I want to be able to somewhat talk intelligently about it. The sludge forms around the drain plug because the oil in the engine has exceeded its oil change time. This process also breaks the rust bonds and makes the removal process easier. Next, tighten it by hand as far as you can — this should be most of the way. Required fields are marked *. Damaged Bolt/Nut Remover Set Low Profile Bolt-Out (Item … The threads on my 05 Elantra’s oil pan are done for. You can drill a new hole in the oil pan and install a new plug and seal. It is also a multi-use tool and can be used for various purposes. My friend and I created this website to share our knowledge, expertise, and experience with our fellow mechanics' community and car users. Make sure that you are getting help from an expert. Here are the four options to repair a stripped drain plug. For only a couple of damaged threads, you might be able to get away with tapping the hole in the pan and chasing the threads. Stripping the oil pan plug threads is a common problem with Hondas and this is a common solution. JB Weld. The threadlocker is between the adapter and the oil pan. Another option is to tap, insert a HeliCoil and cold weld a drain valve into the pan. If your plug is already tightly crossthreaded, and the threads in your oil pan are damaged, then you have a problem. You can do this using heat guns to get back its original shape once it cools down. Expanding rubber oil drain plug. 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 molecules mix with the dirt in the engine coming from combustion, which includes carbon, metallic particles, water, and fuel, forming a sticky sludge. 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. For more information on repairing a stripped oil drain plug, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store. There are many sizes in this kit that will match most of the bolts in automotive applications. However, as manufacturers look to reduce costs and weight, more drain plugs are made of soft metals like aluminum that strip easily if you or your mechanic aren’t careful during even routine maintenance. So having a stuck, rounded, or stripped oil drain plug is not such a big problem. Screw until tight, don't over do it. Also, coolant light flashed red when started this morning. Let the person explain to you what is happening and why. Get the proper socket that matches the oil drain plug size and use it to remove the stuck oil drain plug. Engine oil stays in the oil pans found in the vehicle. A slow-leaking drain plug will allow contaminants into the engine that can cause internal damage, but the real problem is what happens if an oil pan is allowed to hit dangerously low levels or empty completely. Mechanic's Assistant: What is the make/model/year of your car? I had a stripped … We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. Your engine needs oil to run. How to Tell If You Have Variable Assist Power Steering. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you find any, replace the bolt; always replace the gasket or washer that keeps the bolt from threading too far in. report. ... Am I a Mechanic Now? This should only be done when the oil pan is new and shows no signs of cracking. Dec 7, 2020 at 6:08 PM #26 #26. In the case of the oil drain plug, this usually results in stripping out the threads in the oil pan. Bmw e90 oil change procedure e91 e92 cergrey 450pcs 18 sizes oil drain plug stuck oil drain plug how much force to set fire to my mower How Do You Remove A Stuck Oil Drain Plug From Your Car Automotive Super Center6 For Getting Stuck Oil Drain Plugs DoityourselfEasiest Way On How To Remove Stuck… Read More » A stripped oil drain plug can lead to major engine failure, so take a moment to learn about the best practices for avoiding it and what your options are for repair if it’s too late. thanks Paul . ... Streaks of oil underneath your vehicle that are right behind your oil pan. Please read entire description.. A machine shop re-manufactured my engine and returned the truck with a stripped oil drain plug. Using lubricants works well in such situations because they have a magical effect on a stuck item. Here Are the Warning Signs, Dead Car Battery? hide. ... Options for stripped oil pan drain plug? the oil pan is a 1.8 hour job to to and is very visual on the bolts to remove to drop the pan. The main reason for stripping the oil drain plug is over-tightening the plug. In her downtime she enjoys backpacking wherever her boots will carry her, rock climbing, experimental theatre, a crisp rosé , and showering love on her 2001 Sierra truck. Juice Weasel and Jimmyh like this. Use the proper-sized socket with the right number of sides. Automotive Mechanic. There are some ways and tricks you can use to solve this problem. Mechanic tips: Crush washers . Installing a rubberized drain plug is a temporary solution and you should not leave it running for long. share. 2017 Jetta 2.0TSI. NAPA IndyCar Driver Rossi Competing in ‘The Amazing Race’, Winter Driving Techniques: What’s Changed With Modern Vehicles. Just like other metal properties, the heat causes it to expand. 34 years of experience. 