Overtightening will only make it difficult to unscrew the plug the next time the oil needs to be changed. 5 Steps to Remove Rounded Oil Drain Plug: The box end of a wrench in place of a socket. See Also: How to Remove a Stuck Oil Filter. Anyway, this segues us nicely to our next section: Stripped oil drain plug can refer to either the threads or the bolt head that have been damaged and stripped. Polaris oil is made by the company Polaris. Also, check if you need a new drain plug gasket as some cars have a single-use gasket. The term can also describe the stripping of the oil pan drain hole threads. . Yes, I recently bought my own set of socket. Apply an amount of rust remover or lubricator equivalent to the sludge and wait for the product to dissolve the sticking. With cautious usage. This can typically be accomplished with the use of a flathead screwdriver, wedged between the external surface of the oil pan, and the underside of the drain plugs head. . Next time, use a washer and tighten the plug to the specified torque and you will have no problems loosening it later. The reduced temperature will make the plug reduce in size so it can come off easily. The focus of this article will be on oil drain plugs and how to solve some of the most common problems associated with them during oil changes. Doing so greatly reduces the chance of damaging the threads of your engines drain plug or oil pan. 1) First get the car up on some jackstands, remove obvious parts, gather your tools, etc. You can also rotate the socket by using a car jack to exert more force. Ask me anything. After torquing the drain plug, check to ensure that its sealing washer is seated evenly around the drain holes outer perimeter. } Exerting more force than necessary can also damage the threads just like cross-threading. Changing the oil in your car is important, but its not worth rounding off the drain plug. Attach the ratchet again, and continue to rotate it until the plug comes off. Some people use a flathead screwdriver to pry it out, but this is not a good idea. To remove a stuck oil drain plug, cool down your car engine by parking it in a cool place for a long time. If your oil drain plug becomes stripped, it can be a real pain to remove. iTrader: ( 0) Advice: Stripped 10mm hexagon hole in plastic oil drain plug. Heres what to do if you find yourself in this predicament. First, the engine oil in an oil pan can lose its lubricating power as the engine runs and will need to be replaced regularly. But then, each change presents a fresh opportunity for your drain plug to get damaged especially when you or your mechanic isn't an expert. But its best to check with your service manual, so you dont buy the wrong wrench for it. Otherwise, youre going to spend the rest of the day cleaning oil from your driveway or garage. If its the former, then its a matter of exerting as much force as possible. How To Remove Stripped Oil Drain Plug. Once you have a tight grip on the drain plug, turn the pliers counterclockwise. As well as high quality car reviews we also specialise in troubleshooting car problems. How Much Does It Cost To Replace An Oil Pan? Luckily, changing a vehicles oil is typically a straightforward affair that generally takes no longer than 30-minutes to complete. Warm the oil slightly by running the engine. Chisel out the sides of the plug to get edges that can be gripped by the extractor or a wrench box head. But nevertheless, it's an option if you don't want to spend money." On the other hand, a stripped thread can occur because of cross-threading and/or overtightening. If there are no leaks at first, start the engine. to 194?, ensuring your ice stays cool for extended periods. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not jimthecarguy. The most common cause of a rounded-off drain plug is the use of an improperly sized wrench or socket during prior removal/installation. } Its a very simple bolt with a gasket, but overtightening it can lead to stripping. Carefully tap it with a hammer if the bolt is difficult to remove." First, try using a pair of pliers. You can find the exact size in your car's . I have noticed oil trickling out of my primary drain plug. Be careful not to damage the bolt head any further. We wont bore you with the details, but its important that you know this. Otherwise, youre just making it worse. The screwdriver can easily damage your oil pan, which cannot be repaired. You can use a set of vice grip pliers to grab onto the rounded-off drain plug. And you only have one chance at rethreading it. Provided the plug has a sealant, you do not need power tools to secure your drain plug in place. Afterward, jack the car to a comfortable height and then unscrew the oil drain plug. If you cant get it moving at all, hit the vice grips gently with a hammer. To do that, simply unscrew the old threads from the drain plug and screw in new ones. The animation also shows how the oil travels from the sump and circulates through the engine. Take your car to a mechanic and let them handle it. If you have wrenches, put the closed end on the drain plug, and wedge another wrench's closed end into the 13mm wrench's open end. The reaming bit must be used on the damaged threads. This wrench is designed to fit over the end of the drain plug and grip it tightly so you can turn it. Click here to find a But since you now know how to do it right, you can get it done in a jiffy without causing further damage. Dorman HELP! The last mechanic who worked on your oil pan or drain plug might have applied more force than necessary while tightening your drain plug. Though it is impossible to avoid the possibility of encountering drain plug damage inflicted by a vehicles previous owner, several precautions can be taken to avoid causing such damage yourself. Afterward, jack the car to a