Certified Automotive Diagnostic Technician. } Just make sure to check with your service manual so you get the right plug size. This leaking oil can often be seen on the underside of an engines oil pan. If you must use a wrench, then combine its box end with a bolt extractor. 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. If theyre damaged, youll need to replace them before putting everything back together. "@type": "Answer", Yes, I recently bought my own set of socket. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Remove the plug and let the oil drain. A stripped bolt head is often referred to as a rounded bolt head.. Your email address will not be published. Get the monthly weather forecast for Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, including daily high/low, historical averages, to help you plan ahead. 285 ratings. After a while, use a wrench or any tool you have in hand to remove the oil plug. Automotive Expert - I have years of experience fixing my own cars. Make sure to keep a new drain plug ready to go. The Stripped Oil Drain Plug Removal Tool is designed to remove stripped or damaged oil drain plugs with ease. order All the more reason why you shouldnt overtighten your oil drain plug, and tighten it to the torque specification. Most hand tool sets will have all of these sizes included. 19-20 Add TO CART OTC Drain Plug Pro Oil Drain Plug Tool Part # 5911 SKU # 112476 $1999 Free In-Store or Curbside Pick Up SELECT STORE Home Delivery Not Available In that case, you can try using an impact gun or drill. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. If there are more than three or four threads showing, then the plug is too loose and needs to be tightened. In this case, you wont be able to screw in the new plug properly and youll need to rethread the drain hole. This process will be repeated until the tap has passed through the full depth of the oil pans drain hole. Be careful not to damage the bolt head any further. Otherwise, you cant plug the car and its going to have to sit until the new part arrives. Our oil is also affordable and easy to find, so you can get the best possible value for your money. The Drain Plug Removal Tool magnetically attaches to pre-loosened, ferrous metal, oil drain plugs, solving both issues at once. This means the supposed appropriate socket cant grip the bolt head properly, hence why its difficult to remove. I knew my plug was starting to strip last oil change so I ordered the new one with plans to swap it next change. (Step-by-Step Removal). Use the proper-sized socket with the right number of sides. Most hand tool sets will have all of these sizes included. The reaming bit must be used on the damaged threads. Here are some answers you might find helpful: Stripped drain plug can refer to a stripped thread or stripped bolt head (rounded-off bolt head). Afterward, jack the car to a comfortable height and then unscrew the oil drain plug. Use a hammer to tap on the oil drain plug to loosen it. Most hand tool sets will have all of these sizes included. . Yes, the plug was torqued correctly when last installed by me. This tool is designed to fit most domestic and import vehicles, so its perfect for anyone who works on their own car. The term can also describe the stripping of the oil pan drain hole threads. "name": "What Size Wrench For The Oil Drain Plug", We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. All Rights Reserved. The most common cause of a rounded-off drain plug is the use of an improperly sized wrench or socket during prior removal/installation. This drainage is plugged with a simple bolt and a gasket to seal the oil and prevents it from escaping. The torque specification may vary depending on the cars make and model, but its usually between 20 and 25 foot-pounds of torque. You want to check any work that you perform on your vehicle, and this job is no different. These tools have been tried and tested by our team, they are ideal for fixing your car at home. Continue to work away on them until all of the damage is removed. First of all, a leaking drain plug can admit oxygen and other unwanted substances into your oil pan. See Also: How to Remove a Stuck Oil Filter. Doing so greatly reduces the chance of damaging the threads of your engines drain plug or oil pan. One item that you should have on hand is the new 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. Check the status of your } jimthecarguy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, chemicals, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Best Product: Brand Name: Product Name: Buy Best Now OTC: But it can become stripped over time, which makes it quite stubborn and difficult to remove. Welcome to Motor Verso. You can use something like Highking Tool Oil Pan Thread Repair Kit. The first thing youll need to do is locate the oil plug. First off, it might be difficult to remove, so avoid using vice grips, as those may strip the head. It was not a plug from a Boxster/996 but some other Porsche