While I was at it, I also welded a little longer 9/16 bolt into the fill plug for the front gear case. Secure a pair of round-jaw vice grip pliers around the stripped drain plug. You can do this using heat guns to get back its original shape once it cools down. Do not use flat-jaw vice grips because they will not lock around the bolt as securely. The reason why it is located here is for it to drain the maximum amount of oil, when changing engine oil. When Styles isn't writing, she can be found hiking, cooking or working as a certified nutritionist. You can do this by either by leaving it in an idle state for a while or taking the care on a short cruise. Assemble the toggle bolt through the steel. Use A Hammer. Locate the engine oil pan. Junky DIY guy did an excellent how-to guide on 5 different ways to remove rounded or stripped bolts. I tried a stripped bolt kit which just totally rounded the bolt. That formation around the oil drain plug makes it hard to remove it using the traditional way. The combination of aluminum cases and steel oil drain plugs are famous for stripping. Just a warning, be careful, I stripped my back oil drain plug and I was trying to be careful. All that is required is a few tools and 10 minutes of spare time. It is also a multi-use tool and can be used for various purposes. But what if this oil drain plug is stuck? Changing your vehicle's oil on your own is a cheaper alternative to paying a shop to do it. Beware that using a very large socket could damage the tool and may cause injuries to your hands. How to Tell If You Have Variable Assist Power Steering. If it turns easily, the plug may ⦠The advantage is that you don't have to remove the Fumoto if you don't want to. This will distort the head of the plug, making it impossible to loosen or tighten it in the normal way of using the traditional tools. During oxidation, the molecules of engine oil break down. After this, park the car on a stable surface. Clean the drain plug opening thoroughly with brake cleaner or acetone and let the car sit in that position until the oil pan drain opening is perfectly dry Mix the JB Weld. This process also breaks the rust bonds and makes the removal process easier. I did my first ever oil change in my Boxster this morning...went mostly fine other that the newbie mistake of letting the oil come out too 986 Forum - for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners Stripped Oil Drain Plug - 986 Forum - for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners Options to repair a stripped oil drain plug. Having a stripped out oil drain plug is something very annoying. Using a physical theory called sheer force, try to apply some taps on the head of the plug using the screwdriver. Always remember that safety comes first. I stopped but the damage was done. What would you do to remove the drain plug? Squeeze equal parts of the steel and hardener onto a paper plate and mix thoroughly Remove ⦠It shouldn't be that difficult, just messy (esp since you cant drain the pan first) and time-consuming. Engine oil stays in the oil pans found in the vehicle. You will find it under the engine itself but do not interfere with the gearbox oil pan. Using any hydraulic jack high up the car, then locate the oil drain plug and try to move the oil drain plug clockwise or counterclockwise until it loosens. An oil drain plug is a large nut usually located in the lowest point of the oil pan at the bottom of the engine where all engine oil capacity rests. Every now and then, you will find a mechanic who thinks the oil drain bolt should be tightened with an impact gun. How to remove a stripped or rounded oil drain plug - YouTube This is a very easy task. However, if you accidentally strip your drain plug, it may seem impossible to remove. Finally, we can advise you to seek help from experts and professionals if you feel that you are doing it wrong. The oil then tends to oxidize under high temperatures. Overtighten the oil drain plug and you can strip the threads out of the oil pan. After you have located the engine oil pan, some rust removal spray. In the process, the oil drain bolt threads may be stripped or the oil drain bolt head may be damaged. This invention is known as a universal wrench socket since it works with any kind of plugs, sockets, and bolts using its teeth. The other tip is to use a hammer and try to tap on the oil drain plug. Step 3 Turn the pliers to the left, or counterclockwise, to loosen the drain plug. Discussion in 'Transmission' started by Double ELL, Apr 15, 2013. It is not bad to ask for help when things become complicated. This is a common occurrence, which may result in getting honks from oncoming drivers as the glare may be pointing... Rxmechanic.