Was fiddling around trying to get the transmission cooler clamps situated around the oil pan.

One of the bolts for the sump went in tight then started spinning.

Took it out to see aluminum in the threads.

Luckily had a longer bolt and used a 10mn nut on the other end to snug it up.

Should I just call it fixed?

Or is there a more elegant solution to this?

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1983 300CD Turbodiesel

Fixed unless it leaks. Perhaps add Locktite?

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85SD 240K & stopped counting painted, putting bac together. 84SD 180,000. sold to a neighbor and member here but I forget his handle. The 84 is much improved from when I had it. 85TD beginning to repair to DD status. Lots of stuff to do.

Helicoil looks intriguing

Or is it potential to worsen the situation?

I torqued the bolt/nut to approx 12nm so I don't think it should leak any worse than before

I plan on doing the turbo drain in the future.

So with the pan off should I attempt a repair?

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1983 300CD Turbodiesel

Helicoil makes a nice repair. Sometimes you can repair threads in aluminum with a same-size tap or thread repair tool.
Since you have access to both sides of the hole, a nutsert installed upside down might also be an option, subject to adequate material dimensions.

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When cryptography is outlawed, bayl bhgynjf jvyy unir cevinpl.

If it is not leaking it is a good fix.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

Sounds good.

Will monitor this and perhaps try the helicoil if/when I have the pan off.

Really happy that mb made these through holes.

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1983 300CD Turbodiesel

A Heli coil is difficult to find, and expensive, for those smaller screws. Your fix shouldn't be a problem. I've got a couple of them on my oil pan from previous mechanics.

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Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

learned a bunch about timeserts on youtube.

wondering if there is room for that if/when the time comes.

seems that they are beefier than the helicoils, and will probably never come out with the low torque on those bolts.

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1983 300CD Turbodiesel