This could be your solution if it is stripped.
http://www.lubricationspecialist.com...FQUhDQod5ziO2A

 

^ Yes such a setup would prevent the wear on the threads, BUT since it extends the protrusion, there is an increased chance of hitting something and draining your engine oil.

Salim

 

You are right Salim, if it is on the bottom of the pan, that wouldn't work at all. On the other hand, my son put one on his '08 Suburban and because the pan plug is at a 45 Degree angle at the back of the pan, it is tucked up so that there is almost no more protrusion than with the pan plug. Under those condition, I wouldn't think twice about using one. Although one of the posters one a Ford truck site said he used one on his new truck because he was tired of the lube guys stripping his pan plug and the 1st oil change he went to one of the quick oil change places and when he looked out, the young lube guy had the thing in his hand. Evidently had never seen one and thought it must be some kind of new pan plug. You know now why I don't want anyone else touching my pan plug.

 

That's absolutely true Lex, but the quandry is you have no control in a dealership as to who your car is dispatched to. Almost like playing roullet when you leave your car in the service drive. Most dealers have a degree of that, some good techs, some bad techs. Very rarely are they ALL good or ALL bad.

 

We have a saying for people who weave rugs ... you would not assign a 2'x4' rug to your master craftsman.

I think the same happens at workshops.

Salim

 

My issue is not with the tech. He/she may have been a good tech and just made a mistake. My beef is with management who made up a ridiculous story and tried to cheat his very good customer. If the service manager told the truth and fixed the mistake free of charge, I would not have posted what I did. Speaking just for me, I have only used Lexus dealerships for warranty work. Unfortunately, my RX300 and LS400 needed quite a bit. I used two different dealerships and can tell you that they both lied to me on numerous occasions and both did some very shoddy work.

 

Sadly Art, more often true than not. All they do is make themselves look like fools and cause a lose of faith in the integrity of the dealership to anyone with functioning gray matter. The good and honest employees that work there pay the price along with those that are responsible. Honesty is ALWAYS the best policy!

 

*Update:

I sent an e-mail to B-R Lexus' service manager because it was better for me to clearly and concisely state my reasoning and opinions of what happened. I mentioned that all the work was done at their dealership and I gave them invoice numbers of the 5k miles interval, in a way, proving that they were the only ones to touch the drain plug on the car. I also mentioned ClubLexus forum members, so if that helped, I thank you all.

The service manager was very understanding about my reasoning in the e-mail and has agreed to replace the pan and drop the initial $50 charge for retapping.

Overall, I am very happy with how simple this whole fiasco has turned out to be. Speaking on the phone, I was never on the defensive since the manger quickly stated that he was on my side and agreed to all the information that i presented him. So, Bobby Rahal Lexus has made me happy by compensating for everything that has happened, although, whomever that i spoke to that made up the story, that has left a bad taste in my mouth.


The other ones would be in Maryland; since we live closer to the maryland border and its a 40 mins trip to B-R Lexus; B-R Lexus comes and drop off the loaner and pick up the car from our house.


I agree with this. This is our very first mishap with this dealer; they've been very well with us for the past 8 years; Absolutely no complaint in the 8 year period.

Thanks again Clublexus.

 

^ The prior history and work done at Lexus is the main reason I think.

Salim

 

I'm glad they stepped up to the plate and resolved this for you. I think being calm and logical (and having documentation) helped you make your point. Great job!