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Joined: Jul 2000
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UGH!!! Stupid guys @ Winston Tires overtightened my drain plug (V6 Contour btw), partially stripping it in the process. I've been trying for the last couple weeks to loosen it so that I can change my oil. I started with a box end wrench (15mm) but the head just kept on stripping. Then I tried Craftsman's "Clench Wrench," but that didn't work. Today, I tried a vice grip.... still doesn't work. Anyone have any ideas? I'm trying not to bring it into the dealership because I don't have time during the day, when service dept is open, and I don't want to take time off from work. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 702
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A simple search would have brought up this two-day-old thread:
http://www.contour.org/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=3;t=007056
-Lance
Lance Kinley
CEG Webmaster
95SE, "Official CEG Beater"
Quaife, SVT parts, ST200 wheels, SS Y-pipe
I perceive you to be a stand-up, rational individual...
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Joined: Mar 2002
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Lance is very busy running this board, so you will realize that your use of "stripping" may have misled him on a quick glance at your post.
I believe that what you are faced with is a "rounding" of the drain plug hex head. Normally vice grips and subsequent replacement of plug would solve problem. You state it did not.
Four possible solutions come to mind:
1 Use vice grips with sharper teeth, make sure they dig in and grips are locked and try again. You could also try on the larger diameter shoulder of hex head closer to pan.
2 File plug to obtain 2 flats and then use open end wrench
3 File slot on end of plug and try screw driver
4 Drill hole in plug (but not through it!) and try an "ezzy-out"
As an absolute last resort you would drill out old plug, and retap or use solution outlined in thread provided by Lance above. This method requires gathering up metal bits that may enter oil pan during drilling and/or re-tapping.
Note: My spelling may be off on "ezzy-out", but I'm referring to a left-handed tapered threaded tap that when tightened in hole starts to turn plug anti-clockwise and then out.
98 Mystique LS v6 atx 110,000km
97 Contour LX v6 atx 125,000km
stock CD on LS, cass on LX
spoiler, tinted windows on LS only
4 wheel discs on LX only
All other available options on both
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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 174
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Just file the plug down to the next size (i.e. 13 mm to 1/2"). That's what I did and it worked great. If you want to replace it with a new one, you'll most likely have to go through a Ford dealer as AutoZone and Advance Auto in my area didn't carry anything like the OEM one. In the future, change your own oil and make sure to use a box wrench and lightly tap the wrench with a hammer to break the seal. DON'T use a socket wrench = TOO MUCH torch and a sure way to round off the edges.
1997 Contour GL Sport ATX
Zetec/2.0 liter
K&N High Flow Air Filter
Mobil 1 SuperSyn 5W-30
Mobil 1 Oil Filter (M1-204)
Fram Sure Drain System
Ford Motorsport 9mm Racing Wires
Recontented Fog Lights, Rear Dome Light, Underhood Courtesy Light, Glove Compartment Light
Pirelli HPs
Kenwood in-dash CD player
Infinity 5752cf speakers
World Champion New England Patriots Fan for Life!
Wife's Car:
1998 Contour SE ATX
Duratec/2.5 liter
Mobil 1 SuperSyn 5W-30
Mobil 1 Oil Filter (M1-210)
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 235
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Fram now makes a drain valve which takes the place of the plug. Also Fumoto makes one http://www.fumotovalve.com I use them on several cars, never take off a drain plug again. Flip the lever and the oil comes out not tools not stripped or rounded plugs etc.
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 26
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OP
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Originally posted by horseydug:
[b]Lance is very busy running this board, so you will realize that your use of "stripping" may have misled him on a quick glance at your post.
I believe that what you are faced with is a "rounding" of the drain plug hex head. Normally vice grips and subsequent replacement of plug would solve problem. You state it did not.
Four possible solutions come to mind:
1 Use vice grips with sharper teeth, make sure they dig in and grips are locked and try again. You could also try on the larger diameter shoulder of hex head closer to pan.
2 File plug to obtain 2 flats and then use open end wrench
3 File slot on end of plug and try screw driver
4 Drill hole in plug (but not through it!) and try an "ezzy-out"
As an absolute last resort you would drill out old plug, and retap or use solution outlined in thread provided by Lance above. This method requires gathering up metal bits that may enter oil pan during drilling and/or re-tapping.
Note: My spelling may be off on "ezzy-out", but I'm referring to a left-handed tapered threaded tap that when tightened in hole starts to turn plug anti-clockwise and then out.[/b] Thanks for the input... It was my fault for using the incorrect term. I have tried the screw driver approach previously on a friend's car, but haven't had a chance on my own, as I currently have a 2.25 ton hydraulic jack which doesn't provide me enough clearance to hammer away. I'll try it when I get a larger jack. Until then, I'll keep on filing (forgot to mention that i've done that too).
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