"SOFT" Oil Drain Plug?

I was doing my first oil change last night and almost stripped out my oil drain plug. I had all the proper tools and even used a torque wrench and tightened to Loren's specs (Thanks Loren). But the drain plug which seems to be aluminum was as soft as butter. Anybody had a similar experience? How much do they cost? I at least need one to replace this one at the next change.

I noticed the same thing, though I did not have any problem with it (no damage). It must be made of aluminum alloy. Better to strip the plug than the drain hole threads I suppose.....

Gretch - Yes, that's why the "plug" is softer. Any "plug" should be made of a material strong enough to perform the task, but not strong enough to damage the opposite threads.... Trouble is, "softer plugs" can be damaged. Ah well, J

JeffES....I understand that logic and it definately makes sense but I won't use it as the excuse why the plug strips out. This is another one of those pesky Porsche quality issues in my opinion that we shouldn't be making excuses for. It's simply inexcusable. If it's there for someone who accidentally overtightens the plug then I applaud the "safety" feature. But when someone has a torque wrench that is set to just below their recommended setting and it STILL strips I think it's BS! I'm disappointed that I will have to buy a new oil drain plug for every other oil change... Using proper equipment and technique should not cause this problem...

Lance, are you sure the socket you were using was firmly on the drain bolt? Is the drain bolt on the 996 the same as the 986, cause my mom has a 986 and I haven't had any problems with it. On the 986 it's an internal hex...I can't remember the size.

The drain plug part number is: 900 219 009 30 Description is: Screw M 18 x 1.5 Perhaps your torque wrench is not accurate down that low (37 ft-lbs). Try tightening it just tight enough that it does not leak. This does not require much force since you are crushing the sealing washer.

Lance - I don't see how over tightening the plug could cause damage to the threads if they were seated properly. Are you sure you've gotten it "started" correctly? - Ought to be done with fingers and rotate smoothly a few times. Anyway - I applaud the use of a softer material to protect my drain case in the event that I ever did cross-thread a plug. On a VW I used to have I think the plug was actually made of plastic - I thought that was really odd, but never had a problem. Scott ps - just think of the weight savings Porsche achieves for you by using aluminum!

I'll have to check the torque wrench and see if it's calibrated. I didn't damage the "threads" just the internal hex bolt. I don't have the tool I actually used handy but I "assume" we used the proper size. It just seemed like it happened SO easily and we were being careful.

Lance, ?? I don't see this as a "pesky Porsche quality" issue - every engine builder I know does this! I'm not dispariging your talents as a wrench spinner, but I've torn down & rebuilt plenty in my day, and I've SWORN I didn't cross thread plenty of times - but after careful examination I have. So - I'm just suggesting that you check carefully, OK?? J

Ok, so my personal spell check went to sleep on the previous post - sorry! J

No problem, no offense taken. I was just having thoughts of some of the other "issues" we discuss on these forums and it's discouraging when some people (generally speaking) dismiss quality issues with a "If you don't like it buy another car" type attitude. I love my car but I do think Porsche needs to tighten up their quality control and we should press them when appropriate that's all.... I'll just be more careful next time when tightening the bolt. It just may be the torque wrench was off or maybe the hex wasn't the exact size.

Lance: "Ilove my car but I do think Porsche needs to tighten up their quality control and we should press them when appropriate that's all...." You've got an "amen" from me on your comment!!! Jeff