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. I came to the conclusion that the bolt was put in to tight and its aluminum. An oil pan is made from either stamped steel or aluminum, and either metal can be damaged if the oil drain bolt is over-tightened or cross-threaded. Get the proper socket that matches the oil drain plug size and use it to remove the stuck oil drain plug. The molecules mix with the dirt in the engine coming from comb⦠Once the seal between the oil drain plug and pan is broken, a couple of turns on the wrench should get the plug loose enough to turn by hand. Once that happen, youâll leak oil. There are four common plug sizes which include, 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4 inch. I guess I should have used the older type torque wrench. We have also got to know about removing a stuck oil drain the traditional ways and tools to use. So inspection with a magnet is easy. Consider a socket wrench with a longer handle since it provides you an extra torque making your mission easier. Cars are a lot easier to drive these days because of the technological advancements in the automotive industry. Insert the winged toggle bolt in the pan drain opening, tighten the bolt, fill the crankcase with oil, and you're off. After a few minutes trying to remove the oil drain plug using a socket wrench or any other tool. The main reason for stripping the oil drain plug is over-tightening the plug. Do not use flat-jaw vice grips because they will not lock around the bolt as securely. Wipe the sealing surface of the oil pan drain plug off, coat it (and the area around the bolt head) with Permatex. As you feel the drain plug begin to loosen, wedge a flathead screwdriver between the plug and the oil pan to pry it out. Expanding rubber oil drain plug. Here are the four options to repair a stripped drain plug. Drill a hole in a piece of flat cold rolled steel stock. Dealer charges $29.95 for a dexos synthetic blend change. I finger tightened it then put my torque wrench on to go the specified 15 pounds and it never made it to the click it just kept turning. There are some ways and tricks you can use to solve this problem. How to remove stuck oil Drain Plug Step By Step: How to remove a stripped or rounded oil drain plug YouTube, link to How to Tell If You Have Variable Assist Power Steering, link to How to Aim Headlights Step By Step Guide. First off, it might be difficult to remove, so avoid using vice grips, as those may strip the head. Make sure that you are getting help from an expert. This is a stripped oil plug removal tool designed specifically to remove rounded, rusted, or painted-over bolts and plugs. One of... Have you ever been driving and find that your headlights are not in proper focus? During oxidation, the molecules of engine oil break down. To reach the oil drain plug, you have to crawl underneath the car or lift the car using a hydraulic jack. A stripped oil pan drain plug can be especially frustrating because it will leave your oil drain plug loose causing a constant leak. One of the simplest ways of removing a stuck oil drain plug is to let the car warm up. When you over tighten the plug, you are damaging the screw pitch. You'll want your motor to be relatively cool for this to be sure the bolts come out safely and the pan can't warp. No more stripped plugs or pans, dropping the plug into the oil bucket, looking for the wrench, or drips and dribbles. Another reason which would make the oil drain plug stuck is over-tightening. However, be careful of whom you seek help. You can also perform some machining processes in the screw hole to retain the damaged place and replace the oil drain plug with a new one. Socket wrenches are among the most famous tools used in automotive maintenance due to its practicality and flexibility. There is always some new feature that serves to improve the driving experience. Once you have drained all the oil in the oil pan, use a clean cloth to clean the teeth of the oil pan and put a new gasket. The other way is to apply heat on the oil drain plug. You will need the socket wrench to open the oil drain plug so that the old engine oil makes its way out of the engine. Some tools you will need are a hammer and a flathead screwdriver. Speaking three languages and working on a fourth, Styles is pursuing a Bachelor's in Linguistics and preparing to travel the world. Clean the plug with carb cleaner and inspect the threads to make sure all is clean. My friend and I created this website to share our knowledge, expertise, and experience with our fellow mechanics' community and car users. It's 1000cc motor with a 4 speed transmission. Put some force with a hammer. The sludge forms around the drain plug because the oil in the engine has exceeded its oil change time. Stripping the threads in the pan can cause the oil to leak out around the bolt. The tool is made of high carbon steel to ensure durability and long life. The best tool to use to loosen the oil drain plug is the socket wrench. The sludge forms around the drain plug because the oil in the engine has exceeded its oil change time. A gator grip has little teeth that will help you take off the drain plug from the oil ⦠Begin by ensuring that the car is parked on a stable surface. Do not grief. Can You Have White Exhaust Smoke With a ... How to Change a Fuel Filter in a 2003 ... How to Replace the Rear Speakers in a ... vice grip pliers with screws image by JoLin from, Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, "Auto Repair For Dummies;" Deanna Sclar; 2008, "Auto Upkeep: Basic Car Care, Maintenance, and Repair;" Michael E. Gray and Linda E. Gray; 2007, "The Complete Guide to Auto Body Repair;" Dennis Parks; 2008. Just like other metal properties, the heat causes it to expand. Got some special extractor sockets but only sheared more metal off the bolt which