Oil drain case threads almost gone... How to fix?

[smokier]

Greetings All,

Ok, ok, ok... not on a VULCAN, but it is a general MAINTENANCE QUESTION.

Went to change the oil for the first time since acquiring Momma's 12 Victory CrossRoads. The plug came out a little funny, loose, tight, loose, out. It did seem to make steady progress while unthreading. Drained the oil, the filter (OEM) was on GORILLA tight, ufda... (1/4 turn after contact is enough, Mr. Godzilla).

Anyway, while replacing the plug it went in fairly smoothly (am very cautious about threading, not cross-threading), however, the drain plug never got tight. (???) The plug looked fully seated but wouldn't get snug.

Took the drain bolt out and inspected it, the threads on the bolt are fine. However, there was a little bit of aluminum shaving from the case visible. Cleaned things up, gingerly re-inserted the oil drain plug until it was fully seated. Did not try to ‘snug’ it this time, just got it to where it was fully seated. Filled with oil, level is holding, no leaks, no spots under the ride, no seepage around plug.

That’s the background story. So, how does one fix this? Heli-coil’s (IMHO) are good for bolts that do not get used frequently. (Like an oil drain plug). Should the case be re-tapped the same size? Should the case be re-tapped up a size? (From metric to standard for example?). Has this happened to others? (What was their solution?) Is there a common fix for this?

Appreciate your constructive thoughts and input.

Ride safe,

Smokier