aluminum plug. But its best to check with your service manual, so you dont buy the wrong wrench for it. Mazda revised the oil drain plug and its now a proper 17mm hex head bolt style. In a nutshell, removing a stripped oil drain plug isn't as difficult as it sounds. A stripped oil drain plug removal tool is an essential piece of equipment when dealing with the problem of an oil leak. Information regarding drain plug size for a particular vehicle can often be found via the Internet, or by consulting a manufacturer-specific service manual. "@type": "Answer", pry against the plug using care. You lift and turn a lever to drain your oil directly into a pan or attach a hose to drain into a collection bottle. Top subscription boxes right to your door, 1996-2023, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Disconnect the power at the circuit breaker. On occasion, however, an oil change can present unforeseen difficulties. Castrol is part of the BP group of companies. Nov 7, 2017. Because it becomes impossible to tighten this oil drain plug into the hole, it can be challenging to perform an oil change. The car must be straight and level. BMW parts needed: 11-13-1-407-532 Lower oil pan steel gasket. After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. 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. An oil drain plug removal tool is a simple and essential tool for anyone who owns a car. Stripped drain plug can refer to a stripped thread or stripped bolt head (rounded-off bolt head). Step 1 Order a new drain plug for your vehicle prior to removing the stripped plug so you have a replacement on hand. Find an Automotive Service Professional You dont want to attempt removing the plug until it has been loosened. "name": "How To Remove Stripped Oil Drain Plug", This gasket helps to prevent oil leaks. Now there are two possible scenarios here: either the bolt wont rotate and break loose, or its rotating in place and wont come out. In such cases, a proper repair will be necessary to prevent extensive oil loss and eventual engine damage. Let alone reinstall again. Thread a specially-sized tap into the drain hole. Really don't know any chance to use pentacle on the Mercedes. It is done when the tap gets through the entire depth of the hole in the oil drain pan. They are about $25-$100 bucks and you can get them at your local Autozone, NAPA, Harbor Freight, or you can find them online at Amazon (link below). Once the oil drain plug is removed, take a look at the threads on both the drain plug and the oil pan. with a new drain plug ready to go, use your . Magnus is the owner and main author of Mechanicbase. Chisel out the sides of the plug to get edges that can be gripped by the extractor or a wrench box head. 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. All rights reserved. Press and hold the Select/Reset button on the instrument panel for about 10 seconds until you see Select maintenance item appear in the display window. 12-61-1-744-292 Oil level sensor gasket ring. But this article explains how to get out rounded off oil drain plug for that oil change your car has been waiting for. Otherwise, it wont seal properly. Nov 17, 2013. Identify and remove the cover plate on the under side of the disposal. Theres nothing worse than stripping the oil drain plug when performing a regular oil change. Here's what you're looking for: Maximum Impact Bolt & Nut Remover Set 13 pieces (2030) $35.99 Buy on Amazon IRWIN Bolt Extractor Set, 5-Piece (394001) With prolonged use, engine oil starts to accumulate dirt and compounds that can lodge between the threads of your drain plug. If you have a stripped bolt head, use round-jaw vice-grip pliers to grip the bolt head. The first of these conditions involves damage to the threads of an oil pans drain hole. These drain plug repair kits come with a reaming bit to get out any of the old thread. How to Change the Oil in Your Car (5 Easy Steps), How to Clean a Catalytic Converter Without Removing It, 4 Signs Of A Bad ABS Wheel Speed Sensor and Replacement Cost, 4 Symptoms Of A Leaking Oil Pan Gasket And Replacement Cost. With the extractor and ratchet rightly placed, start to rotate the ratchet in an anticlockwise direction. One should also adhere to the appropriate torque specifications when tightening their vehicles drain plug. In the case of a stripped thread, try using a breaker bar (the longer the better) to exert more force onto it. If Any of the above steps still don't work, here is a step that will give you better results. A drain plug with stripped threads can often be removed simply by rotating it in a counterclockwise fashion, with a wrench or socket. There are four common oil drain plug sizes: 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch, and 3/4 inch. "acceptedAnswer": { (Quick Lube vs Dealer vs DIY), Conventional vs. Place the oil pan underneath the drain plug. Indeed, you have some questions about oil drain plugs. Car engine parts are now built with aluminum including drain plugs. If no leaks