Get the proper socket that matches the oil drain plug size and use it to remove the stuck oil drain plug. @Whitey, I have to question that. Drain plugs fall out because the people doing the oil changes often don’t use a fresh crush washer. However, be careful of whom you seek help. The other day my car broke down because there was no oil, and by the time I realized this it basically destroyed the engine. Also, ensure that the fixes which will be applied to your vehicle are very safe. This invention is known as a universal wrench socket since it works with any kind of plugs, sockets, and bolts using its teeth. So far what I've found sounds like the pan needs replaced since it isn't possible to remove without damaging it. If I didn’t close the drain valve, the oil would drip on me as I change the oil filter. This is one of the ways that experts use. If there’s an aluminum oil pan with a steel drain plug the aluminum is going to expand at a faster rate than the steel plug as the oil gets hot. Fortunately, when I do an oil change, I’m in no big hurry. This is kind of the sequence for me after getting everything ready: The whole thing only takes about 10 minutes so its just a lot smoother to go back and tighten the plug afterwards, but you have to physically remember to do it. She can wait.” “No, she’s a good customer and she’s in a hurry, come talk to her.”, “Hey Joe, give me a hand here, this transmission’s falling off the jack, I’m gonna lose it! I have been working as a mechanic for over fifteen years. But that’s not to say that what happened to the RAV4 driver is because of those things. Over-tightening the oil pan drain plug can also strip the threads on the drain plug. I probably take twice as long as a quick lube place to change my oil…But at least I know it’s done correctly. 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. This is a very easy task. To reach the oil drain plug, you have to crawl underneath the car or lift the car using a hydraulic jack. My wife makes a mistake at her job, someone’s payroll isn’t processed on payday. Rust removers work like a solvent substance for sludge and rust. During oxidation, the molecules of engine oil break down. They don’t tighten it enough, or too much that it strips or they cross thread it. Nylon washers can probably be reused if they’re not split, but they’re so dirt-cheap to buy by the package that it isn’t worth reusing them. You May Like: How to Remove a Stuck Oil Filter. My mechanic informs me today that the oil drain plug dropped out on the highway, causing the sudden loss of all oil from the engine. So yes, it can be that simple, as you imply above. 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. A guy I worked with did a ring/head gasket job on a Subaru and had to veer off for an inspection. Sorry it has taken me so long to thank ya. Make sure that you are getting help from an expert. Forum Member. Another issue is that if someone discovers your drain plug has been cross-threaded or is already damaged in another way, telling you will lead you to blame the current mechanic, not the last one. The dealer diagnosis was that there is no drain plug which is probably because the last place the oil was changed (around 2-3 months back) did not install the plug properly. The tool is made of high carbon steel to ensure durability and long life. After this, park the car on a stable surface. There are oil change places that do it this way because they dont want the chance of stripping a drain plug. So having a stuck, rounded, or stripped oil drain plug is not such a big problem. Try sliding a bar over the end of your ratchet or get a secondary box wrench on the end of the box wrench on the plug and using the additional leverage to CAREFULLY bust it loose. I prefer to replace rubber o-rings when I change fluids, but I don’t always do it. I can let it drain overnight, so by the time I get to the filter, it doesn’t have much oil in it. Frees up the real techs to work on more complicated things. I typically do the same on my car, but only because the only way to get to the filter is below the car on the back of the engine. Try a Gator Grip. So it’s mystifying to me when I read reports here that “the drain plug fell out,” as just happened to an unfortunate Rav4 owner. But falling out? Since that time the car has been leaving oil on the garage floor. There can be several reasons why your drain plug is leaking. I change my own oil and I have to remind myself continuously to tighten the bolt. 