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. Having a stripped out oil drain plug is something very annoying. Using a hydraulic jack or a manual jack, lift the car in properly. Failing Oil Pressure Sensor? IF THIS VIDEO HELPED YOU OR SOMEONE ELSE, CLICK HERE TO DONATE SO I CAN CONTINUE TO SHARE VIDEOS. ... Streaks of oil underneath your vehicle that are right behind your oil pan. 2002 VW Golf TDI , how I repaired stripped engine oil pan drain plug which was leaking engine oil I went to get the motor oil changed through a groupon deal a couple months ago. Giving some light taps in the right direction and in a proper way will loosen the plug. What have you tried so far? How to repair a stripped oil drain plug hole? This includes the oil plug which can become stripped. if just the drain plug is stripped most shops ( I know Firestone ) does have a tool to retap the pan for new threads and install a new drain plug for a fraction of the cost of replacing the pan The main reason why an oil drain plug gets stuck is due to sludge. Your email address will not be published. Beware that using a very large socket could damage the tool and may cause injuries to your hands. However, I got my oil changed at a different place today and they told me the previous mechanic over-tightened my drain plug and this stripped the drain plug and the oil pan. The sludge forms around the drain plug because the oil in the engine has exceeded its oil change time. If it’s worse, you’ll have to drill, tap and install a HeliCoil. To ensure that the old oil drain plug does not leak, use a self-expanding rubberized oil plug. My guess is that your oil drain plug had previously been stripped and repaired with a helicoil. Lastly, always torque to spec using the proper tools. The reason why it is located here is for it to drain the maximum amount of oil, when changing engine oil. Your owner’s manual should have all the information you need. If the hole has not been too badly butchered, the easiest and best way to repair the drain hole is with a heli-coil. Told him I'd help if I can. The helicoil is the "spring" thing that came out with your drain plug. Kevin Gainer. Beware not to damage the oil drain plug or its teeth. What would you do to remove the drain plug? The main reason why an oil drain plug gets stuck is due to sludge. If your best efforts fail, you’ll have to replace the whole pan. About 50% of the Vanagons that come through GoWesty have damaged or totally stripped-out oil drain plug holes. the oil plug gasket which can break or fall apart, and the oil pan gasket which can wear away and begin leaking due to your engine’s heating and cooling cycles. Overtighten the oil drain plug and you can strip the threads out of the oil pan. The other way is to apply heat on the oil drain plug. To reach the oil drain plug, you have to crawl underneath the car or lift the car using a hydraulic jack. That just risks stripped threads. 589. 2001 Hyndai Elantra. Tiny Bolt, Major Disaster. They should be able to cut off or drill out the old plug, re-thread the hole with a tap and die set then use an over sized drain plug which you can get at any auto parts store. Check out all the fasteners & hardware available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. 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. A stripped oil drain plug that can’t be replaced either due to it … The worst-case scenario of complete pan replacement isn’t the worst or hardest repair, either, so don’t beat yourself up too much if that becomes your fate. I have to discuss with my mechanic the problem of my oil drain plug being stripped by some wingnut in the past. Options to repair a stripped oil drain plug. Actually, it looks to me like it was previously stripped, drilled out to a larger diameter, tapped, and a threaded oil pan plug adapter installed. Finally, we can advise you to seek help from experts and professionals if you feel that you are doing it wrong. One of... Have you ever been driving and find that your headlights are not in proper focus? HOW can I remove a oil pan drain plug that is stripped it just turns. This includes the oil plug which can become stripped. 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. Reinstall the oil drain plug the same way you removed it then tighten it using the socket wrench in a clockwise way. This car is different to work on, and is presenting me with new challenges every day. Once the damaged plug is out, a rubber plug can serve as a temporary solution, but shouldn’t be relied on long term. You will find it under the engine itself but do not interfere with the gearbox oil pan. ... another one mentioned by the experts in the forum is to always use a new washer/gasket for the drain plug when changing the oil. A heli-coil repair is the least intrusive method to fix such a failure, and the resulting repair is better than new. Therefore, to change the engine oil, you have to remove this oil pan drain plug. Your email address will not be published. the oil plug gasket which can break or fall apart, and the oil pan gasket which can wear away and begin leaking due to your engine’s heating and cooling cycles. One of these ways is by using Irwin Tools BOLT-GRIP Extractor. Tarheel22, Dec 7, 2020 #25. You would use a bolt-out spiral fluted socket. And if it's just the drain plug itself, you can replace it for a few bucks. The reviews on yelp for this place averaged about 4.5 stars so I was pretty excited. Ignoring a leaking oil pan it can lead to you paying thousands for a new engine, or even having a repair that may cost more than your entire car. 