Results 1 to 9 of 9

Thread: oil pan drain plug stuck in

  1. #1
    2.0Si User mykwikcoupe's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2002
    Location
    Washington
    Posts
    3,585

    oil pan drain plug stuck in

    Yep the oil pan drain plug wont come out. It turns and you can feel it get tighter and then looser but never starts to unthread. Worst part is its time for the oil change. Do you think its the plug thats stripped or the pan?? Whats the easiest fix. I havent tried applying pressure from a screwdriver prying out while trying to unscrew it yet but thats all I can think of. Anyone know of anything else that doesnt require the pan to be taken out or drilled?



  2. #2
    SEi User PortugalFocus's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Vehicle
    '13 Civic Si 4dr / 05 Saturn VUE 2.2L 5-Spd
    Location
    Clearwater, FL
    Posts
    1,254
    Try taking the next size smaller socket and hammering it on, then try to turn it off. This should be a last resort only. Spray WD-40 on it another option is heat it up with a torch, if your pan is steel and the plug is aluminum they plug will cool faster than the pan and become smaller while the pan is still hot and will stay expanded. then you should be able to wiggle the plug free.

    These are ghetto back yard triks so only use them as a last resort. Or it could be you first choise depening on how you work on cars
    Your 4MB signature image has been deleted.
    ^And I'm going to leave it that way.

  3. #3


    Join Date
    Nov 2000
    Posts
    3,179
    Also, you can try using a vice grip or "Robo grip" on the plug so you can pull downward while loosening. You are probably going to have to replace the plug, anyway. If it is the pan that is stripped you can purchase special, slightly oversized, self threading plugs designed specifically for this purpose. If it is the plug that is stripped it is easy to replace. I am using a Fram "Sure Drain" in place of my oil plug. It sure makes it neat and easy to change the oil! They are available at Wal Mart and most auto parts stores for $12.

  4. #4
    3Geez Veteran smufguy's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2002
    Vehicle
    10/Honda/Ridgeline
    Location
    NJ
    Posts
    7,202
    like mentioned, the threads are most probably fucked up. I dont know if u can retap the threads. Sounds to me you are in need of a new oil pan. If you can find any other way to fix it good, i mean GOOD. give us a heads up. :cool2:

  5. #5


    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Vehicle
    89 Honda Accord LXi, Coupe & Sedan
    Location
    Millington, TN
    Posts
    3,038

    Universal oil pan plug.

    Yes they do make these and thy can save you in a pinch, Retapping our oil pan would be luck at best, hela coil won't do the job here. the best thing to do would be to retack another fine threaded nut to the current fitting and make sure you don't overtighten any more.
    You need to try a spin it off with a impact would be easiest, use a screw driver to apply pressure to the bolt while your turning the bolt out.
    Try the universal at most autoparts stores.
    Hope this helps. LOL
    NSWST8

  6. #6


    Join Date
    Nov 2000
    Posts
    3,179
    Like I said, if it is the oil pan threads that are stripped the oversized plug will do the trick. A long time ago one of my good friends actually dented the front of the oil pan of his 68 Firebird on a speed bump. There was not a plug that would work because the washer seating surface was bent. He got a thing like looked like a heavy rubber balloon. It came with a plastic tool that you use to push the thing into the drain hole. When you removed the tool the thing snapped back into shape and sealed the hole. To get it out you pushed the tool back in and pulled the collar on the outside. The thing worked great and was a lot cheaper than a new oil pan.

    As long as you have a flat surface for a sealing washer you can find a plug that will work. Personally, I use plastic washers rather than the factory metal type. I put one on my Accord after its first oil change in 1989. 212,000 miles later I'm still using the same washer - no leaks.

  7. #7
    DX User
    Join Date
    Jun 2003
    Vehicle
    accord exi '88, A20A4
    Location
    RO
    Posts
    92
    why don't you try one of those electrical oil drainers....that you stick into the oil stick and connect to the lighter....they work great....(and are cheap too)
    peace!

  8. #8
    LX User
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
    Vehicle
    89 Accord LX-i
    Location
    Space Coast Florida
    Posts
    225
    ...stick a screwdriver under the head of the bolt while turning it to get it out, usually it's the plug threads that are galled up (the plugs are made from softer metal), you can try to chase the threads with a tap, or go slightly bigger with the tap, and use a larger diameter bolt for the plug...or get a self tapping replacement plug....dont fool around with it, since it's gonna leak (if it doesnt already), and it will leak more when the oil heats up and thins out, which occurs while yer driving the car...not a good thing.
    Good luck !!!
    My other Honda has 2 more cylinders, and 2 less wheels.

  9. #9
    2.0Si User mykwikcoupe's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2002
    Location
    Washington
    Posts
    3,585
    I got it out and the threads on the plug were all bunged up. the threads in the pan didnt look great but were usable. I used the plug off the engine in the garage to seal it up. We ended up having to use a suspension tuning fork tool to apply equal pressure to both sides of the plug. The screwdriver didnt work. i tried alot.

    Thanks for the help. ill try to retap it during the next oil change

    Oh and TINBOAT do you have CBX by chance

Similar Threads

  1. Drain Plug Solutions
    By SILENT in forum Classic Honda Community Chat
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 10-01-2008, 06:39 PM
  2. coolant drain plug
    By newaccorddriver in forum 3geez Accords
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 11-11-2006, 09:41 PM
  3. oil pan drain plug stuck in
    By mykwikcoupe in forum Classic Honda Community Chat
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 01-17-2004, 06:15 AM
  4. Gas Tank Drain PLug.
    By Dibbs in forum 3geez Accords
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 11-12-2003, 10:00 AM
  5. Where's the radiator drain plug?
    By 89NinjaAccordLX in forum 3geez Accords
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 07-08-2002, 06:48 PM

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
This website uses cookies
We use cookies to store session information to facilitate remembering your login information, to allow you to save website preferences, to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners.
     
Links monetized by VigLink