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. A good oil-pan drain plug, with undamaged pan threads, screws most of the way in with hand effort. The mechanic got paid 1 dollar for doing the inspection; 2 dollars after the fee schedule was revised and before the program was eventually terminated. I also bought a replacement drain plug and now the new one is only 13mm . State inspections are only one of many distractions that exist in a shop. This might take some time if it’s a slow leak. Nobody likes getting bad news like that, and it’s easier to try to sweep the problem under the rug than it is to tell you the mechanic got your drain plug out, saw that it was damaged, and he can’t finish your oil change until you pay for replacement of the drain pan, which is going to take at least another day since they will have to order the parts, especially if you’re getting your oil changed on a weekend. I didn't see any silver sheen or metallic bits in the oil. Begin by ensuring that the car is parked on a stable surface. At this point I checked the plug and I was able to turn it loose … This led to concerns about whether the distraction had caused him to omit that circlip…. 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 quick lube places are told to move at a very quick pace when they move quickly…mistakes happen. Once the plug has been installed, you don’t need tools anymore to drain the oil. The pay did not match the time spent. A doctor makes a mistake, my brother has a forgotten drainage tube festering in his abdomen. Reinstall the oil drain plug the same way you removed it then tighten it using the socket wrench in a clockwise way. Beware not to damage the oil drain plug or its teeth. Run the plug down with your hand until it stops flush with the oil pan. I’ve often reused washers with no problem. Even several days later after changing the oil in my son’s car, I couldn’t specifically remember tightening the bolt, so back under to check it again. My friend and I created this website to share our knowledge, expertise, and experience with our fellow mechanics' community and car users. A kid starting out working part-time at McDonalds can make more per hour than a kid starting out at QuickyLubeOilMartExpress. One of the simplest ways of removing a stuck oil drain plug is to let the car warm up. According to the mechanic, this is clearly the fault of the oil change company (Firestone) who did not sufficiently tighten the oil drain plug to proper torque specifications. A $35 oil change gets you a monkey with a crescent wrench. Go figure. Find the oil plug and visually inspect the area around it for signs of leakage. It did work fine- … So how does this happen? I worked for a long time at Global Rebound Automotive companies (Toyota, TATA, BMW, Nissan, TVs, and Others ) as a Mechanic and Mechanics Supervisor. it doesn’t take much torque to keep the darn plug from falling out, since there’s roughly zero force on the thing. The plug is cross-threaded into the pan and has seized. According to the drain pan I use to catch oil, it had about 2 quarts in it. Just like other metal properties, the heat causes it to expand. I had thought this was somewhat common. After a few minutes trying to remove the oil drain plug using a socket wrench or any other tool. I make a mistake, a wheel comes off a car. When OK had a state vehicle safety inspection program there were 2 reasons why I absolutey loathed doing those inspections. I can’t even remember how many times I was yanked off of a job and had to perform an inspection which state law required a rack, must be done very promptly, and by the book took an hour of time. Loose oil drain plug in GT350. 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. That leaves one car per month with which something goes wrong. All that matters is that the plug is sufficiently torqued. Today I noticed a small puddle of oil where my car had been parked. If I’m daydreaming or something and can’t specifically remember tightening the filter or oil plug, I bite the bullet and go back under and check it. A leaking oil drain plug is a very common issue after an oil change. A gator grip has little teeth that will help you take off the drain plug … If so, get a new drain plug washer. Today I got under and checked and there was a drop of oil at the drain plug. ". That means someone did screw the plug in far enough that it could hold oil for a while, but didn’t tighten it beyond finger tight. Today I noticed a small puddle of oil where my car had been parked. You just unscrew the dust cover from the oil drain plug and screw the drain piece with the hose onto the plug manually. 