Hello everyone, so I've been having problems threading in the oil switch to the block. I have two 1/8'' NPT thread size switches, but every time I try to thread either of them it just eats and destroys the threads on the switch. Any ideas as to why this would be happening?

 

where on the block are you trying to insert them?

 

Well possibly either you are cross threading it, or it's the wrong thread period. Also, check to see that the threads on the block aren't messed up, you might have to get a thread chaser and use it to clean them up if they are messed up. Then it should go without issue.

 

I wouldn't want to chase the threads at the top of an oil passage on an assembled engine.

 

well i just retapped the hole and was good to go. Thanks guys for the input though.

 

I'd do an oil/filter change pronto - the retapping will leave shavings in the oil.

 

A change isn't going to do much, any debris is already trapped in the passages past the filter.

 

Buy one of those magnets made to magnatize a screw driver or such and do that to the tap in a said situation, it will atleast gather most of the shavings.

could also reach into the hole with one of those small magnetic pick up tools for lost tools behind a bench.

should get 99.9% of anything.

Unless its rements of a brass plug or fitting that was in there.......

 

Just asking for my own curiosity...

Could one add something like Marvin's Mystery oil, thinning the oil base down, hoping to flush anything left through the system a bit easier (since it's thinner), and hope any contaminents get trapped in the filter?

I mean I know there's a chance that a larger piece could get lodged in a smaller cavity (like inside a lifter) - but it would be better than nothing right?

The magnetized screwdriver was a good thought.

 

There's nowhere you could flush something out from. The only exit out of the oil passages is through places like the bearing clearances which are only a couple thou wide, or the lifter piddle valves.

 

oh yeah i used a magnet after i did it all. plus some of the solution i used to make it tap easier (forgot the name right now. Brain dead after work!) made it stick to the tool. Pretty simple stuff. I'm not too worried about any debris.