I purchased a 2006 Honda Accord with 180k used from a private individual, so with no maintenance history, I changed the AT fluid and being in a rush, working on a hot car and tightening with too long of a bar I stripped several threads the factory drain bolt is m18x1.25 and there still were a few remaining threads in the hole so I went and purchased an m18x1.50 drain bolt and it was able to tighten and no leaks since, this was 10k miles ago, I want to continue to service the fluid at the intervals but I am afraid to remove the bolt in fear of it not threading back with the few threads remaining, any suggestions on what to do or just drive the car until it gives out? It has been a great car other than that. Thanks!
@euyanez
You can buy a re-threading tool from Amazon and fix the threads - its cheap and you'll have peace of mind in the future, Most likely the you will never have to change the AT fluid again if the cat has 180K already. I would just leave it alone if it's not leaking now.
Honestly, I’m more concerned with the fact that you changed the transmission fluid on a high mileage car, without knowing the maintenance history.
I would start praying that the transmission doesn’t start slipping as the Accords have relatively weak transmissions to begin with.
@inthrustwetrust
the color of the fluid was nice and red, and the transmission shifted smoothly from the day I purchased it, which is why I took the gamble but I guess only time will tell.
You don't have to rethread it. Just run a tap the correct size through it to see if it will clean the threads up. THEN you can try to rethread it.
The only repair I would recommend is running a tap through it IF you take the plug out and it wont go back in without leaking. Your in a pickle and eventually will probably have to replace the pan but if the threads are not horribly damaged you might get some longevity out if it. Cleaning up the threads with a tap might help but I wouldnt remove the plug just to do that or do it if the plug goes back in just fine.
@inthedetails
this honda does not have removable pans, they are bolted on to the transmission, so yes, retreading and placing a larger bolt will have to be the solution.
if you end up with leak problems, then there is a solution: helicoil. It's a threaded insert designed for stripped holes. Precisely your situation. Easy to install. (i'm sure there are similar brands which accomplish the same goal)
@mountainmanjoe
Autozone recommended that for a stripped bolt that holds my sway bar. Been on there 5+ years.
Amazing little helper!
Just have a time sert ready in hand say if it's stripped.
