Help - oil plug bolt won't come loose.

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Oct 2, 2011 | 03:36 PM
  #1  
The car was serviced under gmpp at a dealer some time ago. they had to drain the oil.

They plug is in there so tight I can't get it out.

Any tricks to pulling this plug without destroying it?
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Oct 2, 2011 | 03:45 PM
  #2  
I had to use a breaker bar on mine last week when I did my first oil change. The previous owner did not do his own changes either. I have a 1/2" breaker bar and adapted it down to 3/8" so that I could get a socket on it. Still it was pretty damn tight. Not no more.
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Oct 2, 2011 | 03:48 PM
  #3  
Impact.

Dope
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Oct 2, 2011 | 03:52 PM
  #4  
How in the world do you get an impact on it? The crossmember right in front of the bolt.

I tried my big wrench, and it started to bite into the bolthead so I sat it down.

I think at this point the only thing I'm going to do is damage my car trying. I'll contact the dealer that caused this problem and see what they say...
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Oct 2, 2011 | 04:11 PM
  #5  
I would take it back to where you had it serviced. That way if something breaks they will have to replace it for free. Just a thought.
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Oct 2, 2011 | 04:18 PM
  #6  
I triedo ne more time with an extension, reducer, and my big torque wrench. I swear I've taken off axle nuts that were easier.... But it's out. Threaded in and out nicely after breaking it so I think it's OK.
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Oct 2, 2011 | 04:28 PM
  #7  
A few taps with a hammer on a breaker bar is also impact and does wonders for loosening oil plugs. I use it on all my cars so I don't strain too much.
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Oct 2, 2011 | 04:46 PM
  #8  
Quote: I triedo ne more time with an extension, reducer, and my big torque wrench. I swear I've taken off axle nuts that were easier.... But it's out. Threaded in and out nicely after breaking it so I think it's OK.
I had to get mine out (after a dealer service) with a pipe wrench after rounding off the oil plug with a 12 point socket. $2.00 or something like that for a new plug, and my threads are fine, too.

I don't know what some of these idiots at dealers are thinking..
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Oct 2, 2011 | 04:56 PM
  #9  
Quote: A few taps with a hammer on a breaker bar is also impact and does wonders for loosening oil plugs. I use it on all my cars so I don't strain too much.
I have used a rubber mallet instead, but they will both do the trick.
Reply 0
Oct 2, 2011 | 05:03 PM
  #10  
It may come loose easier with a warm engine.
Worth a try, the metal of the pan is lighter wiegfht and may expand a bit faster than the pluf.
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Oct 2, 2011 | 05:51 PM
  #11  
Quote: It may come loose easier with a warm engine.
Worth a try, the metal of the pan is lighter wiegfht and may expand a bit faster than the pluf.
Torches work pretty well too, along with a hammer and breaker bar.
Reply 0
Oct 2, 2011 | 06:05 PM
  #12  
Oil pan
I might go and get a replacement drain plug just in case next time you change oil and also get a six point socket, much less slippage
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Oct 2, 2011 | 08:26 PM
  #13  
Quote: I would take it back to where you had it serviced. That way if something breaks they will have to replace it for free. Just a thought.


But the other tips may work if you just want to do it home. You dont really have to wack the breaker bar with the hammer, I think its the vibrations that loosen it rather than the force of the blow.

Good luck.
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Oct 2, 2011 | 10:31 PM
  #14  
If the dealer did the last change, take it back to them and tell them to loosen the plug for you. I would insist they do it no charge as there is no reason to tighten it down that tight.
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Oct 2, 2011 | 10:49 PM
  #15  
...Lefty Loosy, Righty Tighty?
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Oct 2, 2011 | 10:50 PM
  #16  
Quote: If the dealer did the last change, take it back to them and tell them to loosen the plug for you. I would insist they do it no charge as there is no reason to tighten it down that tight.
What did they use to get it so tight -- an impact wrench? That tool, in the hands of most people, is a terrible thing.
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Oct 3, 2011 | 12:24 AM
  #17  
Quote: How in the world do you get an impact on it? The crossmember right in front of the bolt.
U-joint, wobble socket, wobble extension, whatever works!

Great work getting it out

Dope
Reply 0
Oct 3, 2011 | 07:15 AM
  #18  
Call dealer and let manager know u wont b going back because they have dipsh$ts working there
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