*SOLVED* oil drain plug won't come out, shop screwed it up.

quartersquarters Council Member
in Engine & Drivetrain
i was on a long road trip awhile back and stopped to get an oil change at some quick place. now i went to do it again and the bolt just turns, not leaking. when turning the bolt it feels like it's going to loosen out then suddenly starts to feel like your tightening it.

probably gotta replace the pan, do i have to drop the header to remove the pan? i'll have to drill a hole in the bottom of the pan to drain all the oil out too. this is going to be a messy PITA for sure.

i thought i was done with the board, not yet i guess.

Comments

  • Eagle BeagleEagle Beagle familEE
    usually you have to put that much friction
    btween the pan and the bolt while loosen...

    9 out of 10 it will give ...

    :mrgreen:
  • WagicWagic Wagonist
    Kill two birds with one stone. Drill the existing plug out and drain the oil. Once that's done, re-tap the threads to the next size up and buy a new plug with matching thread and size. Getting a new oil pan is overkill, but will work :wink: .
  • noahrexionnoahrexion Wagonist
    Agree with both posts so far. Try squeezing something in between the pan and bolt like Eagle said. Give it slow turns whilst applying pressure and I bet it will come out. Then just upgrade to the next size up (tap) and you are good to go. You can use a vacuum and or magnets while tapping to avoid metal strips. New pan is overkill.
  • quartersquarters Council Member
    anyone have any recommendations as to what i should try to wedge between the pan & bolt? I can't really think of anything.
  • evol911evol911 familEE
    Sliver of wood or a plastic scraper.
  • Eagle BeagleEagle Beagle familEE
    pry - keyword ...

    :mrgreen:
  • quartersquarters Council Member
    well when it stops raining i'll give it a try. i hope it comes out, i really don't want to change the pan if i don't have to.
  • White&NerdyWhite&Nerdy Senior Wagonist
    Flat head screwdriver? :)

    Interesting idea. My wagon came with one of those funny drain plugs that simply screws in and out by hand. No bolt, just that's larger than normal. When I removed it and tried putting a regular bolt on during my first oil change on the car I realized that the threads were all screwed up, which probably led to this repair.

    It seals OK, so I've just stuck with it. If I ever have a problem, it's good to know about this option. What was done for my car may be an option for quarters, particularly since he's not keeping the car...
  • Eagle BeagleEagle Beagle familEE
    yeah right, lets welcome the new owner
    :mrgreen:
  • quartersquarters Council Member
    i spit on your 'new owner' comment. i drove nothing but EF for 10 years.

    i COULD sell the car as is and not mention this issue but that kind of behavior is reserved for people selling used BMW's.

    it's sunny outside, i'll give something a try once my son wakes up from his nap.
  • quartersquarters Council Member
    SOLVED: hammered a flat head into there and it came out easy.
  • Eagle BeagleEagle Beagle familEE
    i spit
    i dont need a bath...
    glad its solved
    :mrgreen:
  • White&NerdyWhite&Nerdy Senior Wagonist
    Nice!!!

    I'd definitely recommend retapping it for the next larger size plug rather than the method employed on my car. :)
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