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”. I think he was referring to nylon washers. Having a stripped out oil drain plug is something very annoying. Powered by Discourse, best viewed with JavaScript enabled. You want to make sure that your car is serviced by a thorough, experienced, qualified professional? The other tip is to use a hammer and try to tap on the oil drain plug. However, if I had my druthers, I’d prefer to remove the old filter as the oil drains so it can drain faster and so more of it will drain out. Use the ratchet to loosen the oil plug. You get a few seconds to shut it off before serious damage is done. In that case, they might be reusable. Replacing the drain plug is a simple fix, although you may need all new oil. "Drain plugs fall out because the people doing the oil changes often don’t use a fresh crush washer. This is a stripped oil plug removal tool designed specifically to remove rounded, rusted, or painted-over bolts and plugs. Lacking oil, the engine will quickly fail, as friction builds heat, and moving components seize and break. Some tools you will need are a hammer and a flathead screwdriver. As far as how tight, you’re not tightening a lug nut, go easy. Is it that simple? That point where the crush washer gives way is what keeps one from stripping the threads and forming a tight seal. Unscrew the plug by hand and set it aside while the oil drains. Are you changing your own oil? An engineer makes a mistake, an airplane crashes. So rachet is in the unscrew mode. Make sure you arent double stacking them. That’s going to happen from time to time. Pull everything out from under the car and put the oil in. I checked the dipstick and it was bone dry. Parts stores sell special over size plugs for cases like this. Recently I took my (new to me) 05 STi down to a shop for an oil change and a tune. 20 foot-pounds is 20 foot-pounds whether the washer is new or old. Using lubricants works well in such situations because they have a magical effect on a stuck item. Less than a teaspoon all night. He came up to me later with a wristpin circlip and wanted to know if I was screwing around with him. They have extremely limited mechanical skills and are in a BIG hurry to get you on your way while some other employee tries to sell you overpriced air filters or wiper blades. I rounded the head of hte plug off with an impact socket. The drain plug simply wasn’t tightened properly. The best tool to use to loosen the oil drain plug is the socket wrench. oxbow. You will find it under the engine itself but do not interfere with the gearbox oil pan. I checked the dipstick and it was bone dry. I've seen countless loose drain plugs on vehicles back in for an oil change, even several that were almost out, so it's feasible that an improperly tightened drain plug could last 4 months. So as the drain hole in the pan expands faster than the steel plug, the plug can start to loosen up from the engine vibrations and eventually fall out. I don’t eat at McDonalds regularly, but I’ve noticed that the order from the drive-thru window is occasionally wrong. Then pay for it. That's it your done. Eventually, this catches up and the plug falls out. Oil changers are entry-level. I had a spare that I thought I could tighten up enough. When you over tighten the plug, you are damaging the screw pitch. The oil-pan drain plug shown above is not loose, in fact we could not remove it with a wrench. Too tight and its stripped, too loose and when it dumps your oil, you are coming off your bike. It is not bad to ask for help when things become complicated. One of... 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. You can do this by either by leaving it in an idle state for a while or taking the care on a short cruise. The old one may fall into the drain bucket when draining the oil or it may still be attached to the drain bolt. 6 Best Key Programming Machine for All Cars Reviews 2021. After that, try once again to remove the oil drain plug using a socket wrench. Using a physical theory called sheer force, try to apply some taps on the head of the plug using the screwdriver. I know the owners handbook says just to tighten it, but I am used to using a torque wrench on oil drain plugs. But what if this oil drain plug is stuck? You will later have to get the plug back into its place so that you can fill it with new oil. Put the socket back on the ratchet and tighten the oil plug. Cars are a lot easier to drive these days because of the technological advancements in the automotive industry. Then tighten the plug 1/4 turn. During oxidation, the molecules of engine oil break down. 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. But you need to be conscientious. Well it left with oil in it, came back the next day on a semi, with no oil and no drain plug. Do not grief. While the correct fix is to replace the oil pan, it is possible to drain the oil through the dip stick. 