Date: Sat, 28 Oct 2000 22:28:18 GMT From: JPF <frickjpremovetheobviousnopsamffice.net> Subject: Re: how to remove dog eared oil drain plug?
The first thing to do is to go get a new drain plug. In fact, get a few. They're cheap, and they are always made softer than the threads they go into for a good reason. Pick up a 13mm 6-point wrench while you're there and use it for oil services. Whenever one of you guys come in with your panties in a bunch, I take a 12 point socket and pound it on. Use that to remove it. A cheap Chinese piece of shit won't work, either, use a decent quality socket or it will just split. I then install a new drain plug that I stock for almost every car for a good reason. If they don't come out with my fingers after loosening, they go in the garbage. Obviously, a 13mm won't work, try a 1/2", a 12mm, whatever it takes. Don't cave in the pan, but it will take a good whacking to get it on all the way. Don't rock it side to side as you pound it on, but pound it on straight. Don't try to turn it until it is on all the way. Lecture time. There is no Earthly reason for a drain plug to be so tight, nor is there any reason for it to be stripped. Nothing says "A pig was here!" like rounded off fastners. Use the correct tools and take your time. JPF On Sat, 28 Oct 2000 18:05:21 +0100, "redonald" <redonaldnopsamthemail.net> wrote: >I've lost the edges to the hex oil drain plug bolt and now I can't get the >sprocket to hold - so its stuck solid. I really need to change the oil, but >don't want to have to take the car to the garage - any ideas? > >richard 88 900 8i auto 145kmiles >