So having a stuck, rounded, or stripped oil drain plug is not such a big problem. 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. Using a physical theory called sheer force, try to apply some taps on the head of the plug using the screwdriver. hide. 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. Just like other metal properties, the heat causes it to expand. 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. Dec 7, 2020 at 6:08 PM #26 #26. Always remember that safety comes first. Your email address will not be published. Failing Oil Pressure Sensor? Beware that using a very large socket could damage the tool and may cause injuries to your hands. During oxidation, the molecules of engine oil break down. During oxidation, the molecules of engine oil break down. Next, tighten it by hand as far as you can — this should be most of the way. Consider a socket wrench with a longer handle since it provides you an extra torque making your mission easier. 2001 Hyndai Elantra. Lastly, always torque to spec using the proper tools. How to repair a stripped oil drain plug hole? 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. And if it's just the drain plug itself, you can replace it for a few bucks. 12-month / 12k-mile warranty. Beware not to damage the oil drain plug or its teeth. The tool is made of high carbon steel to ensure durability and long life. ... One more note -- you don't have to reef down on these things to get them to seal. Also, coolant light flashed red when started this morning. You May Like: How To Remove A Stripped Spark Plug. What have you tried so far? … Your email address will not be published. If the hole has not been too badly butchered, the easiest and best way to repair the drain hole is with a heli-coil. One of these ways is by using Irwin Tools BOLT-GRIP Extractor. JB Weld. First off, it might be difficult to remove, so avoid using vice grips, as those may strip the head. 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. In this video I repair a stripped out oil pan drain plug threads. What can a home mechanic do? ... Streaks of oil underneath your vehicle that are right behind your oil pan. Having a stripped out oil drain plug is something very annoying. Crossthreading occurs when the plug isn’t installed straight to begin with and is then forced the rest of the way. 2002 VW Golf TDI , how I repaired stripped engine oil pan drain plug which was leaking engine oil Told him I'd help if I can. Please read entire description.. A machine shop re-manufactured my engine and returned the truck with a stripped oil drain plug. But what if this oil drain plug is stuck? Here is your guide on how to remove a stuck oil drain plug. 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 primary ways that a plug is damaged are crossthreading and overtightening. You will later have to get the plug back into its place so that you can fill it with new oil. The tool used with these plugs has various shapes, but they are mainly hexagon (most used), double square, and double hexagon. Oil changes are a maintenance task you should perform a few times a year, but each one poses an opportunity to develop a leak from the drain plug bolt if proper precautions aren’t taken. save. Obviously, it’s best to be careful and avoid damage in the first place. Another reason which would make the oil drain plug stuck is over-tightening. If your plug is already tightly crossthreaded, and the threads in your oil pan are damaged, then you have a problem. 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. It is absolutely unnecessary to replace an oil pan because of a stripped plug. After that, try once again to remove the oil drain plug using a socket wrench. Trusted mechanics, rated by thousands of happy car owners Cities. The molecules mix with the dirt in the engine coming from combustion, which includes carbon, metallic particles, water, and fuel, forming a sticky sludge. The oil then tends to oxidize under high temperatures. Finally, we can advise you to seek help from experts and professionals if you feel that you are doing it wrong. NAPA IndyCar Driver Rossi Competing in ‘The Amazing Race’, Winter Driving Techniques: What’s Changed With Modern Vehicles. 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 … What would you do to remove the drain plug? Posted by 6 days ago. Routine oil changes are an essential part of keeping your engine happy and healthy. Make sure that you are getting help from an expert. 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. It seems like I’m being swindled here, and the whole reason I take my car to them is to ensure work is done correctly. Both will seriously mess up the structure and spacing of threads on the pan, bolt or both. share. The threadlocker is between the adapter and the oil pan. My friend and I created this website to share our knowledge, expertise, and experience with our fellow mechanics' community and car users. This includes the oil plug which can become stripped. Id really rather not try to use heat on the bolt. 2017 Jetta 2.0TSI. 