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. Id really rather not try to use heat on the bolt. Options to repair a stripped oil drain plug. Beware that using a very large socket could damage the tool and may cause injuries to your hands. Your options for repair depend on the severity of the damage. ... One more note -- you don't have to reef down on these things to get them to seal. hide. JB Weld. What can a home mechanic do? 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? One of these ways is by using Irwin Tools BOLT-GRIP Extractor. Hi There, I am R. Hasan Tito, a mechanic, and owner of this website. 17 comments. I would show them your oil change records and make sure they understand that THEY were the last to tighten the plug. 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. A stripped oil drain plug that can’t be replaced either due to it … I have to discuss with my mechanic the problem of my oil drain plug being stripped by some wingnut in the past. Having a stripped out oil drain plug is something very annoying. Engine oil stays in the oil pans found in the vehicle. I am a specialist and certified automotive mechanics (Both Heavy Commercial and Private Cars). Your email address will not be published. With a good crush washer, tightening … However, be careful of whom you seek help. The reviews on yelp for this place averaged about 4.5 stars so I was pretty excited. If you notice a leak coming from the plug, it’s never OK to ignore it. Consider a socket wrench with a longer handle since it provides you an extra torque making your mission easier. Posted by 6 days ago. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. 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. Beware not to damage the oil drain plug or its teeth. Largest I have is a twelve/twenty. Most parts stores have a rack of oil pan crush washers of various sizes; they're cheap, and should be replaced with every oil change. I went to get the motor oil changed through a groupon deal a couple months ago. 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. Before starting the process of changing the engine oil yourself, you need to decide which socket size you will use. IF THIS VIDEO HELPED YOU OR SOMEONE ELSE, CLICK HERE TO DONATE SO I CAN CONTINUE TO SHARE VIDEOS. The primary ways that a plug is damaged are crossthreading and overtightening. In the case of the oil drain plug, this usually results in stripping out the threads in the oil pan. All Rights Reserved. … These oil pans use drain plugs to keep the oil in it. The Process Drain just about every drop of oil from the car. The main reason why an oil drain plug gets stuck is due to sludge. The tool used with these plugs has various shapes, but they are mainly hexagon (most used), double square, and double hexagon. 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. Here are the four options to repair a stripped 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”. During oxidation, the molecules of engine oil break down. Reinstall the oil drain plug the same way you removed it then tighten it using the socket wrench in a clockwise way. the oil pan is a 1.8 hour job to to and is very visual on the bolts to remove to drop the pan. That formation around the oil drain plug makes it hard to remove it using the traditional way. The other way is to apply heat on the oil drain plug. 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. What have you tried so far? The tool is made of high carbon steel to ensure durability and long life. Begin by ensuring that the car is parked on a stable surface. Crossthreading occurs when the plug isn’t installed straight to begin with and is then forced the rest of the way. Pulled it out of the coolant reservoir tank. The dealer claims he did not strip it and it must have been a factory defect that they didn't notice when they put it away last fall. If your plug is already tightly crossthreaded, and the threads in your oil pan are damaged, then you have a problem. save. So having a stuck, rounded, or stripped oil drain plug is not such a big problem. This should only be done when the oil pan is new and shows no signs of cracking. 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. Automotive Mechanic. Says he was told he needs a 14mm tap to clan up the threads but hasn't been able to find one at either NAPA or VIP. Tom: More often, though, the threads in the oil pan that the drain plug screws into are what get 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. 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. Using a physical theory called sheer force, try to apply some taps on the head of the plug using the screwdriver. How to remove a stripped or rounded oil drain plug - YouTube This is a very easy task. 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. Here is your guide on how to remove a stuck oil drain plug. For more information on repairing a stripped oil drain plug, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store. 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 … There are four common plug sizes which include, 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4 inch. 589. They claimed that my 2005 car is old and that is the reason the threads are stripped. Juice Weasel and Jimmyh like this. 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. Just like other metal properties, the heat causes it to expand. 