Oil pan plug threads apparently stripped

[Brighton]

+1 on probably their fault and force them to fix it. A helicoil would probably work as a repair but you'd risk introducing metal shavings into the engine to do that. The pan is super easy to swap, like 12 10mm bolts and like 25mins of labor.

[myfirstyota]

Originally Posted by Brighton

+1 on probably their fault and force them to fix it. A helicoil would probably work as a repair but you'd risk introducing metal shavings into the engine to do that. The pan is super easy to swap, like 12 10mm bolts and like 25mins of labor.

You're most likely right with the metal shavings.
That was a 2002 300m special I had the issue with. I hit 534,000km with that car and original engine. I got lucky I guess and didnt have an issue

[RMcG]

Originally Posted by Brighton

+1 on probably their fault and force them to fix it. A helicoil would probably work as a repair but you'd risk introducing metal shavings into the engine to do that. The pan is super easy to swap, like 12 10mm bolts and like 25mins of labor.

Thanks Brighton and MyFirstToyota,

I went back to Walmart today and they pretty much committed to paying, but want some kind of statement from a garage that the threads are damaged due to abnormal usage, not normal wear and tear. I told the manager at Walmart I have had six cars and almost all of them I have driven over 100K (one was drive over 200K) and none has ever had this problem, so I think the normal wear and tear theory does not hold water.

I have an appointment to get the problem fixed at a garage here that has a good reputation. The guy I talked to said the pans on my Yaris are not very heavy metal, so he said they may not be able to just re-thread the hole.

QUESTION: Does anybody have an opinion about the pan of the Yaris not being particularly suited for re-threading?

I think if they take the plug out and can see clear stripping or cross threading damage, then Walmart should pay. In fact the garage said they'd give me the old pan to take to Walmart.

QUESTION: Does anybody have any comments about getting this type of evidence of negligence?

Re. DIY installation of a new lower pan, I do not have a garage for doing this myself, it's rainy & getting colder here in the Pacific NW and I worry about messing up the gasket & seal of the lower to upper oil pans. I went to a good garage here and the estimate is 124 USD parts & 246 USD labor. And Walmart should pay (I hope & think).

Any other comments from anybody will be welcomed.

Thanks,

R.