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I hate my drain plug. And my fill plug. And my lights.

Harrry said:
your gonna need more than just a plug:blackeye:
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Is it a certainty that the thread on the oil pan is stripped though?

Assuming I get the bolt out tonight, how would I know? Would it be difficult to get it back into the pan or would it just not tighten?
 
Dirtylimey said:
Is it a certainty that the thread on the oil pan is stripped though?

Assuming I get the bolt out tonight, how would I know? Would it be difficult to get it back into the pan or would it just not tighten?
Click to expand...

No it isn't certain that the pan is stripped, and I actually highly doubt it is. Just get the old drain plug out and if the new one threads in properly and tightens up firm and snug like it should then you are fine. The pitch, along with the fact that the drain plug and pan are a course thread, make it very difficult to strip out. Basically, it would take an absolute idiot. You just need to get a good bite on the plug and get it out to determine anything.
 
Reebs said:
No it isn't certain that the pan is stripped, and I actually highly doubt it is. Just get the old drain plug out and if the new one threads in properly and tightens up firm and snug like it should then you are fine. The pitch, along with the fact that the drain plug and pan are a course thread, make it very difficult to strip out. Basically, it would take an absolute idiot. You just need to get a good bite on the plug and get it out to determine anything.
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I worked at an oil change shop for 4 years. Trust me i have met thousands of what you call idiots lol. 4 years of working there we had no problems with any cars we have worked with!!! we ranked 3rd in the nation at our valvoline instant oil change.

If you can start to unbolt the plug and it feels really tight. Then yes the plug is cross threaded. You won't know this untill the plug is turned. Till then assume that it is cross threaded and prepare for the worst.
 
My regular mechanic stripped out my oil drain plug a couple of months ago. They used a bunch of teflon tape to put the plug back, and never offered to take blame and fix it right. Started leaking like a sieve, so I went to another mechanic, who initially thought he could rethread the oil pan and use a bigger plug. Nope, I'm never that lucky. Took an entirely new oil pan, which isn't easy to replace. Cost over $600 for that. I still don't know if the first mechanic screwed up, or if the bolt/oil pan were simply worn out after what I calculate to be over 80 oil changes on the engine.
 
Reebs said:
No it isn't certain that the pan is stripped, and I actually highly doubt it is. Just get the old drain plug out and if the new one threads in properly and tightens up firm and snug like it should then you are fine. The pitch, along with the fact that the drain plug and pan are a course thread, make it very difficult to strip out. Basically, it would take an absolute idiot. You just need to get a good bite on the plug and get it out to determine anything.
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I had this problem once too. It was my gf's truck drain plug, I managed to find a smaller socket (6 point) that I pounded on with a hammer. With enough leverage it spun right out and I had no problems getting the new one in.
 
Well I just went out for another attempt, since a co-worker loaned me his 15mm craftsman wrench (before I was using a ratchet wrench).

And bugger me sideways... but my first attempt, I got the bolt off.

Put the 6 point on, used two hands and 'voila' the bolt was broken and ready to unscrew. Unbelievable...
 
Dirtylimey said:
Well I just went out for another attempt, since a co-worker loaned me his 15mm craftsman wrench (before I was using a ratchet wrench).

And bugger me sideways... but my first attempt, I got the bolt off.

Put the 6 point on, used two hands and 'voila' the bolt was broken and ready to unscrew. Unbelievable...
Click to expand...

Thats awesome. IT seems maybe they used a air rachet to put it on:shrug: .

I have never found myself fighting as hard as you say taking off a oil plug.
I'm over the 17k mark for taking off oil plugs:laugh: :blackeye:
 
Pretty crazy. But if I have learnt anything from this, its that im going to have a full set of craftsman tools on hand when I replace my headers...

Several attemps over several days with my duralasts and greatnecks to no avail. 5 minutes with a 15mm craftsman 6 point wrench...
 
^^ I can agree with that!
When I was in college, I just bought the tools to replace whatever on my cars as needed. I know it was a waste, but I didn't have enough money to buy the good stuff. Now I have Craftsman everything, and I love how easy everything is! I don't have to go buy tools to change the brake pads or change a thermostat either! :laugh:
Erick --
 
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