Hi, I was changing the oil in my 08 KX450f and noticed the previously owner stripped the smaller drain plug.  I bought the bike about a month ago and was going to finally take it to the track.  I was planning on doing a Heli-Coil.  Does any one have any advice in doing this?  What size bolt is the smaller drain plug and what size Heli-Coil do I use?  I appreciate any help.  Thanks.

heli coil should work I have tapped out the hole before with a bigger tap, and just bought a bigger bolt that would fit. It has worked so far, but that was a quick fix.

Thanks, does anyone know what Heli-Coil kit I need and the size of the small drain plug?

use a time-sert if possible, but bolt size is 6X1.0, be sure to flush well, mine was close to stripping about 5 oil changes ago, and with such a small amount in crank valley, I just decided to leave it alone, tip from side to side while draining, when time for rebuild will fix it then with new time-sert.

sherco67, on 17 March 2012 - 06:31 PM, said:

Thanks Sherco!  I will check out a time-sert.

Has anyone re-tapped this small drain to a 7mmx1.25 or 7mmx1.5 instead of using a Time-cert or Heli-Coil?  Trying to decide what the best fix is.  Thanks!

Edited by KX-450f, 19 March 2012 - 09:40 AM.

If you fix it with any type of thread insert (off the shelf type) you now have steel threads instead of aluminum.  In this situation, much better in my opinion.

KX-450f, on 19 March 2012 - 09:40 AM, said:

I have used a 1/4X20 SAE bolt in place of a stripped 6mmX1.00. Use a new crush washer and snug it up.

kx450f63, on 19 March 2012 - 10:58 AM, said:

Thank you, great point!  Made up my mind to go with a thread insert.