[Z06] rounded oil drain plug
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 555
Likes: 15
rounded oil drain plug
I tried to chane my oil today, but I round off the bolt head on the oil train plug. It was so tight you would think someone welded it on there. Sooo obviously I need a new plug (might as well get magnetic), but my question is how do I remove the rounded off one? Do I have to drill it out now, and let the shavings come out with the oil?
Pro
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 634
Likes: 0
From: Wappingers Falls New York
I used this on a 10 year old Subaru but it may work on the vette. They make special sockets that are used to remove stripped bolts, lug nuts, etc. They have a twisted interior that is used to grab the bolt and then tighten itself to it.
I used the closest size I could find and hammered it on, to the point where it wouldn't slip (obviously be very careful in this step as you could damage the oil pan). Once the socket was on it came off no problem.
Maybe someone with more experience could chime in as I would be very cautious about using this method on the vette.
I used the closest size I could find and hammered it on, to the point where it wouldn't slip (obviously be very careful in this step as you could damage the oil pan). Once the socket was on it came off no problem.
Maybe someone with more experience could chime in as I would be very cautious about using this method on the vette.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,977
Likes: 256
From: St. Louis Missouri
Were you using the correct size tool in the first place??
Try the closest 12-point SAE equivalent. If it doesn't want to budge, run the car for a bit to get the oil hot and try again. Obviously, be careful when the bolt breaks loose (hot oil).
Try the closest 12-point SAE equivalent. If it doesn't want to budge, run the car for a bit to get the oil hot and try again. Obviously, be careful when the bolt breaks loose (hot oil).
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: Oxnard SoCal
I used this on a 10 year old Subaru but it may work on the vette. They make special sockets that are used to remove stripped bolts, lug nuts, etc. They have a twisted interior that is used to grab the bolt and then tighten itself to it.
I used the closest size I could find and hammered it on, to the point where it wouldn't slip (obviously be very careful in this step as you could damage the oil pan). Once the socket was on it came off no problem.
Maybe someone with more experience could chime in as I would be very cautious about using this method on the vette.
I used the closest size I could find and hammered it on, to the point where it wouldn't slip (obviously be very careful in this step as you could damage the oil pan). Once the socket was on it came off no problem.
Maybe someone with more experience could chime in as I would be very cautious about using this method on the vette.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...d=bolt+remover
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,030
Likes: 6
From: Maryland
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
I tried to chane my oil today, but I round off the bolt head on the oil train plug. It was so tight you would think someone welded it on there. Sooo obviously I need a new plug (might as well get magnetic), but my question is how do I remove the rounded off one? Do I have to drill it out now, and let the shavings come out with the oil?
Don't take offense, but it's happened to many owners when they're laying under the car and behind or beside the drain plug instead of facing the drain plug...
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 290
Likes: 1
From: naples fl.
i bought my car used from a dealer and they had serviced it before selling it. my first oil change i had a hell of a time breaking the plug loose. i did use a six point box end wrench though. i wanted to punch the tech that put that plug in that tight. there is no sense torquing a drain plug that tight. i finally got it loose after wrapping a towel around the wrench and hanging from it.
i doubt the vise grip will work and i would do that as a last resort. those sockets may be the way to go. as i recall, there isn't a lot of room between the plug and engine cradle or frame. good luck
i doubt the vise grip will work and i would do that as a last resort. those sockets may be the way to go. as i recall, there isn't a lot of room between the plug and engine cradle or frame. good luck
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
Be careful how big a hammer you use. A cracked oil pan is worse than a stuck drain plug.
A 6 point box in wrench should still work unless it is totally rounded. You probably will not be able to use a socket because the crossmember is in the way.
I have used a wrench and a hydraulic jack on the end of the handle to slowly break a drain plug loose before.
I agree that especially with a built in rubber gasket, there is no reason to tighten a plug that tight. Snug with a 6 inch wrench, and I have never had one get loose.
A 6 point box in wrench should still work unless it is totally rounded. You probably will not be able to use a socket because the crossmember is in the way.
I have used a wrench and a hydraulic jack on the end of the handle to slowly break a drain plug loose before.
I agree that especially with a built in rubber gasket, there is no reason to tighten a plug that tight. Snug with a 6 inch wrench, and I have never had one get loose.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,398
Likes: 2
Use a MAP torch and heat the head of the bolt for about 10 seconds. It should turn right out with some vice grips or channel locks.
Beats the heck out of me why some people torque those bolts down to 80 ft/lbs.
Beats the heck out of me why some people torque those bolts down to 80 ft/lbs.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 8,077
Likes: 4
From: Scarborough ONTARIO
What Deception said is going to be the best way, get your self a set of these
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...d=bolt+remover
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...d=bolt+remover
Advanced
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: New Lenox IL
The morons probably used an air wrench on it explaining the tightness and rounded plug. Possibility that threads could be messed up. If it was mine I would take it back to where I got it and let them change the oil while I watched!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
What Deception said is going to be the best way, get your self a set of these
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...d=bolt+remover
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...d=bolt+remover