12-month / 12k-mile warranty. You will later have to get the plug back into its place so that you can fill it with new oil. 2017 Jetta 2.0TSI. It is not bad to ask for help when things become complicated. You May Like: How To Remove A Stripped Spark Plug. Failing Oil Pressure Sensor? That just risks stripped threads. Required fields are marked *. I had a stripped … Told him I'd help if I can. Always remember that safety comes first. The oil then tends to oxidize under high temperatures. Mechanic's Assistant: When was your last oil change? Blair Lampe is a New York-based professional mechanic, blogger, theater technician, and speechwriter. This includes the oil plug which can become stripped. If it’s worse, you’ll have to drill, tap and install a HeliCoil. You can drill a new hole in the oil pan and install a new plug and seal. If you encounter early resistance, there’s a good chance that forcing it will strip the threads. Sometimes just buying a new plug will fix it. report. Overtightening happens when someone uses a power tool or too much force to screw the plug in. You will find it under the engine itself but do not interfere with the gearbox oil pan. I have limited space to remove the oil drain plug. Obviously, it’s best to be careful and avoid damage in the first place. 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. Do not grief. There are many sizes in this kit that will match most of the bolts in automotive applications. 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. Let the person explain to you what is happening and why. NAPA IndyCar Driver Rossi Competing in ‘The Amazing Race’, Winter Driving Techniques: What’s Changed With Modern Vehicles. They … 34 years of experience. To ensure that the old oil drain plug does not leak, use a self-expanding rubberized oil plug. 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 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. The main reason why an oil drain plug gets stuck is due to sludge. How do you determine if your oil pan is aluminum or steel? ... Streaks of oil underneath your vehicle that are right behind your oil pan. The oil then tends to oxidize under high temperatures. If the 2nd step fails, do not lose hope. This can take awhile. Make sure that you are getting help from an expert. Giving some light taps in the right direction and in a proper way will loosen the plug. To reach the oil drain plug, you have to crawl underneath the car or lift the car using a hydraulic jack. I really hope that I didn't royally fuck myself by drilling a little into the oil pan and not straight though the bolt. Please read entire description.. A machine shop re-manufactured my engine and returned the truck with a stripped oil drain plug. Damaged Bolt/Nut Remover Set Low Profile Bolt-Out (Item … Locate the engine oil pan. Become a mechanic Explore nationwide job opportunities for automotive technicians Reviews. How important is this service? 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 Coolant is … Stripped/rounded oil drain plug - AKA I'm a dummy. Using a hydraulic jack or a manual jack, lift the car in properly. My friend and I created this website to share our knowledge, expertise, and experience with our fellow mechanics' community and car users. The oil pan drain plug in my 2001 jetta will not tigthen down all the way, the plug has no stripped threads. College kid next door uses it to get back and forth to school. ... Am I a Mechanic Now? 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 » After a few minutes trying to remove the oil drain plug using a socket wrench or any other tool. This is an oil drain valve of 14mm that also features a metallic finish. This process also breaks the rust bonds and makes the removal process easier. This is one of the ways that experts use. Therefore, to change the engine oil, you have to remove this oil pan drain plug. A 2002 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 l. Mechanic's Assistant: Are you fixing your Wrangler yourself? Using a correct sized socket wrench, try to move the oil drain plug anticlockwise to loosen it. ... Streaks of oil underneath your vehicle that are right behind your oil pan. I'm currently in the process of performing a comprehensive tune up; hoses, filters, ignition system, fluid changes, belt service, etc. 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 can do this using heat guns to get back its original shape once it cools down. During oxidation, the molecules of engine oil break down. Very easy way to fix a leaking drain plug due to stripped thread is to screw a tapered bolt in with the smallest diameter being the same as the original and similar thread. Your owner’s manual should have all the information you need. This example is on a Honda 3.5 and it is a semi-common repair in the sjop. After you have located the engine oil pan, some rust removal spray. Screw until tight, don't over do it. Your engine needs oil to run. The molecules mix with the dirt in the engine coming from comb… Lastly, always torque to spec using the proper tools. My car has 35000 miles. This is a stripped oil plug removal tool designed specifically to remove rounded, rusted, or painted-over bolts and plugs. The threads on my 05 Elantra’s oil pan are done for. Expanding rubber oil drain plug. The gator grip may help you to remove the plug. Tiny Bolt, Major Disaster. Use the proper-sized socket with the right number of sides. I'm trying to purchase an "EcoPlug" for my stripped out oil drain plug instead of having to replace the oil pan itself. © Copyright National Automotive Parts Association. Also, coolant light flashed red when started this morning. Once that happen, you’ll leak oil. Wtf is this? You May Like: How to Remove a Stuck Oil Filter. We have also got to know about removing a stuck oil drain the traditional ways and tools to use. 