How to Remove a Stuck Oil Drain Plug – Jalopnik

There are a few pros and cons of a DIY oil change. For example, a stuck oil filter is one of the problems that can hinder the technicians in the house. Fortunately, filters usually fail when special tools, some elbow grease and a lot of patience are used. Another thing to look out for is a stuck oil drain plug, especially one with rounded edges that seems impossible to grab with a regular wrench. Draining the oil will be virtually impossible if the drain plug remains stuck, and the problem can be exacerbated if the oil plug leaks oil.

Before we go any further, a warning: we’re talking about old-fashioned metal sump sumps and drain plugs, not plastic oil pans with single-use oil drain plugs. For starters, many plastic drain plugs are installed or removed by hand, which means you shouldn’t be able to overtighten them in the same way you would with tools. We will discuss the procedures to remove a stuck metal drain plug from an aluminum or metal oil pan, so keep this in mind before proceeding.

Let’s start with the basics. A proven method is to take a combination wrench and use the end of the box to grip the oil drain plug and turn it counterclockwise. Remember: lefty loosey, righty tighty is the way to go because you don’t want to tighten an already tight plug any further. Place the box end of the wrench over the plug and give it a few taps with your palm. With any luck, it should break loose without further drama.

If that still doesn’t work, you can try something with a longer handle, like a breaker bar or a cheater bar, to get more leverage. If it still won’t turn, tap the drain plug with a punch and a hammer or soft hammer, but don’t hit it like you’re driving a nail through wood. Give it a few gentle taps with the hammer before using the wrench to turn it.

In extreme cases, heating the oil drain plug with a torch may be sufficient, but be careful not to burn hoses or other parts near or around the drain plug, and remember to thoroughly clean up any incoming oil or other flammable liquids before beginning. It doesn’t take much heat to expand the metals and hopefully you can loosen the plug. Apply steady heat directly to the drain plug and grab your wrench to loosen it. If you are still unable to remove the plug, more expensive repairs may be required and you will need to contact a professional technician.

Meanwhile, neglect, a lack of periodic maintenance, or simply not changing the oil regularly can result in sludge buildup in the engine. Sludge is a contaminant-filled, broken down oil, and its thick, sticky consistency is bad news for bearings, piston rings, oil passages and everything else in the engine. And because sludge has a rather abrasive texture, it can cause oil filters and drain plugs to seize if the threads become contaminated.

Additionally, make it a habit to replace the washer on the drain plug with every oil change. This creates a tighter seal between the plug and the oil pan, preventing leaks and other problems. Some drain plugs have disposable washers that must be replaced before reinstalling in the oil pan. Either way, replacing the washer is cheap insurance against possible oil leaks and stuck drain plugs.