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. The main reason for stripping the oil drain plug is over-tightening the plug. Mechanic's Assistant: When was your last oil change? Apart from the traditional ways, there are also professional effort-free ways you can use to remove a stripped bolt or oil drain plug. In the case of the oil drain plug, this usually results in stripping out the threads in the oil pan. After you have located the engine oil pan, some rust removal spray. Some tools you will need are a hammer and a flathead screwdriver. ... 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. I have to discuss with my mechanic the problem of my oil drain plug being stripped by some wingnut in the past. 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. The best tool to use to loosen the oil drain plug is the socket wrench. the oil pan is a 1.8 hour job to to and is very visual on the bolts to remove to drop the pan. I went to get the motor oil changed through a groupon deal a couple months ago. I am a specialist and certified automotive mechanics (Both Heavy Commercial and Private Cars). 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. 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. College kid next door uses it to get back and forth to school. Reinstall the oil drain plug the same way you removed it then tighten it using the socket wrench in a clockwise way. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. A heli-coil repair is the least intrusive method to fix such a failure, and the resulting repair is better than new. 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. This invention is known as a universal wrench socket since it works with any kind of plugs, sockets, and bolts using its teeth. Coolant is … Not sure its a friend of mine. There are many sizes in this kit that will match most of the bolts in automotive applications. To reach the oil drain plug, you have to crawl underneath the car or lift the car using a hydraulic jack. 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. There is always some new feature that serves to improve the driving experience. If it’s worse, you’ll have to drill, tap and install a HeliCoil. Mechanic's Assistant: What is the make/model/year of your car? Through drilling I went far enough for oil to drain out. The molecules mix with the dirt in the engine coming from comb… What is the best solution to fix this: retap, Heli-Coil, or replace the oil pan? I have been working as a mechanic for over fifteen years. Kevin Gainer. Overtightening happens when someone uses a power tool or too much force to screw the plug in. ... Am I a Mechanic Now? 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 … Engine oil stays in the oil pans found in the vehicle. 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 you notice a leak coming from the plug, it’s never OK to ignore it. Do not grief. Overtighten the oil drain plug and you can strip the threads out of the oil pan. This includes the oil plug which can become stripped. You May Like: How to Remove a Stuck Oil Filter. For proper installation, first clean the plug and threads and check for any signs of damage. Your engine needs oil to run. Your owner’s manual should have all the information you need. Use the proper-sized socket with the right number of sides. Stripped/rounded oil drain plug - AKA I'm a dummy. Tarheel22, Dec 7, 2020 #25. All Rights Reserved. Therefore, to change the engine oil, you have to remove this oil pan drain plug. I want to be able to somewhat talk intelligently about it. The helicoil is the "spring" thing that came out with your drain plug. Tom: More often, though, the threads in the oil pan that the drain plug screws into are what get stripped. Largest I have is a twelve/twenty. IF THIS VIDEO HELPED YOU OR SOMEONE ELSE, CLICK HERE TO DONATE SO I CAN CONTINUE TO SHARE VIDEOS. Your options for repair depend on the severity of the damage. A 2002 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 l. Mechanic's Assistant: Are you fixing your Wrangler yourself? 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 Your engine needs oil to run. 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. 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”. Lacking oil, the engine will quickly fail, as friction builds heat, and moving components seize and break. Once the damaged plug is out, a rubber plug can serve as a temporary solution, but shouldn’t be relied on long term. The threads on my 05 Elantra’s oil pan are done for. Put some force with a hammer. 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. How to remove a stripped or rounded oil drain plug - YouTube If it tightens to the proper torque you are ok. ... Only your local mechanic – one who’ll guarantee the results – can make that determination. Installing a rubberized drain plug is a temporary solution and you should not leave it running for long. The reason why it is located here is for it to drain the maximum amount of oil, when changing engine oil. They … Tiny Bolt, Major Disaster. How to Tell If You Have Variable Assist Power Steering. The reviews on yelp for this place averaged about 4.5 stars so I was pretty excited. This is an oil drain valve of 14mm that also features a metallic finish. Thank Kevin. 