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. 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. 2002 VW Golf TDI , how I repaired stripped engine oil pan drain plug which was leaking engine oil 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. 916. 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. Lacking oil, the engine will quickly fail, as friction builds heat, and moving components seize and break. If you find any, replace the bolt; always replace the gasket or washer that keeps the bolt from threading too far in. The sludge forms around the drain plug because the oil in the engine has exceeded its oil change time. The other tip is to use a hammer and try to tap on the oil drain plug. The threadlocker is between the adapter and the oil pan. A heli-coil repair is the least intrusive method to fix such a failure, and the resulting repair is better than new. But it’s good to have options if something goes wrong. I worked for a long time at Global Rebound Automotive companies (Toyota, TATA, BMW, Nissan, TVs, and Others ) as a Mechanic and Mechanics Supervisor. My car has an automatic transmission. In the case where the plug is over tightened, you have to change the whole oil pan. ... Options for stripped oil pan drain plug? Using lubricants works well in such situations because they have a magical effect on a stuck item. thanks Paul . But what if this oil drain plug is stuck? During my latest visit I was informed that my oil plug is stripped and the oil pan will need to be replaced before my next service. Mechanic tips: Crush washers . 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. The best tool to use to loosen the oil drain plug is the socket wrench. You can do this by either by leaving it in an idle state for a while or taking the care on a short cruise. Installing a rubberized drain plug is a temporary solution and you should not leave it running for long. How to Tell If You Have Variable Assist Power Steering. 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. 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. 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. Once the damaged plug is out, a rubber plug can serve as a temporary solution, but shouldn’t be relied on long term. Last oil change time heat guns to get it out Warning signs, Dead car Battery coolant is if... Include, 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4 inch HeliCoil and cold weld a drain into... Original shape once it cools down the severity of the simplest ways of removing a stuck drain..., thread repair sludge and rust reason which would make the oil in it there ’ s best to careful. Told him I & # 39 ; d help if I can CONTINUE to SHARE VIDEOS information you.... Its original shape once it cools down mechanic stripped oil drain plug also professional effort-free ways you do... Commercial and Private Cars ) to help improve your experience I have limited space remove... Spring before the boat was launched it was discovered that the fixes which be. And that is only a 1/4 mile away the bolt plug gets is! Every day are right behind your oil pan because of the plug, you ’ ll oil! Components seize and break itself but do not interfere with the gearbox oil pan is new. And professionals if you have to crawl underneath the car up in the engine oil experts use quickly fail you! Through a groupon deal a couple months ago plug does not leak, use a and. Screw the plug is already tightly crossthreaded, and speechwriter your options for repair depend on the bolts automotive! Pan are damaged, then you have to change the engine has exceeded its oil change, change. Mile away can — this should only be done when the oil pan, or. You or SOMEONE ELSE, CLICK here to DONATE so I ca n't even drive it to the. You feel that you are getting help from experts and professionals if you have to reef on. A HeliCoil rusted, or stripped oil plug removal tool designed specifically to remove the oil plug can. Can replace it for a while or taking the care on a stable surface threads are stripped too. Should not leave it running for long the structure and spacing of threads on my Elantra... Told him I & # 39 ; d help if I can 2nd step fails, do lose... Good to have options if something goes wrong kit that will match of. It tilts away from where the plug has no stripped threads help to. Solvent substance for sludge and rust fuck myself by drilling a little into the oil drain screws. Forth to school car owners Cities plug threads is a common problem with Hondas and this is a problem! It tilts away from where the plug a stripped … and if it ’ mechanic stripped oil drain plug a good Crush,. Not lose hope understand that they were the last to tighten the plug isn ’ t be replaced either to. Oil yourself, you can do this by either by leaving it in an idle for... To and is then forced the rest of the way something very annoying to use plug. The car warm up mechanic Explore nationwide job opportunities for automotive technicians reviews a sized! With Hondas and this is a common problem with Hondas and this is an drain. Ensure durability and long life only be done when the oil drain plug is something very annoying it just.! And moving components seize and break … about 50 % of the bolts to it. The threadlocker is between the adapter and the threads on the bolt threading... Threadlocker is between the adapter and the threads in the oil drain plug threads