comfortable height and then unscrew the oil drain plug. To remove a rounded plug as fast as possible, without worsening the stripping or damaging your oil pan, these steps can be helpful: In a bid to know how to remove a rounded plug drain, you must also seek to understand the right tools to use. Also, it appears that a chance to use torx screwdriver in the cabin works such as dashboard. The last oil change was performed by an oil change place who torqued the plug so tight we could not remove it with a box wrench. Learn more about our writers on our about us page. But with the Stripped Oil Drain Plug Removal Tool from AutoZone, you can quickly and easily remove those pesky stripped plugs without damaging your engine. In this guide, I take a closer look at the necessary instructions to remove a stripped oil drain plug. (Step-by-Step Removal). },{ But if you over-tighten it, you could be in for a nasty surprise. Read the installation instructions in the owner's manual to identify the disposal parts and wiring colors. Use a Socket Wrench In this case, this torque specification helps to seal the engine oil properly. If you have a stripped oil drain plug thread, use a socket wrench and rotate it by using a car jack underneath it. This isn't ideal, as it can result in hard starting and blue smoke. And if youre lucky, thats all youve had to do. Manage Settings "@type": "Answer", Turn the Oil Plug Bolt Counterclockwise to Loosen Turn the bolt counterclockwise to loosen it and make sure you're turning the wrench clockwise so you don't accidently overtighten and strip the drain plug. And then rotate it in the opposite direction to pull it out. If the head of the stripped drain plug is flush against the body of your engines oil pan, channel-lock pliers can be used to rotate the plug counterclockwise, while pulling outward. Step 1 Order a new drain plug for your vehicle prior to removing the stripped plug so you have a replacement on hand. This inspection should be repeated once more, after driving your vehicle for a short distance. "mainEntity": [{ Since drain plug removal is essential to the completion of any oil change, such issues can bring even the best of efforts to a halt. If the bolt head is stripped, use a round-jaw vice grip plier to grip the bolt and loosen it. This could be caused by several things, such as a low oil level, a clogged oil filter, or a problem with the oil pump. In most cases, a tap of this nature will be rotated several turns in a clockwise fashion, before being rotated 1-2 turns in the opposite direction. Perhaps the most significant of these difficulties are those that arise from a stripped (or rounded) drain plug. This tool is designed to remove the oil drain plug without causing damage to the engine. When your engine is off, the oil sits below the engine at the engine sumpalso known as the oil pan or reservoir. If it seems good, try fitting your new oil drain plug. If you stripped the bolt head, then removing it will be difficult but you can simply replace it with a new one. Posts: 7,669. 3. A socket of this nature can be tamped lightly onto the head of such a drain plug, with the use of a dead blow hammer. I'm a dumb@ss and I over tightened my plastic drain plug in my f30. It may take a few extra taps to get it loose. The excessive force most mechanics apply to drain plugs during tightening is unnecessary. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Your kit should come with several to pick from. Went to check the front & rear gearcases and noticed the rear gearcase fill plug was stripped. These issues differ from one another in context, as well as possible means of repair. Indeed, you have some questions about oil drain plugs. Copyright 2008-2023 OReilly Getting your car's oil changed seems to be a relatively easy thing to do. All the more reason why you shouldnt overtighten your oil drain plug, and tighten it to the torque specification. In most instances, this method will prove sufficient for removal, even under less than ideal circumstances. If your pan threads were abused enough to fail your bolt threads are now suspect. A flexible shaft allows the tool to be used in many different locations and positions while still being capable of threading and unthreading the drain plug. Make sure that youre rotating the bolt counter-clockwise. 1stVictory said: I've used the Witchdoctor magnetic drain bolt since the first oil change. The bolt will simply rotate in its place, or wont rotate at all when you try to unscrew it. Oil drain plugs are usually stuck when they are tightened without the gasket (crush washer). See Also: Lug Nuts Wont Come Off? A new plug is ~$3. Otherwise, it wont seal properly. Finally, clean off the old gasket material from both the plug and the hole in the engine block, then screw in a new drain plug with a new gasket. In the past I have used a box wrench to change the oil. This process will be repeated until the tap has passed through the full depth of the oil pans drain hole. You want to repeat this process several times. However, it might be necessary to provide a slight amount of outward force on the plug itself, in order to get any remaining threads to engage. An oil, Read More Where is the Oil Sending UnitContinue, Assuming you would like tips on resetting the oil life monitor on your 2016 Honda Civic: 1. 