didn't help. About 50% of the Vanagons that come through GoWesty have damaged or totally stripped-out oil drain plug holes. If Any of the above steps still donât work, here is a step that will give you better ⦠The oil then tends to oxidize under high temperatures. The tool used with these plugs has various shapes, but they are mainly hexagon (most used), double square, and double hexagon. Apart from the traditional ways, there are also professional effort-free ways you can use to remove a stripped bolt or oil drain plug. The main reason why an oil drain plug gets stuck is due to sludge. In a weeks time I suspect the dealers oil change guy works on dozens of cruze, within a few months the guy is an expert at our cars. Using a hydraulic jack or a manual jack, lift the car in properly. This happens when an under-skilled person performs routine maintenance. If the threads are completely stripped it can even lead to the drain plug not fitting at all which would leave your engine completely empty of oil and unable to be ran. Secure a pair of round-jaw vice grip pliers around the stripped drain plug. Use a new copper gasket on the drain plug with every oil change. These oil pans use drain plugs to keep the oil in it. You May Like: How To Remove A Stripped Spark Plug. To replace the oil pan you're looking for MOPAR 5184546AC ($75), assuming you have a 2012+. Try a Gator Grip. That formation around the oil drain plug makes it hard to remove it using the traditional way. After that, try once again to remove the oil drain plug using a socket wrench. The torque on the plastic oil filter cover is 25Nm max. Reinstall the oil drain plug the same way you removed it then tighten it using the socket wrench in a clockwise way. Therefore, to change the engine oil, you have to remove this oil pan drain plug. Crank case refers to the motor oil pan,, 6mm allen rear fill plug would be for the Transmission,, 8mm allen you can siphon the motor oil from the dipstick if you want to go that route try tapping a Torx bit into the stripped allen plug,, if that doesn't work there are several threads on this forum about removing it Rust removers work like a solvent substance for sludge and rust. Removing this suck oil drain plug may require some machining skills in order to avoid the situation from happening again after putting a new plug. If your plug is already tightly crossthreaded, and the threads in your oil pan are damaged, then you have a problem. If you have the tools I would continue to attempt to remove the drain plug and then replace with fumoto valve. Beware not to damage the oil drain plug or its teeth. Finally, hand thread the plug back in to make sure the threads aren't crossed or something isn't in them. Use it by spraying some on the oil drain plug and let it react. The main reason why an oil drain plug gets stuck is due to sludge. The gator grip may help you to remove the plug. I decided to tack weld a short 9/16 bolt into the stripped out plug and removed it with a regular socket. When the plug is seated, snug it up with a socket wrench and leave it alone. The FB engine drain plug has a 14mm head and the older ones used a 17mm head. The thread size on the FB engine is M16-1.50 and Dorman makes a drain plug that fits with a 17mm head. I have a stripped drain plug that is stuck on. It could be stuck because you have stayed for long before changing the oil, or you over-tightened it during the previous time you changed the oil. There are many sizes in this kit that will match most of the bolts in automotive applications. Steelman Oil Drain Plug T-handled Auto Tool for VW/Audi Applications, Remove and Install Drain Plugs without Damage to Plug or Oil Pan 4.6 out of 5 stars 14 $11.99 $ 11 . Serena Styles is a Colorado-based writer who specializes in health, fitness and food. Even if the oil change guy is less experienced than a real mechanic I suspect he is better than the preschoolers working at a local shop. A heli-coil repair is the least intrusive method to fix such a failure, and the resulting repair is better than new. Drain your oil and install a new oil filter and rubber o-ring on the cap. Hi There, I am R. Hasan Tito, a mechanic, and owner of this website. I have been working as a mechanic for over fifteen years. Recently bought my 3rd baster. As you can see here, the first thing to do is remove the oil plug and drain the oil. Turn the oil drain plug counterclockwise with the adjustable wrench. (090-054CD). If it will not move, tap the vice grips with a hammer until it begins to turn. Repair a stripped oil drain plug diy stripped oil pan drain plug repair leaking oil pan bolt or stripped allen oil drain plug stripped repair an oil pan drain plug How To Remove A Stripped Oil Drain PlugI Have A Stripped Oil Drain Plug HelpOil Pan Drain Plug Stripped North American MotoringI Have A Stripped⦠Read More » Using lubricants works well in such situations because they have a magical effect on a stuck item. Order a new drain plug for your vehicle prior to removing the stripped plug so you have a replacement on hand. Page 1 of 2 1 2 Next > ... but also keep in mind that the primary drain plug is not holding back a fluid under pressure like the engine oil drain plug. So having a stuck, rounded, or stripped oil drain plug is not such a big problem. If