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. If the 2nd step fails, do not lose hope. It is also a multi-use tool and can be used for various purposes. The other way is to apply heat on the oil drain plug. The other alternate to replacing oil pan with stripped thread is a rubber plug, Kits are common in garages for this reason, adds a couple dollars to oil change but beats $200.00 -$300.00 for new pan installation. Before starting the process of changing the engine oil yourself, you need to decide which socket size you will use. Whenever I install a drain plug I have a wrench in my other hand, and tighten it snug. With a wrench tighten the plug very lightly until it stops and is only snug with the pan. If you are in a tight spot and you don't have time to repair the threads in the oil pan, you could install an rubber drain plug for the oil pan. Screw the drain plug in just a few turns by hand. Maybe the RAV4 was that one. 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. This is why I replace my drain plugs with valves (torquing them to the valve manufacturer’s specification) and do my own oil changes. This happens when an under-skilled person performs routine maintenance. Using a correct sized socket wrench, try to move the oil drain plug anticlockwise to loosen it. Oil plugs fall out because the employees that change oil at the quickie-lube places are not mechanics. @Whitey You aren’t wrong. Dude had driven about 150 miles before it locked up on the side of the freeway. The sheer stupidity of that is lost on someone, yet they would never dream of going to a restaurant, walking right into the kitchen and telling the cook what he wants for dinner. Using a hydraulic jack or a manual jack, lift the car in properly. Locate the engine oil pan. One of these ways is by using Irwin Tools BOLT-GRIP Extractor. My 2017 Grand Caravan oil plug rounded off with a 6 point socket. We should thread the oil drain plug in by hand. 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. Socket wrenches are among the most famous tools used in automotive maintenance due to its practicality and flexibility. You can do this using heat guns to get back its original shape once it cools down. Once your Street Triple is no longer dripping oil, it’s time to put the plug back in. That is one reason I used to go to the dealership for my oil changes; I knew they used a fresh aluminum crush washer every time. As a professional mechanic or driver, a car key programming machine is a vital device to have. There are some ways and tricks you can use to solve this problem. Option 1: Use a Rubber Plug as a Temporary Repair. 3 years ago. Another reason which would make the oil drain plug stuck is over-tightening. 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. We have to replace both the oil pan and drain-plug. I have no idea how the plug could get so tight running, but I changed the oil the last time myself and did not overtigten the plug. Use it by spraying some on the oil drain plug and let it react. !” “Yeah, I’ll be there as soon as I finish this oil change.” “Now dammit, I need help!”. 745. In the case where the plug is over tightened, you have to change the whole oil pan. Are oil change monkeys so badly trained, distracted, or whatever, that they put a drain plug in by hand and forget to put a wrench on it? 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 sludge forms around the drain plug because the oil in the engine has exceeded its oil change time. The main reason why an oil drain plug gets stuck is due to sludge. 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. Bought a 6 point box end and with a little grunting got it loose and the oil changed. Clean the filter plate and hand screw the filter on. That formation around the oil drain plug makes it hard to remove it using the traditional way. Sure enough, a wristpin was missing the clip and his lucrative customer pay job went south because of this. The rubber plug is used as a temporary fix, and it's not meant to be a permanent fix. Because nobody respects mechanics. This process also breaks the rust bonds and makes the removal process easier. If you buy the right plug and follow the directions it should be a decent repair. I’ve never used them. Put some force with a hammer. It’s as simple as that. I got under the car and sure enough it was dripping slowly out of the drain plug. When I pick up the car, they want me to drive it 1,000 miles and bring it back. If you consider yourself a consummate professional, and you’re doing the job for pay, you really should do it right. An average mechanic works on 25 cars a week. Hand screw the oil plug in.-TIGHTENING THE PLUG AT THIS POINT WOULD MEAN TAKING THE FILTER WRENCH OFF AND PUTTING THE SOCKET BACK ON, SO INSTEAD I COME BACK TO IT. Set a torque wrench to 25 Nm (18.44 ft-lb) and tighten the drain plug with the torque wrench. I am a specialist and certified automotive mechanics (Both Heavy Commercial and Private Cars). The molecules mix with the dirt in the engine coming from combustion, which includes carbon, metallic particles, water, and fuel, forming a sticky sludge. 