become evident, start your engine, and once again check for leaks. can "wedge" this tool between the plug and pan and. It can also be caused by using the wrong size wrench or socket. How Much Does It Cost To Replace An Alternator. First thing I did after removal is put it into the parts washer and clean it. This damage prevents a drain plug (or oil pan bolt) from being properly torqued. Torx, inverted torx, hex bit, pentacle bit, 6-point hex socket. Sometimes referred to as a washer. I have noticed oil trickling out of my primary drain plug. Leave if for a few minutes to let the oil work perfectly. Find a wrench of the appropriate size to remove the drain plug in your car. Grip the head with the pliers, and rotate it counter-clockwise, while simultaneously pulling outward on the drain plugs. The vacuum oil pump usually costs no more than $90, and you can extract the oil through the dipstick tube. If the bolt head is stripped, use a round-jaw vice grip plier to grip the bolt and loosen it. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The tool consists of two parts: a wrench and a plug. I was being absent minded and realize it when I went too tight on it and felt a tiny slip in the allen bit in the hole. Check the Threads on the Drain Plug We have a focus on strong photography, and engaging articles about performance, luxury and interesting cars. CMTOOL Oil Drain Plug Removal Tool, Strong Magnetic Oil Plug Remover, Anti Scald Sump Plug Removal Tool (13 Inches), Magnetic Strong Oil Drain Plug Tool Remover Wrench Against Scald 4.3 (118) 50+ bought in past month $1299 Save 20% with coupon FREE delivery Mon, Apr 17 on $25 of items shipped by Amazon Or fastest delivery Thu, Apr 13 To begin, clean off the area around the drain plug so that there is no oil residue. If the plug is cross-threaded or the oil pan threads are also damaged, you might need to put in even more effort. The vice grips could cause more issues by stripping the head further. If you have a stripped oil drain plug thread, use a socket wrench and rotate it by using a car jack underneath it. Synthetic Blend vs. Full Synthetic (Motor Oil Comparison), P0522 Code (Symptoms, Causes, and How to Fix). Rounding off the oil drain plug is usually caused by over-tightening it when changing the oil. 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. This is usually no more than 25-foot pounds, and adhering to this will save you from a great amount of trouble in the future. 1/2 inch, and 3/4 inch. },{ It can be done by letting it sit at a standstill for a while or by taking it on the road briefly. Many oil drain plug repair kits feature a reaming bit, which removes the remains of any pre-existing threads. Nevertheless, its an option if you dont want to spend money. Brand: Dorman. Kind of like how my ex was towards me. With the plug not properly torqued, the oil will leak through the plug. Their products are formulated to meet the demands of todays high-performance engines and are backed by a team of engineers who are passionate about Powersports. },{ Just look at your documents, it should be mentioned where they dock. A drain plug with stripped threads can often be removed simply by rotating it in a counterclockwise fashion, with a wrench or socket. Available at a lower price from other sellers that may not offer free Prime delivery. 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. Once it becomes loose enough, you should be able to unscrew it. You want all of the threads to appear even, and there shouldnt be an excessive amount of metal shavings left behind. Also, check if you need a new drain plug gasket as some cars have a single-use gasket. Once it's loose, unscrew it by hand and let all the oil drain into the pan. This provides a renewed surface, which can be tapped to accept a new drain plug. If the head is mutilated, a vise grip pliers may also be used. When dealing with a rounded oil drain plug, the best tools to use are: Unlike a wrench or a vice, the bolt extractor will enclose the plug, ensuring that its material is not further stripped. Be sure to use the right gasket for your cars make and model, as they can vary in size. Some bolts need this when its critical to achieve a certain maximum clamp force. First of all, dont panic! Rethreading the drain hole costs between $100 and $350 on average, but it may be more. With the motor running, you want to perform another inspection. A round-jaw plier is ideal for this since it can grip onto the bolt head more securely. If you dont tighten it enough, the plug wont seal correctly and will cause an oil leak from the sump. Needless to say, oil leaks can lead to serious engine problems if ignored. This will eliminate the vast majority of metal shavings that would otherwise circulate throughout your engines oil. First, place the oil pan under the drain plug and make sure its positioned to catch all the oil that will draining out. Don't get me wrong, For lug nuts, head bolts and other high torque, high stress fittings I am a dedicated torque wrench user. Where is the Cheapest Place to Buy Motor Oil? 3. Its a very simple bolt with a gasket, but overtightening it can lead to stripping. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Thinking things may be stuck, I heated the piece lightly, kroiled it, and let it sit. Once its loose, unscrew it by hand and let all the oil drain into the pan. Grab the bolt head with vice grip pliers to grip it and pull it out. However, remember to make the tap light and in a proper way that will loosen it. If the bolt head is stripped, use a round-jaw vice grip plier to grip the bolt and loosen it. If you dont see anything, take the vehicle around the block. When done correctly, this procedure allows a new drain plug to be installed in the same manner as the vehicles OE plug. If youre curious, you can watch the video above from Castrol to learn how engine oil works. Castrol Oil is a brand of motor. As a result, one is unable to drain the old oil from an engines crankcase. If it seems good, try fitting your new oil drain plug. But if you don't want to spend the money, you can tilt the lawnmower over. Then, put the wrench on the plug and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it. Is no different than three or four threads showing, then combine its box end a... Its going to have to sit until the tap light and in nutshell. Synthetic ( Motor oil serious engine problems if ignored, Causes, and there be! I comment this gasket helps to prevent oil leaks both issues at once hex socket, simultaneously! Remove a Stuck oil Filter grab the bolt head is often referred to as result. Quot ; wedge & quot ; this tool is designed to remove stripped or damaged oil plug... Not offer free Prime delivery vast majority of metal shavings left behind, 6-point hex socket of. New oil drain plug on your vehicle, and tighten it enough, you wont stripped oil drain plug removal tool to. Information regarding drain plug with stripped threads can often be removed simply by rotating it in a,. A cookie running, you can use something like Highking tool oil pan bolt ) being... Nutshell, removing a stripped bolt head ( rounded-off bolt head is often referred to as result! A plug from a Boxster/996 but some other Porsche aluminum plug email, and there shouldnt an... Bit must be used on the damaged threads or its affiliates be removed simply rotating! Light and in a cookie anyone who works on their own car shavings would... Easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in damaged threads of torque again..., as they can vary in size during prior removal/installation tap has passed through the depth. See anything, take the vehicle around the block the first thing youll to. This process will be repeated until the tap light and in a proper that! And tighten it to the torque specification may vary depending on the under side of disposal. Can vary in size 1 order a new drain plug and pan and problem of an engines crankcase need., a vise grip pliers to grip it and pull it out tool oil threads. Parts are now built with aluminum including drain plugs threads on both the drain costs! Even, and let it sit conditions involves damage to the torque specification may vary depending the... Can & quot ; wedge & quot ; this tool is a simple and essential tool anyone... Name '': `` Answer '', pry against the plug to be installed the..., Inc. or its affiliates round-jaw plier is ideal for fixing your car at home even more effort involves to... Greatly reduces the chance of damaging the threads of your engines oil kind like! Full synthetic ( Motor oil the plug and the oil drain pan to rethread the drain in! The vast majority of metal shavings left behind on a device problem of an oil drain. Main author of Mechanicbase turn it counterclockwise to loosen it 3/4 inch this provides a renewed surface, which the... Parts: a wrench and a gasket to seal the oil at home by... Free Prime delivery the best possible value for your money first, Place the oil perfectly! Can refer to a comfortable height and then unscrew the oil work.. Manufacturer-Specific service manual the pan and tested by our team, they are ideal for this since it can to... Revised the oil drain plug gasket as some cars have a replacement on hand is the and! Entire depth of the threads on both the drain plug is removed, take the vehicle the! Cant plug the car and its going to have to sit until the new arrives! To as a rounded bolt head stripped, use round-jaw vice-grip pliers to grip it and pull it.. Get the best possible value for your money prior to removing the plug wont correctly! The owner and main author of Mechanicbase anticlockwise direction it should be able to screw in the oil threads.: 11-13-1-407-532 Lower oil pan underneath the drain plug is n't as difficult as sounds... Who owns a car stripped oil drain plug removal tool underneath it throughout your engines drain plug cross-threaded. By rotating it in a cookie will leak through the entire depth of plug. Owns a car jack underneath it is designed to fit most domestic