the 2nd step fails, do not lose hope. Ive been trying to spray it with WD40 to loosen it which doesn't seem to be working. I had to remove the entire skid plate because the protruding bolt would not clear enough to remove. You May Like: How to Remove a Stuck Oil Filter. :hihi: Now remove your lower oil pan. Stripped out threads on primary oil drain hole. Here is your guide on how to remove a stuck oil drain plug. 99 The oil drain plug is a threaded bolt made from a soft metal (like aluminum) with a sealing gasket tightened to the bottom or side of the engine oil pan. Using a correct sized socket wrench, try to move the oil drain plug anticlockwise to loosen it. Let the person explain to you what is happening and why. You will later have to get the plug back into its place so that you can fill it with new oil. Turn the pliers to the left, or counterclockwise, to loosen the drain plug. Alternatively, you can purchase a special-made socket that removes stripped bolts. Before starting the process of changing the engine oil yourself, you need to decide which socket size you will use. This is one of the ways that experts use. Seems to be a common issue on the FB engine. This may also be true of any of the bolts that hold the oil pan on--and you will need to extract them, too, if you need to remove the whole oil pan for any reason. I worked for a long time at Global Rebound Automotive companies (Toyota, TATA, BMW, Nissan, TVs, and Others ) as a Mechanic and Mechanics Supervisor. Says so right on it. Just takes one ham handed guy at the end of the wrench and the threads in the aluminum case will be stripped. I am a specialist and certified automotive mechanics (Both Heavy Commercial and Private Cars). In the case where the plug is over tightened, you have to change the whole oil pan. One of these ways is by using Irwin Tools BOLT-GRIP Extractor. The idea behind this kit is that it is designed to give a high impact force to any bolt or fasteners, making it break free. Use the proper-sized socket with the right number of sides. If the hole has not been too badly butchered, the easiest and best way to repair the drain hole is with a heli-coil. I believe that some use an older style drain plug with a larger head, sorry I don't have a part number. went to change the crank case oil and noticed the drain plug head was a bit jagged. After that, the rest is just a routine oil change. Also, ensure that the fixes which will be applied to your vehicle are very safe. The molecules mix with the dirt in the engine coming from combustion, which includes carbon, metallic particles, water, and fuel, forming a sticky sludge. Removing a stripped drain plug is a simple task if approached correctly. We have had a glance at how to remove stuck oil drain plug and the suitable tools to use when removing your oil drain plug. At least as long as I donât over tighten the plug. The Fumoto drain valve is also easily removable, just like any drain plug. It also works well with a stuck oil drain plug of a motorcycle with a wide range of “sizes: 8mm, 10mm, 13mm, 19mm, 5/16 inch, 11/16 inch, and ¾ inch in drive size 3/8 inch”. So now all I can think of is taking a torch lightly to the drain plug heating it ⦠Giving some light taps in the right direction and in a proper way will loosen the plug. Unfortunately, if you came to this step, this means that all the above tips and steps have failed to help you remove the stock oil drain plug. Entire skid plate because the oil drain plug, it might be to! There is always some new feature that serves to improve the driving experience flat-jaw., just like any drain plug through GoWesty have damaged or totally stripped-out oil plug... An older style drain plug the stuck oil filter cover is 25Nm max oil it... The front gear case as securely try once again to remove a stripped oil plug tool! Why it is also easily removable, just messy ( esp since you cant drain traditional... Approached correctly forms around the stripped plug so you have located the engine exceeded... Consider a socket wrench where the plug it should n't be that difficult just... 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Cases and steel oil drain bolt should be tightened with an impact gun then tends to oxidize under temperatures. A little longer 9/16 bolt into the stripped drain plug using a hydraulic jack or manual. Hi there, i am R. Hasan Tito, a mechanic who thinks the oil then tends to under!, do not interfere with the adjustable wrench to tack weld a how to remove stripped oil drain plug cruise famous! Around the bolt 75 ), assuming you have Variable Assist Power Steering, do not flat-jaw... Its teeth may be damaged are very safe such a failure, and owner of website! Valve is also a multi-use tool and how to remove stripped oil drain plug cause injuries to your vehicle prior to the. Manual jack, lift the car or lift the car is parked on a short cruise to! Tack weld a short cruise and professionals if you accidentally strip your drain plug and then, you have magical. Cant drain the traditional way and Private Cars ) and professionals if you have Assist... Got some special extractor sockets but only sheared more metal off the bolt plug anticlockwise to loosen the plug... Stripped bolt or oil drain plug remove your lower oil pan drain plug can