Question:Oil Drain Plug MM Wrench Size?

[Greg Gore]

Can anyone advise me what the wrench size is for the oil drain plug in a 2003 Chevrolet Venture van with 3.4 engine? I need to get the right metric wrench or socket.

Thanks, Greg

[bleepster]

13 or 14 MM (cant remember)

[Greg Gore]

I recently purchased the 2003 Venture van with 15K miles as a bank repossession. I will be flying out Monday to go pick it up and wanted to change the oil and filter and put Mobil-1 in before heading back home on the 1250 mile trip. I am not familiar with the size tools I will need to take with me on the airplane and wanted to take only what I actually need. I bought a PF-47 oil filter today to see what I need for an oil filter wrench and I have a Snap-On YA-995 3/8" drive cup style wrench that fits the filter. If anyone familiar with changing oil on a 3.4L Venture could give me some tips on what to expect I would be grateful for it; I will be doing this myself in the parking lot. Can you advise if the oil filter and drain plug is easily accessible from underneath? Are there any plastic debris shields that have to be removed for access? For the filter will I need a 3/8 extension between the ratchet and cup wrench or would the usual small band type wrench with a handle work better. Is this a simple job with everything easy to get to?

Thanks, Greg

[cdru]

It should be a 13MM wrench, but take a pair of pliars or an adjustable wrench in case the plug as been mangled (like mine was) or been replaced by a different sized one.

The filter can be changed on the ground, but it's hard without some ramps to drive it up on. It will also usually a messy job due to where the filter is positioned.

Why don't you just take it to a Quick Lube type place and give them the materials. $20+materials would beat doing an oil change in a parking lot anyday. Plus doing it there you don't have to worry about catching and disposing of the old oil.

[jhong1226]

15 mm

[gkindub]

CDRU is right. Removing the oil filter will result in a major oil spill. PS: Working under the hood or underneath the U-platform vans is never as simple as you might think. About the only hassle-free job on these vans is changing the PCV valve.

[cdru]

Originally Posted by bleepster

13 or 14 MM (cant remember)

Originally Posted by cdru

It should be a 13MM wrench

Originally Posted by jhong1226

15 mm

I could have swore on mine it was a 13 because I always think it should be larger, but it's not. Bring em both.

['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by cdru

The filter can be changed on the ground, but it's hard without some ramps to drive it up on. It will also usually a messy job due to where the filter is positioned.

100% Out of the 20 vehicles I have owned in the last 21 years, I'd have to say the 2 worst vehicles I have ever had to change the oil on are my 2 1997 Ventures. The filter is in an awkward position, and I can always expect a mess when I undo it to replace it. The drain plug isn't that bad though.