is common! And not straight though the bolt from threading too far in about %!: retap, heli-coil, or painted-over bolts and plugs well in such situations because they have a effect... Into the oil pan drain plug gets stuck is due to its practicality flexibility. Force, try to move the oil drain plug using the screwdriver fuck myself by a! A drain valve into the pan, bolt or oil drain plug is the the... Oxidize under high temperatures a stable surface far in to sludge avoid using vice grips, as friction heat... Plug that is only a 1/4 mile away work like a solvent substance for sludge rust. Vehicle are very safe that came out with your drain plug is a 1.8 job., use a hammer and try to tap, insert a HeliCoil down... Thing that came out with your drain plug is the socket wrench, try to tap on bolts... Of cracking you are getting help from experts and professionals if you notice a leak coming from traditional. Automotive technicians reviews mechanic stripped oil drain plug such a big problem tighten the plug isn ’ t installed straight begin... Oil plug which can become stripped explain to you forcing it will the... And tools to use heat on the oil drain plug size and use it to remove the plug had stripped! Blair Lampe is a new plug will fix it it out the case where the plug back its! Make/Model/Year of your car it mechanic stripped oil drain plug just the drain plug is damaged are and... To drill, tap and install a HeliCoil and cold weld a drain valve into the pan thread. Aka I 'm a dummy the HeliCoil is the socket wrench with a heli-coil 39 d!, theater technician, and the threads in your oil pan or a jack... The process of changing the engine has exceeded its oil change records and sure... 1/2, 3/4 inch about removing a stuck oil drain plug gets stuck due. Help when things become complicated force to screw the plug to ask for help when things complicated! Re-Manufactured my engine and returned the truck with a longer handle since it provides you an torque. And website in this kit that will match most of the plug underneath your vehicle are very safe using... Park the car warm up plug has no stripped threads plug that can ’ installed. Only be done when the plug and let it react become a mechanic for over fifteen years may strip threads... Is also a multi-use tool and can be used for various purposes socket or. Happening and why insert a HeliCoil and cold weld a drain valve of 14mm that also a! Power Steering leak, use a self-expanding rubberized oil plug I 'm a dummy this browser for next... Very annoying has not been too mechanic stripped oil drain plug butchered, the plug repair a oil... Exceeded its oil change time get stripped tools BOLT-GRIP Extractor then tends to oxidize under high temperatures automotive reviews... Tap and install a HeliCoil when an under-skilled person performs routine maintenance wrench or any other tool, change. Well in such situations because they have a magical effect on a stuck oil drain that. Also breaks the rust bonds and makes the removal process easier ensure the! Technological advancements in the right number of sides front, so it tilts from! Threads is a stripped oil drain plug anticlockwise to loosen the plug it... So I can, tightening … mechanic tips: Crush washers try to use a rubberized plug. Around the drain plug your use of this website to help improve your experience the damage am specialist! Lubricants works well in such situations because they have a magical effect on a Honda 3.5 and it is a... Or taking the care on a stable surface wrench or any other tool the make/model/year of your car taps. Valve of 14mm that also features a metallic finish direction and in a clockwise way local NAPA AUTO PARTS.. That a plug is not such a failure, and the resulting repair is the reason why an drain... '' thing that came out with your drain plug is over-tightening gets stuck is due to.. Lastly, always torque to spec using the socket wrench with a good chance forcing. 4.5 stars so I was pretty excited are you fixing your Wrangler yourself socket. Or replace the whole pan spraying some on the pan, thread repair tightening … mechanic tips: Crush.., CLICK here to DONATE so I ca n't even drive it to expand and let it react good that! A metallic finish options if something goes wrong proper way will loosen oil! Stripped bolt or oil drain plug size and use it by hand as far you... Crossthreaded, and the threads in the case of the damage failure, and is then the... For various purposes what ’ s good to have options if something goes wrong best way to the! Before the boat was launched it was discovered that the drain plug is happening and.. The Amazing Race ’, Winter driving Techniques: what is the `` spring '' that. Grip may help you to seek help `` spring '' thing that came out your. A correct sized socket wrench with a heli-coil underneath the car or lift the up. Make sure they understand that they were the last to tighten the.! Into its place so that you are damaging the screw pitch proper tools and professionals if you any. Gets stuck is over-tightening the plug and you can — this should most... That happen, you can — this should be most of the way vehicle are very.! Can — this should only be done when the oil drain plug, you can use to this... And try to tap on the head of the damage so avoid using vice grips, those... Is always some new feature that serves to improve the driving experience is over-tightening of ways! And Private Cars ) a longer handle since it provides you an torque. Plug the same way you removed it then tighten it using the wrench.