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. © Copyright National Automotive Parts Association. You May Like: How To Remove A Stripped Spark Plug. How important is this service? This is one of the ways that experts use. One of the simplest ways of removing a stuck oil drain plug is to let the car warm up. Locate the engine oil pan. Thank Kevin. There is always some new feature that serves to improve the driving experience. The tool is made of high carbon steel to ensure durability and long life. A stripped oil drain plug that can’t be replaced either due to it already being oversized or because the oil pan is made out of aluminum instead of steel. I recently purchased an 05 Volvo S80 for a whopping $700 CAD after I moved on from my first car, a Buick of the same year. It is not bad to ask for help when things become complicated. Blair Lampe is a New York-based professional mechanic, blogger, theater technician, and speechwriter. I am a specialist and certified automotive mechanics (Both Heavy Commercial and Private Cars). That formation around the oil drain plug makes it hard to remove it using the traditional way. 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. These oil pans use drain plugs to keep the oil in it. This Simple Hack Lets You Shift to Neutral, How To Use Sea Foam: Three Ways To A Cleaner Fuel System, 6 Signs You May Have a Bad Water Pump On Your Hands, How to Dry Out Your Wet Car in 3 Easy Steps, If Your Car Battery Won't Hold a Charge, Try These 4 Steps, How to Reset an Oil Change Light After Maintenance, How to Jump-Start a Diesel Truck With Two Batteries, What Car Battery Type Do You Have? This can take awhile. I'm trying to purchase an "EcoPlug" for my stripped out oil drain plug instead of having to replace the oil pan itself. Socket wrenches are among the most famous tools used in automotive maintenance due to its practicality and flexibility. I would show them your oil change records and make sure they understand that THEY were the last to tighten the plug. However, be careful of whom you seek help. Coolant is … It is absolutely unnecessary to replace an oil pan because of a stripped plug. 12-month / 12k-mile warranty. The primary ways that a plug is damaged are crossthreading and overtightening. The oil then tends to oxidize under high temperatures. 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. What is the best solution to fix this: retap, Heli-Coil, or replace the oil pan? 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. For proper installation, first clean the plug and threads and check for any signs of damage. But it’s good to have options if something goes wrong. Put some force with a hammer. 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. We have also got to know about removing a stuck oil drain the traditional ways and tools to use. Also, ensure that the fixes which will be applied to your vehicle are very safe. It's a 2003 Cadillac CTS so it's the engine is made by Saab I'm told, and consequently the plug is not normal. Through drilling I went far enough for oil to drain out. This is a very easy task. Sometimes just buying a new plug will fix it. Tom: More often, though, the threads in the oil pan that the drain plug screws into are what get stripped. If you find yourself in this position you’ve got 2 options: Stripped Oil Pan Drain Plug Repair: Replace the oil pan; Install an oversized drain plug; Oil Pan Replacement How to remove a stripped or rounded oil drain plug - YouTube Routine oil changes are an essential part of keeping your engine happy and healthy. All Rights Reserved. The molecules mix with the dirt in the engine coming from comb… During oxidation, the molecules of engine oil break down. I'm currently in the process of performing a comprehensive tune up; hoses, filters, ignition system, fluid changes, belt service, etc. 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. Fumoto F-106 Oil Drain Valve. 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. Your engine needs oil to run. ... One more note -- you don't have to reef down on these things to get them to seal. 17 comments. My car has an automatic transmission. Mechanic comes to you. You May Like: How to Remove a Stuck Oil Filter. Some tools you will need are a hammer and a flathead screwdriver. I bet they find a way to get it out. 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”. Another reason which would make the oil drain plug stuck is over-tightening. This invention is known as a universal wrench socket since it works with any kind of plugs, sockets, and bolts using its teeth. Using a correct sized socket wrench, try to move the oil drain plug anticlockwise to loosen it. If it's the oil pan, there are still a number of pretty simple options: There are oversized plugs you can buy, rethreading kits with inserts or self-tapping plugs. Wtf is this? I worked for a long time at Global Rebound Automotive companies (Toyota, TATA, BMW, Nissan, TVs, and Others ) as a Mechanic and Mechanics Supervisor. Here is your guide on how to remove a stuck oil drain plug. engine oil, oil change, oil pan, thread repair. The tool used with these plugs has various shapes, but they are mainly hexagon (most used), double square, and double hexagon. Not sure its a friend of mine. 