Some shavings will likely end up in the pan, so plan to flush it with mineral spirits and/or some extra oil after tapping.

hmmmm, good idea :nono:

Cut down the threads of the fitting for a much cleaner install.

Definitely heed the warning above about the oil pickup line - it's very close to the side of the pan. I wrapped some tape around the drill bit to keep it from pulling itself too far into the pan - it really wants to grab as it breaks through the pan. You could use a stop collar on the bit, if you have one available.

Cheers!

Jeff

I was discussing this process with a friend. Wouldn't it just be easier to weld a bung onto the oil pan, or is it aluminum?

it's aluminum...and you still have to drill a hole for the bung, so it's either tap and screw, or weld in an area that's not fun