Transfer box drain plug leak - fixable?

[jnoshea]

Hi Guys,

As if I needed something else to go wrong  :lol:
After draining and refilling the transfer box yesterday I couldn't tighten the drain plug enough, it keeps slipping on the last thread. Of course, there's now a small puddle of EP90/80 on the road this morning. This must be a common problem, anyone know the best way to fix it?  I guess a new a drain plug won't do it, since it's probably the thread on the transfer box casing that's worn.

Cheers

[Skibum346]

Did you put a new copper washer on it?

As you say the thread may be suspect but a new washer may be able to seal better.

Failing that, I'd suggest re, threading it... or getting someone who's a professional to do it... so that when the shavings end up in they oil... they have to pay for a new Tx box!

Skibum

[daveyravey]

Sounds like the helicoil needs replacing.
10 min job if you have the right tool

[jnoshea]

Sounds like the helicoil needs replacing.
10 min job if you have the right tool

What's a helicoil and what tool would I need?

[daveyravey]

A helicoil is the threaded screw into which the drain plug fits.
I'm not sure where you'd get one nowadays, maybe difflock or similar

[jnoshea]

There seems to be a few places on the net that sell recoil kits. Does anyone know what the thread of the transfer case drain plug is?

[glaggs]

A proper motor engineer should be able to re-thread it. Don't know the thread size but a company called Wurth do thread repair kits called Timeserts. Expensive to buy the kit so probably best to try and find someone who can do it locally. Helli-coil is the commonly known thread repair system but not ideat unles is a blind hole as the repair can push through and insn't guarenteed fluid/gas tight.  Go to Wurth.co.uk and contact them to find a local supplier of the time sert repair. Or try Mobile Truck and Bus repairs in Nottingham I think they stock the repair system. They are located down near the Race course just off The Colwick Loop Rd on Road No. 3

[Range Rover Blues]

Does the LT230 have a copper washer then? the Borg Warner has a tapered drain plug.

[chris9119]

Wrap three turns of plumbers PTFE tape around it and it will seal...., roll of PTFE will cost a quid  :idea:  :idea:

[jnoshea]

Yes Andy it has a copper washer, and thanks for the suggestions Chris, I'll try PTFE tape and see how that goes.