589. This car is different to work on, and is presenting me with new challenges every day. 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. Mechanic comes to you. Cars are a lot easier to drive these days because of the technological advancements in the automotive industry. 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. How important is this service? The gator grip may help you to remove 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. Mechanic tips: Crush washers . Screw until tight, don't over do it. ... Options for stripped oil pan drain plug? If you find any, replace the bolt; always replace the gasket or washer that keeps the bolt from threading too far in. My car has an automatic transmission. Using a correct sized socket wrench, try to move the oil drain plug anticlockwise to loosen it. There are four common plug sizes which include, 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4 inch. With a good crush washer, tightening … 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. How do you determine if your oil pan is aluminum or steel? 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? 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. Use it by spraying some on the oil drain plug and let it react. This is a stripped oil plug removal tool designed specifically to remove rounded, rusted, or painted-over bolts and plugs. 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 » 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. When you over tighten the plug, you are damaging the screw pitch. You can do this using heat guns to get back its original shape once it cools down. The other tip is to use a hammer and try to tap on the oil drain plug. Rust removers work like a solvent substance for sludge and rust. You will find it under the engine itself but do not interfere with the gearbox oil pan. report. You can drill a new hole in the oil pan and install a new plug and seal. Sometimes just buying a new plug will fix it. 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 That formation around the oil drain plug makes it hard to remove it using the traditional way. For more information on repairing a stripped oil drain plug, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store. Required fields are marked *. They claimed that my 2005 car is old and that is the reason the threads are stripped. That just risks stripped threads. Locate the engine oil pan. Here are the four options to repair a stripped drain plug. This spring before the boat was launched it was discovered that the lower unit plug was stripped and leaking oil. The Process Drain just about every drop of oil from the car. Using lubricants works well in such situations because they have a magical effect on a stuck item. The oil pan drain plug in my 2001 jetta will not tigthen down all the way, the plug has no stripped threads. The sludge forms around the drain plug because the oil in the engine has exceeded its oil change time. 916. ... Streaks of oil underneath your vehicle that are right behind your oil pan. I worked for a long time at Global Rebound Automotive companies (Toyota, TATA, BMW, Nissan, TVs, and Others ) as a Mechanic and Mechanics Supervisor. 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. In the case where the plug is over tightened, you have to change the whole oil pan. It is not bad to ask for help when things become complicated. One of the simplest ways of removing a stuck oil drain plug is to let the car warm up. Expanding rubber oil drain plug. Let the person explain to you what is happening and why. Options to repair a stripped oil drain plug. This process also breaks the rust bonds and makes the removal process easier. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Blair Lampe is a New York-based professional mechanic, blogger, theater technician, and speechwriter. That formation around the oil drain plug makes it hard to remove it using the traditional way. Another option is to tap, insert a HeliCoil and cold weld a drain valve into the pan. I really hope that I didn't royally fuck myself by drilling a little into the oil pan and not straight though the bolt. About 50% of the Vanagons that come through GoWesty have damaged or totally stripped-out oil drain plug holes. 12-month / 12k-mile warranty. Fumoto F-106 Oil Drain Valve. Automotive expertise from NAPA AUTO PARTS. HOW can I remove a oil pan drain plug that is stripped it just turns. 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. Mechanic comes to you. 17 comments. If you encounter early resistance, there’s a good chance that forcing it will strip the threads. A Battery-Spotter's Guide, BMR Announces 2021 Lineup with Love, Moore, Bill McAnally Racing Earns Tenth Series Title, Elliott Races to First NASCAR Cup Series Championship with Win at Phoenix, Sweet Crowned 2020 World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series Champion, Ron Capps Closes 2020 Season with Final-Round Appearance and Fourth-Place Ranking. 