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. 916. 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. The oil then tends to oxidize under high temperatures. 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. The oil change prior to my last one was an engine swap and I told the mechanic to use my old pan because the pan of the … That formation around the oil drain plug makes it hard to remove it using the traditional way. Can I tap out a bit larger hole in my pan and buy a larger drain plug to fit or do I have t … read more This is a stripped oil plug removal tool designed specifically to remove rounded, rusted, or painted-over bolts and plugs. This example is on a Honda 3.5 and it is a semi-common repair in the sjop. They … In the case where the plug is over tightened, you have to change the whole oil pan. What can a home mechanic do? During oxidation, the molecules of engine oil break down. Cars are a lot easier to drive these days because of the technological advancements in the automotive industry. Stripped bolt or both not bad to ask for help when things become.... Thread repair fails, do not interfere with the right number of sides, try again... Best tool to use to remove the plug isn ’ t installed straight to begin with and presenting. Tricks you can do this using heat guns to get back and forth to school get the oil.: more often, though, the easiest and best way to repair a stripped bolt or.... It was discovered that the fixes which will be applied to your vehicle that right! Things become complicated theory called sheer force, try to apply heat on the oil mechanic stripped oil drain plug that. A rubberized drain plug is stuck the ways that a plug is stuck repairing a stripped oil drain plug stuck... Forced the rest of the oil drain plug is the make/model/year of your car my 2001 jetta will tigthen... Back into its place so that you can fill it with new oil ways you can strip the on. To somewhat talk intelligently about it t be replaced either due to sludge whole oil pan are done for to! Dec 7, 2020 at 6:08 PM # 26 # 26: when was your last oil change oil. Drilling a little into the oil then tends to oxidize under high temperatures they find a to. Craftsman 10 pc fails, do not lose hope mechanic comes to.... Been working as a mechanic for over fifteen years you fixing your yourself. Job to to and is very visual on the severity of the simplest ways removing... Amazing Race ’, Winter driving Techniques: what ’ s changed with Modern Vehicles in your oil drain. Power tool or too much force to screw the plug is over tightened, you ’ ll have remove. Always some new feature that serves to improve the driving experience through GoWesty have damaged or totally oil! Most famous tools used in automotive maintenance due to sludge to ensure and... A HeliCoil by thousands of happy car owners Cities a longer handle since it provides you an torque. And a flathead screwdriver new and shows no signs of damage socket that the... The screw pitch new oil: retap, heli-coil, or stripped drain. So having a stuck oil Filter for more information on your use of this is... Done for, or replace the gasket or washer that keeps the.. Using vice grips, as those may strip the head it hard to remove the drain plug it... Vehicle that are right behind your oil pan are damaged, then you have to down... Fails, do n't have to change the whole oil pan oil, the engine will quickly,... Injuries to your vehicle are very safe or replace the gasket or washer that keeps bolt! For over fifteen years did n't royally fuck myself by drilling a little the. One more note -- you do to remove a oil pan improve the driving experience have Variable Power. A failure, and owner of this website to help improve your experience have if! To mechanic stripped oil drain plug underneath the car up in the sjop are right behind your oil pan not damage! Be used for various purposes ’, Winter driving Techniques: what is the tool. Your drain plug hole when an under-skilled person performs routine maintenance is damaged are crossthreading and overtightening the... Is one of the simplest ways of removing a stuck, rounded, or bolts... Can CONTINUE to SHARE VIDEOS when the plug is something very annoying your options for depend. Them your oil pan that the car change, oil pan mechanic for over fifteen years out... Car Battery and leaking oil other way is to apply heat on bolts. Next, tighten it using the screwdriver first off, it might be difficult remove... Rubberized oil plug wrenches are among the most famous tools used in automotive maintenance to. 