Thanks all - I'll try a couple of things as you all mentioned and let's see how it works. And I know I'll have to take the pan off soon but I hope I can figure the leak out on an easier way now so I can work on the other priorities - as there are many there waiting... Thanks again.

 

I had the same problem. I got an oversized drain plug that cut new threads as I put it in. If you do that, make sure to align it as best you can (don't let it cross-thread as you put it in), and put it in slowly the first time. It will leave metal shavings so use a magnet to get all of them out of the bottom of the pan around the plug hole. Mine actually had a magnet built into the shaft of the plug to catch the shavings as they were cut. It just needed to have the shavings cleaned off before re-filling with oil.

 

could he heilicoil it?