Oil Plug

[jet64155]

I have a 1997 F150 4.6L. I can not seem to get the oil plug off. I turn and turn and turn and nothing seems to happen. I don't usually change the plug with every change, but I probably do change it once a year or so. Have I somehow stripped the plug? If so, how do I get the thing off and get a new one in? Thanks in advance.

[wafrederick]

Try a good 6 point socket first.There are special sockets out there for rounded off fasteners and I know Sears does sell them

[jet64155]

I can see the plug turning, the head of the plug isn't stripped, it just isn't coming off. A 6 point socket still might get it to come loose?

[FNA]

I'm very confused. What plug are you talking about? "I don't usually change the plug with every change, but I probably do change it once a year or so."

You can't possibly mean the drain plug - do you?

[jet64155]

Yes, I am talking about the drain plug. It turns and turns but won't come out.

[FNA]

This is just a guess, but it won't sound good.

The threads for the drain plug are not just cut into the oil pan. A threaded nut (not really a nut , but...) is tack welded inside the pan for the plug to screw into. You have somehow broken that nut free (overtorque comes to mind).

It won't matter what tool you put on the plug.

Here's the laugh - the easy way is probably to drop the pan. This is almost certainly the right way - if my guess is right.

Quick & dirty thing to try: pry out, with a screwdriver or something, from under the plug head while trying to turn it. Maybe the nut will catch on its former mountings.

Not quick but dirtier: braze completely around existing plug so it is now oil tight. