Oil drain plug spins around but doesn't come off

I went to change the oil on my 1998 S-10 with a 2.2 liter and the oil plug doesn't loosen and also won't tighten up it just spins freely both ways.It isn't leaking or anything and I 've had the oil changed every 3000 and know one ever said they had a problem with it. This is the first time i've ever gone under it to do it myself.Is there a secret to taking the drain plug off I don't know about or do I have a problem?Thanks for any info anyone can give me on this......Roger

It sounds as if the captured or welded nut that forms the threads into which the drain plug is screwed has broken loose. And screwed is the word of the day here. First thoughts are you are going to have to remove the oil pan and either reweld the nut or replace the pan. Maybe someone else on the board has experienced this and figured a different way.

This is just another reason to do the minor servicing on your vehicle yourself. The neandrathal working "the pit" at your local "Spee Dee Loob" probably figures if snug is good, tight is better when dealing with your (and evryone else's) oil plug.... and this is the result.

At least it isn't leaking...........

mike

It sounds as if the captured or welded nut that forms the threads into which the drain plug is screwed has broken loose. And screwed is the word of the day here. First thoughts are you are going to have to remove the oil pan and either reweld the nut or replace the pan. Maybe someone else on the board has experienced this and figured a different way.

This is just another reason to do the minor servicing on your vehicle yourself. The neandrathal working "the pit" at your local "Spee Dee Loob" probably figures if snug is good, tight is better when dealing with your (and evryone else's) oil plug.... and this is the result.

At least it isn't leaking...........

mike
Thanks for the info Mike I appreciate it very much.

For what it's worth, here is a couple of things you can do or try. If the bolt is simply stripped out you can take a small pair of vice grips etc and pull and turn the bolt out. Most stripped bolts will still come out if pressure of pull applied. You can buy "oversize" replacement bolts at most auto parts stores. I know Advance and NAPA stock them. If that does not work then most likely the captive nut is loose and nothing short of removing pan will fix that. However, if you don't want to deal with that and it is not leaking you can get oil change kits that let you remove oil through the dipstick tube. Might be an option for you.

For what it's worth, here is a couple of things you can do or try. If the bolt is simply stripped out you can take a small pair of vice grips etc and pull and turn the bolt out. Most stripped bolts will still come out if pressure of pull applied. You can buy "oversize" replacement bolts at most auto parts stores. I know Advance and NAPA stock them. If that does not work then most likely the captive nut is loose and nothing short of removing pan will fix that. However, if you don't want to deal with that and it is not leaking you can get oil change kits that let you remove oil through the dipstick tube. Might be an option for you.
Thanks for the great info I was actually thinking about one of those oil pumps were you eliminate the oil drain plug all together.I see they are $17.95 at JC Whitney.Thanks

you could pump the oil for every oil change but keep in mind that as the miles rack up so does metal grindings from the wear and tear on the motor on the start up, these grindings could one day cause your oil pump to get weaker

=40-50 bucks for an oil pan
=maybe 10 bucks to weld the nut back in (free if you have a welder
=or engine replacement