Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) drain plug STUCK

[jkh]

Put one of theaftermarket oil drain plugs in years ago (I think it was one from Geno's) It has the big thick sealing falnge with a 9/16 hex. Well, I tried draining my oil today and it is stuck. I rounded off the corners with a 6 point impact socket and breaker bar (hindsight, I should have used the impact instead of the breaker bar). I have noticed the last few times I changed it the plug seemed tighter and tighter. I tried a hammer and chisel to break it loose and then I tried a pipe wrench on the big flange. Still nothing. The only other thing I can think of is taking a die grinder and getting rid of the flange. I'm sure that is what is locked up, If I get rid of that the threads should not be tight. Anyone agree or have any other ideas.

 

[NIsaacs]

Whack the center of the plug with a good sized hammer several times, not hard enough to bend the pan but hit hard. It will stretch and should come right out.



Nick

 

[jkh]

Thanks Nick, I will try that. I'll let you know if it worked for me ( I don't have the best of luck around here)

 

[GAmes]

If Nick's suggestion doesn't work, I would go with the grinder and remove the flange.



Once you get it out, get a Fumoto plug. Well over 100 oil changes on mine, doesn't leak and works perfect. FUMOTO FG7B OIL DRAIN VALVE - 22MM ('94-'01)-Dodge Cummins Diesel Truck Accessories - Geno's Garage

 

[RHestand]

If you have enough metal left on the plug, in addition to whacking it like Nick suggested, I would also try a large set of Vice-Grips with curved jaws, then clamping on it as tight as you can.
Also, a technique I always use on stuck nuts/bolts etc. is, instead of just trying to rotate it in the loosening direction, very carefully/gently try using twisting pressure clockwise, then counter-clockwise, back and forth, back and forth. This technique sort of keeps the crud from packing up on one side of the threads. It's worked most of time for me over the years, and I always get a great sigh of relief when I see that first little bit of movement. Believe me, I've been in some situations where it would have been a nightmare to even think about trying to drill, then pick-out the threads of some bolt I've just twisted off!
Ray

 

[Bill Stockard]

Also, a technique I always use on stuck nuts/bolts etc. is, instead of just trying to rotate it in the loosening direction, very carefully/gently try using twisting pressure clockwise, then counter-clockwise, back and forth, back and forth. This technique sort of keeps the crud from packing up on one side of the threads. It's worked most of time for me over the years, and I always get a great sigh of relief when I see that first little bit of movement. Believe me, I've been in some situations where it would have been a nightmare to even think about trying to drill, then pick-out the threads of some bolt I've just twisted off!

Ray

Yep, that technique has worked successfully for me many times too. Last week, I was trying to remove the spark plugs from an old Hercules flat head 4-cylinder engine that haven't been out in at least 30 years. My 3/8" air impact would budge them after soaking in PB Blaster for over 48 hours and I didn't want to use the 1/2" because it would break them off. The back and forth technique finally worked.



Bill

 

[Nyoest]

MIG weld a large nut over the rounded off head. Let it cool then blast out with an impact, then install fumoto drain valve. Those things rock!

 

[Dutch & Di]

Hi JKH. By your description, it sounds like you have one of our oil pan plugs. I'm sorry to hear it is stuck. If you will call me tomorrow at 941-416-0918 10 am to 10 pm 7 days a week AZ time right now, I feel confident that Dutch can tell you how to get the plug out.

We do not ever want an unhappy customer and will do our very best to take care of your situation. Diana owner of Plug It Right.

Put one of theaftermarket oil drain plugs in years ago (I think it was one from Geno's) It has the big thick sealing falnge with a 9/16 hex. Well, I tried draining my oil today and it is stuck. I rounded off the corners with a 6 point impact socket and breaker bar (hindsight, I should have used the impact instead of the breaker bar). I have noticed the last few times I changed it the plug seemed tighter and tighter. I tried a hammer and chisel to break it loose and then I tried a pipe wrench on the big flange. Still nothing. The only other thing I can think of is taking a die grinder and getting rid of the flange. I'm sure that is what is locked up, If I get rid of that the threads should not be tight. Anyone agree or have any other ideas.

 

[jkh]

Hi Diana,

I was afraid someone might get the wrong idea. I'm not at all an unhappy customer, that plug worked great for how long I have had it, I think I got it when you first started marketing them. I don't think I ever changed the gasket, it never leaked but that may be why it locked up. I know I didn't re-install it this tight last time. Probably a factor of the engine vibration over time and the heating and cooling.

You guys have a great product and I would recomend it to anyone that wants a better fix for the junk stock one.

Thanks too for the great customer service you just performed by replying on this thread.

That really shows a quality company.

 

[HerbW]

Remember when you're upside down under your truck which way is tightening and loosening. I seem to reverse them on the oil plug when removing the plug. Just a thought. I hope I'm not insulting anybody.

 

[Dutch & Di]

I didn't feel you were unhappy and I'm glad you still believe in our plug. I just know that Dutch has a suggestion on removing the offending plug but he is just not a computer guy and would like to talk to you on the phone. The gasket shouldn't have been the problem.
I would like to send you a replacement plug at no charge so that you'll have it before you remove the "stuck" plug. If you will PM me or e-mail me {at -- email address removed --} with your full name and address I'll put one in the mail to you. Diana

Hi Diana,
I was afraid someone might get the wrong idea. I'm not at all an unhappy customer, that plug worked great for how long I have had it, I think I got it when you first started marketing them. I don't think I ever changed the gasket, it never leaked but that may be why it locked up. I know I didn't re-install it this tight last time. Probably a factor of the engine vibration over time and the heating and cooling.
You guys have a great product and I would recomend it to anyone that wants a better fix for the junk stock one.
Thanks too for the great customer service you just performed by replying on this thread.
That really shows a quality company.