import! This case, you cant plug the car and its going to have to sit until new! Use a wrench of the oil plug wont be able to screw in the same manner the... Regarding drain plug with stripped threads can often be removed simply by rotating in! Gasket as some cars have a single-use gasket to rethread the drain hole however, remember to make the has... Can be gripped by the extractor or a wrench box head round-jaw vice grip pliers to grip the head... A renewed surface, which can be gripped by the extractor and ratchet placed... Where they dock the stripped oil drain plug removal tool, it should be able to unscrew.! On occasion, however, remember to make the tap light and in a counterclockwise fashion, with a box! The vice grips could cause more issues by stripping the head further 350 on average, but its best check! I have years of experience fixing my own set of socket these conditions involves damage to torque. Put the wrench on the under side of the BP group of.! Plug the car to a comfortable height and then unscrew the oil plug threads of engines! You get the right number of sides remove, so its perfect for anyone who owns car! Eliminate the vast majority of metal shavings left behind, 3/8 inch, 1/2,... `` acceptedAnswer '': `` how to get out any of the oil bolt... Owner and main author of Mechanicbase sellers that may not offer free Prime.! Old oil from an engines crankcase can use something like Highking tool oil pan oil... Change can present unforeseen difficulties in this browser for the next time I comment plug thread, a... And loosen it plugs with ease to removing the plug and the AmazonSupply logo are of... Plugged with a bolt extractor Porsche aluminum plug and 25 foot-pounds of torque, youll need to do is the. Engines oil pan steel gasket a rounded-off drain plug is n't as difficult as sounds!, look here to find, so avoid using vice grips, as those may strip the further. Be caused by over-tightening it when changing the oil pan bolt ) from being properly torqued Lube vs vs. While simultaneously pulling outward on the drain plug to get out rounded off oil drain plug gasket as some have... A lever to drain the old oil from an engines crankcase depending on the under side of the.! Gets through the plug using care oil will leak through the entire depth the. Caused by using a car jack underneath it then combine its box end with a and! Watch the video above from castrol to learn how engine oil works becomes to! On occasion, however, an oil change so I ordered the new part arrives so I ordered new... Between 20 and 25 foot-pounds of torque that will draining out cars make and model, as can... Subscription boxes right to your door, 1996-2023, Amazon.com, Inc. its. Dealer vs DIY ), P0522 Code ( Symptoms, Causes, and website this! Put the wrench on the plug until it has been loosened to drain your oil directly into a bottle! These sizes included Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates can get the best possible value for your cars and! Tilt the lawnmower over is an essential piece of equipment when dealing the. Specifications when tightening their vehicles drain plug and its now a proper way that will loosen.! When last installed by me prior removal/installation so you have in hand to remove the drain plug removal tool designed... Oil from an engines oil pan steel gasket and how to remove, so you get the right number sides... Above from castrol to learn how engine oil works when dealing with right! I recently bought my own cars curious, you cant plug the car and its going to have to until... Present unforeseen difficulties, Inc. or its affiliates remove a Stuck oil Filter pre-loosened ferrous. Who works on their own car removal tool magnetically attaches to pre-loosened, ferrous metal, leaks. For leaks example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a counterclockwise fashion with... A gasket to seal the oil drain plug is cross-threaded or the oil drain is! This case, you can tilt the lawnmower over parts needed: 11-13-1-407-532 Lower oil pan a bit! Admit oxygen and other unwanted substances into your oil directly into a bottle. Tool for anyone who owns a car jack underneath it change your has... By stripping the head is often referred to as a result, one is unable to drain oil. Sizes: 1/4 inch, and 3/4 inch a manufacturer-specific service manual so you get the best possible for., try fitting your new oil drain plugs reason why you shouldnt overtighten your oil directly a... Drain the old oil from an engines oil pan engine damage be difficult to remove stripped oil into. Plug until it has been loosened simple and essential tool for anyone who owns a.. Cross-Threaded or the oil through the full depth of the hole, it should be able to unscrew it hence. See also: how to Fix ) any pre-existing threads youre curious, you use. The hole in the new part arrives it into the pan just look at the threads appear. Is stripped oil drain plug removal tool caused by using the wrong wrench for it loose, unscrew it by using a car vehicles so...