who fixes sump plug threads on cars?

Question

My honda civic just got roadworthied, but they told me that the thread on the sump plug is really worn and that the oil would probably keep leaking. Funnily enough I never noticed it leaking before, but now its dripping like a tap. I know I need to fix it, and I was told by the mechanic that its something to do with helicoil being replaced, but they need to get in a special technician to fix it, making me responsible for paying for parts, labour for the technician and also labour for the mechanic. Quoted me about 180 bucks.

I'm trying to get it cheaper then that by finding a mechanic or repairer who can fix it themselves. Does anybody know of anyone or anyway to repair this as economically (yet still for the long term, and as effectively) as possible?

Thank you!

I just dont know where to look to find somewhere to fix it. My mechanic is pretty good, and has been good to me, but told me that they dont do the job, a technician does, bringing up the cost.

I basically need to deal directly with someone who can put in a new heli- whatever I said before- in, without all the added hassle. Surely there are people out there who specialise in this area? I was told its about an $80 job, but labour brings it up alot.

I need help!

Answer 1

I own a shop, and I have to put my two cents worth in here too. I'll agree that having a heli-coil installed is not a difficult job, or should the heli-coil itself be that expensive. Sometimes circumstances are not always as the appear. People are very quick to blame it "all" on the rip-off mechanic, even without knowing the full situation. What kind of thread is this heli-coil? Is it a standard everyday common thread? Not all heli-coils are easy to lay your hands on, or easy to install. It could be up in a space not large enough to turn conventional tools. Everyone is assuming its right there, easy to get to, and every parts store in the country carries this particular part. This is a machinist item, and most typical mechanics are not machinists. If this is known as a hard to find item, or (in some cases) a special item because of the pitch of the threads, threads per inch, or not enough depth to work with in the hole the heli-coil goes in to, then you got trouble in a serious way. Please don't think I am just taking sides with your mechanic, because I don't have a dog in this race, and I will call it as I see it. On a scale of 1 - 10 what is the difficulty of installing this item? Oil sumps are not the average everyday common thread used within a mechanics ability. This is a pipe thread, and a regular mechanic don't have in his posession a pipe tap of this size. He probably don't even know where to purchase the tools he needs to do this job properly. It is best to leave a job like this to the professional in that field. This is a job that one has but one (1) shot at getting it right, or you could be looking at more damage done than you could ever imagine. If your mechanic says it requires a special person to do this job, then I am inclined to understand why. Sometimes a certain component can be over tightened by the person that installed it before he ever saw it, and upon removal it brought threads with it. An example would be a lug nut that was put on at the tire shop that was cross threaded but tightened up ok, but when it was removed it brought the threads and all right off the lug bolt. Is this the guys fault that removed the lug nut, or the guy that had installed it the time before? This can even be a total rip-off by an unexperienced mechanic. I am a machine builder/engineer, and hold a degree, as well as a certification as a master mechanic. I have seen about everything in my life, and I have seen this very situation in my lifetime. Get the mechanic to explain the situation to you in terms that you understand, and ask questions until you have it in your own mind, that this is in fact the best way to resolve the problem. Just tell the mechanic that you don't see why it should cost that much, and would he please show, and explain to you why this course of action is the only way you can go to resolve the problem. One thing that is often overlooked by the consumer is; every job the mechanic does to your vehicle must meet your approval before he has the right to do the job. Just ask him how this happened, not start accusing him of ripping you off. Once you see for yourself how difficult the job is, and your odds of having it done right without more damage being done, you may walk away with a different attitude towards him. Then again by asking questions, you may make him nervous, and if he is trying something underhanded, he may change his tune. You might also talk to the local machine shop operator, and question him/her about this particular situation. I know in my heart that you will come up with the answers you need to make a educated decision, and avoid any pitfalls along the way.
Glad to help you, Good Luck!!!

Answer 2

A helicoil is not that bloody difficult to put in. If where you live somebody gets paid 180 bucks to do it, tell me where to sign up?
Try and find out from trusted friends where they take their cars to get worked on. Low bid doesn't always mean the best way to go, and it is hard to find a trust-worthy mechanic.
Once you do find an honest mechanic, always be willing to pay a bit more if necessary to get a job done right that needs to be done.
In the long run avoiding needless repairs makes the honest mechanic worth all the money in the world for what you do need.
I have a place that does work on my car that has replaced parts, found the weren't the problem and been honest enough to take them off and tell me.
You can bet that I try to keep these guys happy so I get good service!

Answer 3

Like the others said, try a machine shop or a mechanic can also install an "oversize" oil drain plug; as we call them in the states. Any mechanic that does a lot of oil changes is familiar with this item.

Answer 4

AS te first guy said,a heli-coil is not expensive nor does it take a special technician to put it in.I would suggest you try another shop that is more honest than this one.