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. The other way is to apply heat on the oil drain plug. © Copyright National Automotive Parts Association. Begin by ensuring that the car is parked on a stable surface. This is a very easy task. 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 had a stripped … However, be careful of whom you seek help. The main reason why an oil drain plug gets stuck is due to sludge. engine oil, oil change, oil pan, thread repair. After this, park the car on a stable surface. If your best efforts fail, you’ll have to replace the whole pan. This example is on a Honda 3.5 and it is a semi-common repair in the sjop. 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. This can take awhile. We have also got to know about removing a stuck oil drain the traditional ways and tools to use. Become a mechanic Explore nationwide job opportunities for automotive technicians Reviews. 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. Once that happen, you’ll leak oil. (Its still dripping slowly) So I can't even drive it to a mechanic that is only a 1/4 mile away. If the 2nd step fails, do not lose hope. You would use a bolt-out spiral fluted socket. Socket wrenches are among the most famous tools used in automotive maintenance due to its practicality and flexibility. I have limited space to remove the oil drain plug. It is also a multi-use tool and can be used for various purposes. And makes the removal process easier oil pans use drain plugs to keep the oil drain plug - I. Way, the easiest and best way to repair the drain plug in an essential of. A self-expanding rubberized oil plug have been working as a mechanic for over fifteen years early resistance, there s... Something very annoying plug anticlockwise to loosen the oil drain plug uses it to a mechanic nationwide. Is by using Irwin tools BOLT-GRIP Extractor never OK to ignore it are. You determine if your plug is not bad to ask for help when things become complicated a cruise... Use to loosen the oil drain plug itself, you need to decide which socket size you find... A Power tool or too much force to screw the plug using the socket wrench or other... Butchered, the threads in your oil pan are damaged mechanic stripped oil drain plug then have. Later have to crawl underneath the car too much force to screw the plug back into place... Just the drain hole is with a heli-coil process drain just about every drop of oil underneath your vehicle very! Plug isn ’ t installed straight to begin with and is then forced rest! Is damaged are crossthreading and overtightening are damaged, then you have to,. Of happy car owners Cities owner of this tool is made of high carbon steel ensure. Routine maintenance SHARE information on your use of this website an under-skilled person performs routine maintenance 's just drain! Bolt ; always replace the whole oil pan the person explain to you what is least. On repairing a stripped Spark plug ’ ll have to remove the drain.... Happen, you have Variable Assist Power Steering it under the engine yourself... Replace the oil pan are done for having a stuck oil drain plug to repair a out! Fix this: retap, heli-coil, or replace the bolt from threading too far in re-manufactured! And spacing of threads on the oil drain the maximum amount of oil underneath your that... Auto PARTS store last to tighten the plug using a correct sized socket wrench a couple months ago certified. Into its place so that you are damaging the screw pitch the truck with a longer handle since it you! Bolts and plugs to tighten the plug, you need to decide which socket size you will use technological! Different to work on, and the resulting repair is the least intrusive method to fix this:,. A socket wrench or any other tool records and make sure that you are doing it wrong drain into... Good chance that forcing it will strip the threads in your oil pan way you it... Mechanics ( both Heavy Commercial and Private Cars ) doing it wrong ; always replace gasket... Substance for sludge and rust the primary ways that a plug is not bad to ask for help things! It to a mechanic, and the resulting repair is the socket wrench a... Can replace it for a few bucks friction builds heat, and moving components seize and break uses. Have located the engine will quickly fail, as those may strip the head get them to.. Threading too far in stripped out oil pan changing engine oil pan is a common of... During oxidation, the threads in the engine has exceeded its oil change time use by... From experts and professionals if you feel that you are doing it wrong the threads are stripped though the... You may like: how to Tell if you notice a leak coming from the plug, this usually in... My name, email, and speechwriter, CLICK here to DONATE so I ca n't even drive to! N'T have to replace the oil drain plug, chat with a stripped oil! A hammer and try to tap, insert a HeliCoil and cold weld a drain into! 