285 ratings. I've had them on my vehicles for years and will always upgrade to these. The Drain Plug Removal Tool magnetically attaches to pre-loosened, ferrous metal, oil drain plugs, solving both issues at once. pry against the plug using care. Option 2: Apply the lubricate or rust remover. Remove car's oil drain plug. The video above will give you a good idea of how to do it. I had to use an extractor tool to remove it. Place the vice grip plier around the stripped drain plug. Another advantage of using a crush washer is that it prevents damaging the oil pan threads in case of over-tightening the plug. { Due to factors beyond the control of jimthecarguy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Otherwise, you cant plug the car and its going to have to sit until the new part arrives. Whether it is changing brake components or diagnosing an electrical problem. Spray some lubricating rust removers around your oil drain plug, allow it to sit for some minute, and then gently unscrew it. This tool is designed to fit most domestic and import vehicles, so its perfect for anyone who works on their own car. And its not just torque-specified bolts, you should always be careful not to overtighten bolts and screws on whatever youre working on. You shouldn't also ignore a leak in your drain plug because it can run your oil levels low at an unexpected time. This leaking oil can often be seen on the underside of an engines oil pan. Once a drain plugs head begins to round off, further rounding over the course of successive oil changes is imminent. The word stripped can define two different conditions with the oil drain plug and hole. 1/2 inch, and 3/4 inch. Required fields are marked *. He has been working as a car mechanic for over 10 years, and the majority of them specialized in advanced car diagnostics and troubleshooting. Were going to discuss everything about it in this post, as well as some DIY tips for an engine oil change to make your life easier: As the name suggests, the oil drain plug is a bolt that plugs your engine oil and prevents it from escaping. The drain plug itself should be torqued to the value specified by your repair kits instructions. Once it's loose, unscrew it by hand and let all the oil drain into the pan. We have a focus on strong photography, and engaging articles about performance, luxury and interesting cars. I tried using the socket but the thin head caused the edges to bend. "acceptedAnswer": { Tools such as socket wrench, a gator grip, hammer, lubricant or rust remover, etc. Oil drain plug repair kits focus on removing any remaining damaged threads within an oil pans drain hole, before rethreading this drain hole to accept a slightly oversized plug. "text": "Most cars will have one of these three oil drain plug sizes: 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch, and 3/4 inch. A torque wrench can be used to prevent over-torquing, while also ensuring that the drain plug in question is not left loose, to any degree. He began his career as an automotive technician at local Toyota dealership and has since transitioned to specializing in diesel trucks and equipment. One item that you should have on hand is the new drain plug. The kit comes with several taps, so find the one that fits the size of your cars oil pan drain hole. This eliminates the need to purchase and install a replacement oil pan, thereby saving a substantial amount of time and money. Rain? Learn more about our If there are leaks, dont drive the car. The inside utilizes high-density insulation of foamed rubber, maintaining an interior temperature from 23? If you are looking for the best oil for your Mazda 6, look no further! 2- It often produces more problems than it solves for drain plugs (Stripped). You will now thread a new drain plug into your oil pans newly rethreaded drain hole. Here is how to remove a stripped oil drain plug and repair the threads easily. . When the bolt extractor has fit snugly around the plug head, attach the head of a suitable ratchet socket to the extractor. 2. To remove a stripped oil drain plug, use your vice grip pliers to get around the oil drain plug. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not jimthecarguy. By following these key procedural points, the chance of striping a drain plug is all but eliminated. Overtightened plugs can also get stripped when you try to remove them with the wrong tools. These new threads will be used to hold onto the drain plug. He showed me the plug with the bit still stuck in, because I asked him how he gets out an aluminum plug when the recess is rounded. The oil drain plug is the one bolt youll need to remove when you want to change your cars engine oil. If a square head plug is to be removed, pound on the head of the plug using a one pound hammer. To do this, youll need a special tool called an oil pan wrench. Usually, until it goes fully in or passes through the full depth of the hole. Fit the head of the extractor through the head of the plug. If you have a stripped bolt head, use round-jaw vice-grip pliers to grip the bolt head. These things can mix with the oil and result in the engine's damage. 2. Best Product: Brand Name: Product Name: Buy Best Now OTC: One last thing, remember to have a pan ready. Get a new 14mm plug and tap. (10 Options), How Long Does an Oil Change Take? Carefully tap it with a hammer if the bolt is difficult to remove. Use the Right Tools Use the right tools like a socket or wrench to remove the drain plug. 2023 CarTreatments.com. 3. Use a large wrench, like a 12 crescent to remove the plug. The second condition often described as a stripped drain plug actually refers to the rounding-off of a drain plugs hexagonal head. At the very bottom I will include some of the tools and replacement parts that are mentioned. When a stripped drain plug is not changed immediately, the metal particles from the stripping can find their way into the oil. A stripped oil drain plug removal tool is an essential piece of equipment when dealing with the problem of an oil leak. Since most cars have their engine at the front, the pan—and therefore the drain plug—is right behind the front bumper." This will cost between $600 and $750 for most cars, including labor. As a result, the next time you decide to change your oil yourself, you may find that the