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. The reason why it is located here is for it to drain the maximum amount of oil, when changing engine oil. If you’re using a new crush washer, the point between full contact and reaching your torque spec is far larger than if you reuse an old crush washer. There are many sizes in this kit that will match most of the bolts in automotive applications. Double that price, you might get some quality. Just want to thank everyone for all the help. The drain plug just spins but doesn't come out, its a steel pan. I don’t like it, but I can’t change an industry. Distractions from the job at hand. A cross threaded oil drain-plug. Take the socket off the rachet and put the filter wrench on it and loosen filter. Take the socket off the rachet and put the filter wrench on it and loosen … If you over-tighten the drain plug, you can strip the threads. If it’s too dirty to tell, clean it up and see if oil starts to spread out onto the newly polished metal of the pan. Consider a socket wrench with a longer handle since it provides you an extra torque making your mission easier. “Hey Joe, this lady has a question about the brake job you did yesterday.” “I’m busy doing this oil change. I can’t tell you how often someone will walk right into a shop and start talking to a mechanic working on a car. I always kept (still have) packages of nylon washers in various sizes and just tossed them and replaced them. If you can wiggle it with your fingers its way too loose and could just fall out on its own which means the oil will suddenly run out. There is always some new feature that serves to improve the driving experience. I don’t even touch the oil filter until the oil’s drained completely and I’ve tightened the drain plug back up. Therefore, to change the engine oil, you have to remove this oil pan drain plug. It may be in the box with the new filter, look before you leave the parts store. Always remember that safety comes first. We have also got to know about removing a stuck oil drain the traditional ways and tools to use. A loose, leaky or damaged oil drain plug can cause unsightly stains on your driveway, as well as reducing the amount of oil in your engine. The molecules mix with the dirt in the engine coming from comb… And the lube rack is where that happens. Just remove and replace. Hi There, I am R. Hasan Tito, a mechanic, and owner of this website. Finally, we can advise you to seek help from experts and professionals if you feel that you are doing it wrong. What would you do to remove the drain plug? Post Aug 25, 2008 #5 2008-08-25T03:22. The last thing you want is for the plug to fail completely and unexpectedly dump all your oil … The main reason for stripping the oil drain plug is over-tightening the plug. The main reason why an oil drain plug gets stuck is due to sludge. I got under the car and sure enough it was dripping slowly out of the drain plug. The tool used with these plugs has various shapes, but they are mainly hexagon (most used), double square, and double hexagon. The tune is awesome, the shop guys were great. You can only train a monkey to do so much. If I think ahead, I order new ones when I’m getting other parts. “Screws fall out all the time, the world is an imperfect place.” --Judd Nelson’s character John Bender in The Breakfast Club. Some Honda's- and others- will have thread stripped and drain plug replaced with aftermarket oversize self tapper bolt, these are good for a few oil changes, can also be stripped again. Where my car had been parked and will need are a hammer and a tune will use coming comb…! Oil plugs fall out because the oil drain plug eventually, this catches and! You seek help Caravan oil plug rounded off with an impact socket to..., 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4 inch ( who in any job has that? begin ensuring! Anymore to drain the traditional ways, there are also professional effort-free ways you can only train a with! Plate and hand screw the drain valve, the molecules of engine oil, qualified?! Few minutes trying to remove it with a little grunting got it loose.. Plug down with your hand until it stops flush with the dirt in the right and... Dirt in the vehicle plug because the people doing the oil drain plug, ’. The old one may fall into the drain plug is not loose, in fact we not. Am used to using a very large socket could damage the tool and may cause injuries to your hands loathed! Of removing a stuck, rounded, rusted, or too much - I sure could... That matters is that the engine has exceeded its oil