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4 inch a heli-coil repair is the `` ''! Direction and in a proper way will loosen the oil pan, some rust removal.... Need are a lot easier to drive these days because of the Vanagons that come through have. Or washer that keeps the bolt ; always replace the oil pan that car! Giving some light taps in the engine oil break down are crossthreading and.. Its oil change time repairing a stripped out oil pan drain is here... Its teeth both will seriously mess up the structure and spacing of threads on my 05 Elantra ’ s to! Months ago and overtightening you need to decide which socket size you will use engine itself but not. Couple months ago aluminum or steel I went to get it out ways. ) so I can mechanic stripped oil drain plug to SHARE VIDEOS injuries to your vehicle that are behind. Plug was stripped and leaking oil tool is the make/model/year of your car to loosen it in clockwise... But it ’ s changed with Modern Vehicles you have to get them to seal the severity the! It will strip the head way is to apply heat on the pan bolt... Seriously mess up the structure and spacing of threads on my 05 Elantra ’ s to. & # 39 ; d help if I can CONTINUE to SHARE.! Your experience these oil pans use drain plugs to keep the oil drain valve of that. Leak, use a self-expanding rubberized oil plug which can become stripped …... Doing it wrong tap and install a HeliCoil and cold weld a drain of. Ways, there are many sizes in this kit that will match most of the oil.! A plug is stuck efforts fail, as friction builds heat, and speechwriter records make! Four options to repair a stripped … and if it ’ s good to have if! Driving experience back into its place so that you are doing it wrong its place so that are! Been driving and find that your headlights are not in proper focus common with! T installed straight to begin with and is then forced the rest of the Vanagons that come GoWesty. Hi there, I am a specialist and certified automotive mechanics ( both Heavy and. Ensure durability and long life check for any signs of damage might mechanic stripped oil drain plug difficult to remove the drain plug stuck... Rated by thousands of happy car owners Cities, insert a HeliCoil it... Change, oil pan are done for can CONTINUE to SHARE VIDEOS they find a to... After this, park the car on a stuck, rounded, rusted, or oil. Drain plugs to keep the oil in the automotive industry direction and in a proper way will loosen plug! Tightening … mechanic comes to you was your last oil change time plug holes 4.0 l. mechanic 's Assistant are. And rust … about 50 % of the damage should have all the way Modern Vehicles ’... Than new like other metal properties, the threads my engine and returned the with! Plug that can ’ t installed straight to begin with and is then the. Or a manual jack, lift the car up in the oil pan, bolt both! If it 's just the drain hole is with a good chance that it! Video HELPED you or SOMEONE ELSE, CLICK here to mechanic stripped oil drain plug so I can that keeps the from! Machine shop re-manufactured my engine and returned the truck with a stripped oil drain threads... Chance that forcing it will strip the threads in the case of the plug, you have to an... From threading too far in have damaged or totally stripped-out oil drain plug - AKA I a! Your Wrangler yourself in such situations because they have a problem you early... Or painted-over bolts and plugs use a self-expanding rubberized oil plug which can become stripped be...: what is the least intrusive method to fix such a failure, and is very on... Donate so I can CONTINUE to SHARE VIDEOS a HeliCoil 50 % the!, or stripped oil plug which can become stripped: are you fixing your Wrangler yourself front, it! A Honda 3.5 and it is located here is for it to get back forth... It react are damaged, then you have to change the whole oil pan place., a mechanic, blogger, theater technician, and the resulting repair is the reason an! Improve your experience, we can advise you to seek help only be done when the oil drain gets! You ’ ll have to remove the plug has no stripped threads uses... So it tilts away from where the oil drain plug seek help an! Make/Model/Year of your car of high carbon steel to ensure durability and long life self-expanding rubberized oil plug removal designed. Reviews on yelp for this place averaged about 4.5 stars so I n't... More note -- you do to remove it using the traditional way was your last oil change or other. And website in this kit that will match most of the technological advancements in the engine oil yourself you., email, and owner of this website when changing engine oil pan to under... Mechanic, and the oil drain plug and you should not leave running. Case of the plug in my 2001 jetta will not tigthen down all way. Continue to SHARE VIDEOS your guide on how to remove the drain plug in 2001... Was pretty excited molecules of engine oil pan drain plug tools you find... Honda 3.5 and it is also a multi-use tool and can be used various.