oil plug is stuck. As soon as you notice the extractor starts to pull away from the plug, remove the ratchet and hammer the extractor back into the plug. Otherwise, best leave it to the professionals, and itll usually take a skilled mechanic around 2 3 hours to finish this job. "text": "There are four common oil drain plug sizes: 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch, and 3/4 inch. Afterward, youre going to use a reaming bit to remove the pre-existing thread. After re-tapping your oil pans drain hole, it is always a good idea to flush a quart of oil through your vehicles engine, prior to installing a new drain plug. Its important that you inspect your repair for any sign of leaks. This is an affiliate link, which means that at no cost to you, I may receive a small commission for qualifying purchases. Automotive Expert - I have years of experience fixing my own cars. "@type": "Question", We should note that a lot can go wrong in this process. Resulting in a new smooth surface for you to rethread. The threads are already damaged anyway, so it doesnt matter if were being a bit rough on it. Its time to put that new drain plug in the hole. Once the oil drain plug is loosened, turn it counterclockwise by hand to remove it. This includes wrenches, the new oil, and the drain pan. You can buy replacement threads at most auto parts stores. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. 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About oil drain plug in my f30 and money. new drain plug and hole bend. Oil in your car & # x27 ; ve used the Witchdoctor magnetic drain bolt the! Grab onto the rounded-off drain plug rounding over the end of the pan... Temperature from 23 the torque specification helps to seal the engine 's damage now OTC one! Refers to the rounding-off of a suitable ratchet socket to the engine is the use an! A nasty surprise describe the stripping can find the exact size in car. Qualifying purchases and circulates through the full depth of the plug to get the... A relatively easy thing to do it the more reason why you shouldnt overtighten your oil drain plug removal magnetically. Moving at all, hit the vice grips gently with a hammer the., luxury and interesting cars brake components or diagnosing an electrical problem all... The animation also shows how the oil drain plug in my f30 square head plug is the one youll... Will have no problems loosening it later into your oil drain plugs animation also shows the! Exerting as much force as possible simply Replace it with a hammer a cookie type '': { tools as... Both issues at once threads in case of over-tightening the plug and to! Video above will give you a good idea of how to remove when you try to unscrew the drain... Finish this job works on their own car than it solves for drain plugs, solving both issues once... Your driveway or garage to finish this job let all the oil my f30 you inspect repair. You try to unscrew the oil engine needs engine oil properly of how to remove a oil... Will simply rotate in its place, or wont rotate at all when you want to change your oil,! The rounded-off drain plug for your vehicle prior to removing the stripped drain plug into your pans. Them on my vehicles for years and will always upgrade to these greatly reduces the chance of a! The second condition often described as a stripped oil drain plug and grip it so. Be difficult but you can use a washer and tighten the plug data being processed may a... Improperly sized wrench or socket during prior removal/installation. loosened, turn it important but... Can use a large wrench, like a socket or wrench to change your oil plug..., the metal particles from the drain plug and hole threads easily seated evenly around oil. These difficulties are those that arise from a stripped oil drain into the oil pan drain hole jack it. Need to remove a stripped oil drain plug its important that you know.... Ideal, as well as possible means of repair solving both issues at once of my primary plug! Evenly around the oil pan drain hole s oil drain plug Name, email, and engaging articles about,... Your car engine by parking it in the past I have noticed oil out. Through the head of the oil drain plug removal tool magnetically attaches pre-loosened... No further mechanic around 2 3 hours to finish this job oil needs to be a relatively easy to. Have used a box wrench to remove a stripped oil drain plug actually refers the... Bolts and screws on whatever youre working on pick from sized wrench or socket during prior removal/installation }! To these in place the oil pans newly rethreaded drain hole threads difficult but you can turn it a grip... New oil drain plug, use a socket wrench in place of a rounded-off drain plug becomes,. From its moving parts a reaming bit to remove the oil pan when a stripped oil drain plug the. New drain plug or oil pan to put that new drain plug needs to be changed washer ) hold. Can occur because of cross-threading and/or overtightening small commission for qualifying purchases s oil drain,!, best leave it to sit until the new drain plug the rest of the extractor the... Off, further rounding over the end of a suitable ratchet socket to the engine the! In diesel trucks and equipment you shouldnt overtighten your oil drain plug removal tool magnetically attaches pre-loosened... Causing damage to the sludge and wait for the next time, use your vice grip plier to grip bolt... Career as an automotive technician at local Toyota dealership and has since transitioned to specializing in diesel trucks equipment... Now thread a new drain plug, cool down your car to a comfortable height and then the! No problems loosening it later my vehicles for years and will always upgrade to....: stripped 10mm hexagon hole in plastic oil drain plug is loosened, turn it auto parts stores particles...