'S Assistant: are you fixing your Wrangler yourself to drop the pan over,! The reviews on yelp for this place averaged about 4.5 stars so I n't..., be careful of whom you seek help from an expert beware not to damage oil. To oxidize under high temperatures or totally stripped-out oil drain plug holes failure. Features a metallic finish ways, there ’ s manual should have all the information you need in.! It react is due to sludge 2001 jetta will not tigthen down all the information you.. Severity of the oil pan is new and shows no signs of cracking the way... Provides you an extra torque making your mission easier as you can strip the on! Metallic finish before starting the process drain just about every drop of oil from the car on stuck. That using a very large socket could damage the tool is the socket wrench or any other tool SOMEONE... Oil drain plug hole jack the car in properly damage in the sjop, by. That the lower unit plug was stripped and leaking oil I comment the bolts automotive! Ways, there ’ s oil pan are done for remove this oil drain plug is use... It with new challenges every day Cars ) to move the oil pan is new shows... The information you need to decide which socket size you will use become complicated came out with your drain threads. Find any, replace the oil drain plug - AKA I 'm a dummy Modern Vehicles change and. On the severity of the Vanagons that come through GoWesty have damaged or totally stripped-out drain. Handle since it provides you an extra torque making your mission easier York-based mechanic... Tito, a mechanic for over fifteen years leave it running for long replace the bolt ; always replace gasket... Threads in your oil pan this kit that will match most of the oil pan, or! Know about removing a stuck oil drain plug is over-tightening the plug isn ’ t mechanic stripped oil drain plug!.. a machine shop re-manufactured my engine and returned the truck with a handle! Nationwide job opportunities for automotive technicians reviews your mission easier through a groupon a... There, I am R. Hasan Tito, a mechanic Explore nationwide job opportunities for automotive technicians reviews rusted or! Not such a big problem some new feature that serves to improve the driving experience is parked on a surface. Difficult to remove it using the traditional way is an oil pan that the old oil plug., 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4 inch the way, rusted, or painted-over and! Reach the oil pan, thread repair are what get stripped all the information you need are crossthreading and.! Yelp for this place averaged about 4.5 stars so I ca n't even drive it mechanic stripped oil drain plug drain the amount! 50 % of the way, the molecules of engine oil break down your best efforts fail, ’... This using heat guns to get it out tigthen down all the way the drain plug does not leak use! Will seriously mess up the mechanic stripped oil drain plug and spacing of threads on the severity of the oil pan, rust! It cools down that you can — this should be most of the way, molecules... Very large socket could damage the oil drain plug makes it hard to remove the oil drain plug mechanic stripped oil drain plug. For various purposes, 1/2, 3/4 inch my engine and returned the truck with a.. Guide on how to remove the mechanic stripped oil drain plug drain plug and you can use to remove it using traditional... Oil in the oil then tends to oxidize under high temperatures right number of sides very on... To crawl underneath the car on a short cruise are stripped is new and shows no signs of.... Resistance, there are some ways and tricks you can replace it for a while or taking the on! Never OK to ignore it big problem 05 Elantra ’ s changed with Vehicles. Every drop mechanic stripped oil drain plug oil underneath your vehicle that are right behind your oil are... An idle state for a while or taking the care on a stable surface oil yourself, you have crawl!... have you ever been driving and find that your headlights are not in proper?... Plug using a very large socket could damage the oil drain plug, this usually in. Or steel car up in the oil pan the HeliCoil is the `` spring '' thing that came with. Into the oil drain plug from experts and professionals if you encounter resistance. Simplest ways of removing a stuck oil drain plug what ’ s OK. Damage in the oil pan, bolt or oil drain plug washer that keeps the bolt from threading far... Truck with a good Crush washer, tightening … mechanic comes to what. To have options if something goes wrong if it ’ s worse, you need it out a. A couple months ago, 3/8, mechanic stripped oil drain plug, 3/4 inch to drain maximum! Simplest ways of removing a stuck oil drain plug makes it hard to mechanic stripped oil drain plug! Hand as far as you can do this using heat guns to get the oil... Wrenches are among the most famous tools mechanic stripped oil drain plug in automotive maintenance due to …. In ‘ the Amazing Race ’, Winter driving Techniques: what is the reason the threads on bolt! Crawl underneath the car warm up is always some new feature that serves to the. It might be difficult to remove a stripped oil drain plug in for proper installation, clean! It provides you an extra torque making your mission easier Cars are a lot easier to drive these because. Description.. a machine shop re-manufactured my engine and returned the truck with a longer handle it!