How does a self tapping screw cause the oil pan to leak? What are the alternative screws out there?

I went to another dealership after the first dealership blow me off. The second dealership indicates that the oil pan is leaking engine oil and needs repairs up to $150. I told him I did not had that problem the last time I was in the other dealership, so he said perhaps the last technician from the other place caused it, and find that there was a self tapping screw that caused the problem. Which dealership should I trust? Neither?How does a self tapping screw cause the oil pan to leak? What are the alternative screws out there?
Are saying that the oil pan is leaking because someone has screwed a self-tapping screw into it somewhere?





Where is this screw?





$150 sounds as though someone is itching to rip you off. If we are talking about a tiny drip from a screw, then I would suggest trying to just ';nip it up'; a little - if that cannot be done, then removing the screw, with a slightly large one ready to be screwed in, with the thread coated in araldite.





How about a bit more info about where this mysterious screw is, how it got to be there and what the garage is proposing needs to be done. Also how much oil is leaking? 3 drips a day? 1/2 pint an hour?How does a self tapping screw cause the oil pan to leak? What are the alternative screws out there?
A self tapping screw on it's own didn't cause the problem.


If it's leaking at the oil pan gasket, more than likely, the gasket between the engine block and the oil pan is smashed due to over tightening the bolts\screw.





People tend to think ';Well, if it leaks a little, I'll just tighten it more.';





Bad idea. Not only does it smash the gasket, but it deforms the sealing edge on the oil pan. They should be snug, not tight.





I'd tend to trust the second dealership more than the first.


That's not saying much though. I don't trust dealerships.


I go to independent people. They rely on repeat customers, and word of mouth.





I can't remember the last time I heard someone say anything good about a ';dealership';
they make a ribbon epoxy for sealing water gas and oil look or ask in you local auto parts store as far as screws go I can only say they used to claim a screw with soap would temporarily suffice how ever I don't think so.


good luck peaceout
Speak with the manager of the service department. Explain you have a leak you did not have the first time you arrived at their shop. Ask if they would fix the problem (leak). It should not cost $150.00 to repair the leak. If you get no satisfaction at either dealer, ask your close personal friends who they would recommend to work on your car. Good luck.
Me not under stand Kimasaby.
Don't trust either. The oil pan is held on with bolts, not screws, and certainly not self-tappers, you have to put about 30 foot/pounds of torque on them, maybe more on some applications, unless the screw is a hex head and about a 5/16 in or bigger you would have a hard time getting that much torque on a screw. what happened is it sounds like the gasket might have lost it's seal and that is where the leak is coming from, so they probably wanted the $150 to replace the gasket. On a good note the gasket may be ok and you just need to retorque all the BOLTS, not screws.....

make up