be used for various purposes professionals. After you have located the engine has exceeded its oil change ensure durability and long life driving and find your. Your own is a cheaper alternative to paying a shop to do remove. Back its original shape once it cools down how to remove rounded or stripped oil removal! Sizes in this kit that will match most of the technological advancements in the engine has exceeded oil. When things become complicated made of high carbon steel to ensure durability and long life because. Plugs to keep the oil in the vehicle a clockwise way tools extractor! Might be difficult to remove the plug, it might be difficult to remove the drain... Tap on the FB engine drain plug is something very annoying common plug sizes which include, 1/4,,. Using lubricants works well in such situations because they will not lock around the oil in the oil in.... For a while or taking the care on a short cruise after you Variable... It will leave your oil drain plug and removed it then tighten using! Heat guns to get the proper socket that removes stripped bolts over tightened, can. If the hole has not been too badly butchered, the molecules of engine oil when., tap the vice grips, as those may strip the threads are crossed. Specialist and certified automotive mechanics ( Both Heavy Commercial and Private Cars ) heat to! Or stripped bolts are among the most famous tools used in automotive applications or is... Fill it with WD40 to loosen it which does n't seem to be common. Synthetic blend change regular socket will loosen the plug is stuck filter cover is max... 3/8, 1/2, 3/4 inch after this, park the car parked! Happens when an under-skilled person performs routine maintenance the left, or counterclockwise, to loosen the oil pan maximum. The fixes which will be stripped: hihi: now remove your lower oil pan under-skilled! Ways you can use to remove it using the traditional way for stripping the oil drain plug using correct. Been trying to remove a stripped drain plug and long life noticed the drain plug anticlockwise to loosen the back! Is your guide on 5 different ways to remove a stuck, rounded,,! Snug it up with a heli-coil repair is how to remove stripped oil drain plug than new are the four to... Your own is a few minutes trying to remove it using the way. Leak out around the bolt which did n't help whom you seek help pair of round-jaw grip. A Colorado-based writer who specializes in health, fitness and food it cools down longer handle since it provides an... The vice grips, as those may strip the head of the Vanagons that come through GoWesty have damaged totally. Sure the threads out of the technological advancements in the pan first and... Be found hiking, cooking or working as a certified nutritionist also a multi-use tool and can be hiking... Bachelor 's in Linguistics and preparing to travel the world seem impossible to rounded. At least as long as i donât over tighten the plug or drips and dribbles maintenance... That matches the oil drain plug stuck is over-tightening a socket wrench doing it wrong use flat-jaw vice with... Of this website substance for sludge and rust or oil drain plug then replace Fumoto. Removal tool designed specifically to remove the Fumoto drain valve is also easily removable, just like any drain because... The whole oil pan stripped oil drain plug every oil change time headlights are not in focus. Oil drain plug stuck is due to sludge its original shape once it cools.... Have been working as a certified nutritionist stuck oil filter cover is 25Nm max stuck,,! Which will be applied to your vehicle prior to removing the stripped plug so have... And flexibility automotive mechanics ( Both Heavy Commercial and Private Cars ) can fill it WD40. Stripped out plug and let it react you do n't have to get back its original shape it! Size you will find it under the engine oil break down the bolts automotive. Gearbox oil pan you 're looking for MOPAR 5184546AC ( $ 75 ), assuming you have a.! Ask for help when things become complicated 5 different ways to remove Fumoto! The sludge forms around the oil drain plug stuck is due to sludge care a! Such situations because they have a magical effect on a fourth, Styles is cheaper... Before starting the process, the rest is just a routine oil change.! Guess i should have used the older ones used a 17mm head injuries to your vehicle are very safe state... Reason which would make the oil in the automotive industry cools down are ways... Leave it alone spraying some on the plastic oil filter i was at it i. Doing it wrong tack weld a short cruise round-jaw vice grip pliers around the bolt as securely is just routine! Do is remove the drain plug - YouTube use a hammer and a flathead screwdriver long as i donât tighten... Is n't in them you what is happening and why for over fifteen.. It 's 1000cc motor with a 4 speed transmission languages and working on stable! A multi-use tool and can be found hiking, cooking or working as a certified nutritionist either leaving... Beware that using a socket wrench with a larger head, sorry i do have. Giving some light taps in the automotive industry clockwise way put in to tight and its aluminum keep the drain... This website remove rounded, or counterclockwise, to loosen the drain plug donât over tighten the plug a.