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help: removing a stuck oil drain plug

orange57

orange57

New member
So I'm trying to change the oil on my new to me 04.gtp. So the previous owner must have been a moron, because the plug is completely rounded, no wrench grips it. Using some channel locks I get good grip, but all of my might isn't enough to budge it. Any tips? At least I know I need a new drain plug now.

matt
 


Stripped Bolt extractor set would be your best bet. I would use drilling as a last resort. If it's that tight you'll probably break an ease out.
Autozone has an erwin set that should do the job.
 


I have spent the last hour with the channel locks on it and tapping it with a dead blow hammer with absolutely no movement. Whoever put thisin should shoot themself in the face. I'm pretty sure a screw extractor would just snap. Looks like iI may have to drill. Which is a ***** to do without a lift.
 
Do you have a dremel tool? You could grind the sides down flat enough to make it somewhat of a bolt shape again and just tap a smaller sized socket onto it. Kinda like removing a rounded lug nut by hammering on a smaller socket.
 
so after 2.5 hours, i am calling it quits for the night. i started off the evening with plans to change the oil and flush the cooling system. not a drop of fluids was removed this evening because whoever installed the drain plug applied such a torque that it cannot be removed. I may have to go pick up one of those irwin sets tomorrow and see if that works. most of the time i enjoy working on cars, but when i come across something this stupid it really frustrates me. Since there is no crush washer i can only assume the previous owner thought that tighter would stop the drip. i will be surprised if the threads arent completely buggered whe i eventually get the plug out. i should probably plan now for an oversized plug or helicoil now.
 


If the pipe wrench does not work, have you tried vise grips? You can tighten down the vise grips, and if the channel lock are big enough, use them to close the vise grips. If rooms allows get into the teeth, not the flat spot on the end. Clamp the fire out of them. Once you have the good grip, use cheater if needed.
I know this is not much on technical, I meant it more for moral support. It's got to come off of there. I know how frustrating it can seem when you are in this situation, you are not doing anything different then if you took it into the shop. Just don't give up. :-)
 
maybe i used the wrong term, i was using the grips that you can lock on to the screw. it gripped well enough, but not gooe enough to break free. may go pick up one of the irwin extractor sets today.

on a positive, i confirmed that the low oil level signal is due to a broken wire :)
 
if you are very carefull with a dremel tool or grinder of some sort, i have seen people grind a small slot on the outer edge of the plug. next, take a flat chisel and hammer the plug counter clockwise. be careful, this is just a suggestion!!
 
id go get a 4 to 6 inch small pipe wrench. they are made to grip a smooth pipe, theres room to use it, and you'll be shocked how tight it grabs a rounded bolt.
 


a little one like this would do it.


small%20pipewrench.jpg
 
Ok... First a good soaking with 50% acetone/50%ATF mix on the bolt for a while!
This mix is well known to loosen better than most anything and penetrates into the threads well.

then I'd use a small piston jack on the end of an extended handle to that pipe wrench (pictured). Go as far as possible with with handle with room that will allow you to use the piston jack. If you have to jack the car higher then do it fist.

good luck!

p.s., yeah, make sure you have the new bolt first, lolz... Not necessary, but keeps things going once you get bolt off.
: )
 
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