How to replace oil pan beyond bolts and sealant?

[pekingduck]

Did you post this question on Facebook earlier? This sounds like something I just read this morning lol.

But yes you are spot on for the procedure. Make sure to tighten the pan back on in a crisscrossing pattern slowly working your way up to the torque spec. If you can't get the drain plug out, your only option might be a full oil pan removal so be ready for a bit of a mess.

I think you could easily get away with replacing the threads with an insert and probably save a lot of money compared to a new pan. I would use a keensert or timesert compared to helicoil. These will work much better for something that you will be removing and installing over the life of your CB.

Either way you go, I would recommend taking the pan off before doing the thread repair so that you be sure no metal shavings remain inside the engine.

Agree with MagnaRider on all points, repairing yours would make it much better than even a new one.  I would also say there is nothing really wrong with a properly installed Helicoil.  I've never had a problem with them, and so much stronger than the original threads.  Time-sert and Keensert may have some advantages, but it's much harder to find a place that uses them instead.  

Also, you might want to take the oil pan to an old automotive machine shop instead, where they've done it before, and can drill the hole straight on a drill press.  Many bike shops have never done a thread repair, they just replace parts. They may not even have a drill press, and still charge over $150 an hour.

I would recommend buying a 14mmx1.25mm thread repair kit and do it yourself, save some money, and learn a little skill.  You really just need access to a drill press to be sure the hole is drilled square.  Then chuck the tap in the drill press, and turn the chuck by hand while applying a little pressure.  I add a drop of thread lock before installing the helicoil.  A decent kit is $25-$30 on Amazon.