I've tried vice grips, that didn't work....any other suggestions? I'd rather not have to take it in to a shop, don't want to spend the money.
2007-02-01 13:02:46 · 16 answers · asked by TNsouthernbelle 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
If after everybody else's advise; you still can't get your oil plug out then the next step is to know how to change your oil with a stripped oil plug. THE ANSWER IS to get a suction hose and plug it into your intake manifold; and with your engine running and with the use of also a large plastic container suck all your old oil out. Replace your oil filter at the same time.
2007-02-01 14:36:13 · answer #1 · answered by . 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
how bad is it rounded off? if it is not too damaged and still has some corners of the hex head on it and you can get the closed end of the wrench (one that has a slight angle to it) and around it, put the closed end on it backwards from how you usually use it. with the angle of the wrench, using it this way puts more pressure towards the pan the more you push on it, as apposed to the regular way, which pressures away from it. if it is too damaged to use this method, then use the vise grips again. but make sure you get them on it straight, or you will chew the head off. the auto parts store also sells adaptors that are designed to grap a damaged head of a bolt. lastly, if all else fails, take a flathead screw driver and a hammer, put the tip of the driver across the edge of the bolt and hit it with the hammer (careful not to slip and hit the pan). if this doesnt work, a shop is going to be your best bet.
2007-02-01 22:05:38 · answer #2 · answered by john m 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try the following; (you will need an assistant), using a good quality vise grip or pipe wrench as you try and turn it have your assistant give the nut a sharp whack with a medium size hammer, this will often jar the most stubborn thread loose. Failing this you could have a bar welded onto the nut and turn it off.This is getting into repair shop territory but either the plug comes off or no more oil changes!
2007-02-01 21:23:02 · answer #3 · answered by cuddlyclaud 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
does it have any of the hex head shape left? if yes the best way to get it off is to find a socket that is a hair smaller and hammer it on and then using a ratchet it should come right out. If it is totally rounded channel locks are a better choice than vice grips. other than that you might be out of luck unless you have air tools then i could give you some better ideas but there are a little tougher. good luck.
2007-02-01 21:10:13 · answer #4 · answered by JarrettSde3 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are special sockets that are designed to grip a stripped nut/bolt, try one of these. If there is room you can try and file a couple of sides flat to get a good grip with a good set of vise grips. Before attempting to loosen again give the bolt a couple of good hits with hammer, this can help brake it loose as well.
2007-02-01 21:08:46 · answer #5 · answered by wheeler 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As said above, a pipe wrench. It will bite into the bolt head better than anything else.
Before you take it off, buy a fumoto valve and never mess with that bolt again. They are well worth the money!! You'd have to buy a new plug anyway.
http://www.fumotovalve.com/
Good luck
2007-02-02 02:38:27 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
WOW must be really stuck! An air hammer would be nice with a chishel bit but if not the old fashioned hammer & chisel will work. Also a pipe wrech might be something to try. I have special sockets for these applications that work very well.
GOOD LUCK
2007-02-01 21:14:52 · answer #7 · answered by George 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could try a pipe wrench - if it will fit up there. If not you can drill a small hole in the plug, just try not to go all of the way through and use a bolt extracter. You thread this thing into the hole you drilled and the treads on it are backwards, so as you screw it in you will be truning it counterclockwise so when it goes in as far as it can it should begin to turn the plug. I would at least try the pipe wrench first, though.
2007-02-01 21:10:31 · answer #8 · answered by boogie2510 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
V I C E G R I P S
and a strong pair of hands.
OK, that didn't work, I would try a torch, apply a little heat then try the vice grips. You will probably have to really crank down on the grips.
2007-02-01 21:06:30 · answer #9 · answered by moontreker 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
go to sears or maybe an auto parts store and look for a rounded nut/bolt extractor. it looks like a socket only it has spiral teeth instead of a hex pattern. just tap it on with a hammer and loosen the plug with a ratchet.
2007-02-01 21:08:15 · answer #10 · answered by technicanb 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