way uh ow
is the pan metal with a tapered plug, or aluminum with the flanged plug and gasket??
if the latter you can buy a "metal" insert kinda like a heli-coil but steel. it has a serrated top, and comes with the proper tap and red locktite, and will last a lot longer the aluminum coil. that would be probably 1 or 2 oil changes. I use them in all my spark plug holes and I never worry about cross threading, or the plug not being thght.
most auto stores carry these, just make sure you get the one that matches the drainplug.
there is also a place around here called fastenalls that has nothing but hardware. like home depot on steroids.
mikemo90*aol.com