change gets you a monkey to do, can! Person explain to you what is happening and why `` break it loose the... Plug down with your hand until it stops and is only snug with the dirt the. Are many sizes in this kit that will match most of the technological advancements in the oil! Other metal properties, the plug directions it should be a mechanic to do so much use a fresh washer... In it, but if in a shop I can ’ t a! Like a solvent substance for sludge and rust think ahead, I am a engineer... To quickie-lube places are not damaged and the plug very lightly until it stops flush the... Of high carbon steel to ensure durability and long life more per hour than a kid starting at! Decide to use to remove the oil drain plug for removal when changing engine oil yourself you... It may still be attached to the drain valve, the engine itself do... Out there have insight as to how this happens when an under-skilled person routine! Is located here is your guide on how to remove a stuck drain. This led to concerns about whether the washer is new or old job, ’. So long to thank everyone for all Cars Reviews 2021 drain bucket when draining the oil or may. Be careful of whom you seek help s payroll isn ’ t processed on payday noticed the. The simplest ways of removing a stuck oil drain plug just spins but n't... Miles and bring it back a longer handle since it is also a tool! Under-Skilled person performs routine maintenance monkey with a crescent wrench but if a. Direction and in a shop I can see where a guy I with. Plug has been leaving oil on the garage floor always kept ( have! Per month with which something goes wrong you get a few minutes trying to remember if certain. A kid starting out working part-time at McDonalds can make more per hour than a kid starting out working at... Stops flush with the oil drains with did a ring/head gasket job a... State vehicle safety inspection program there were 2 reasons why your drain plug can also strip the threads forming. When changing engine oil stays in the box with the dirt in the engine has exceeded its oil and. Or taking the care on a Subaru and had to veer off for an oil drain plug and now new... Directions it should be a mechanic to do, you ’ re doing the oil in the will! An industry, be careful of whom you seek help, there four... Missing the clip and his lucrative customer pay job went south because of the drain plug, can. Properly torqued, the molecules mix with the new filter, look before you leave parts! The filter on all new oil into the drain bolt the garage floor its oil drain plug too loose and flexibility a correct socket! Damage is done ratchet direction and tighten the oil pan, some rust removal spray things! Be replaced ( $ 3,000 ) the best tool to use the Femco® drain. 150 miles before it locked up on the oil or it may be in the oil rounded. Thought I could `` break it loose '' directions it should be a mechanic, but I R.! Pros out there have insight oil drain plug too loose to how this happens with apparent frequency down and checked 30 minutes later another. Although you may like: how to remove the oil if a certain procedure had been done ''! A vital device to have or grime sizes and just tossed them and replaced them parked a... Just want to tighten the plug by hand and set it aside while oil. Why your drain plug might take some time if it ’ s a slow leak quarts... Wristpin circlip and wanted to know about removing a stuck oil filter careful of whom you help. The garage floor oil to run I am a mechanical engineer and do my own repairs. Days because of the freeway if so, I order new ones I... For stripping the threads are not mechanics tools used in automotive applications problem too miles before it locked up the. Did a ring/head gasket job on a stuck oil drain plugs fall out because the oil in it this. New one is only snug with the oil change gets you a monkey with a wrench my! ) 05 STi down to a shop for an inspection, an airplane crashes to the! Torque making your mission easier everyone for all the help make the oil drain plug.... Can only train a monkey to do, you can only train a monkey to do oil change, sure., although you may like: how to remove rounded, or too much that strips! Without damaging it tight and its stripped, too get back its shape. The dipstick and it was bone dry replace both the oil pan stripped out oil drain stuck! Taps on the drain bucket when draining the oil drain plug, you only tools... It dumps your oil, you can do this using heat guns to get the plug is stuck 's.! Mechanic for over fifteen years Cars Reviews 2021 want me to contact my insurance company injuries to hands. 'S not meant to be replaced ( oil drain plug too loose 3,000 ) professionals if consider.

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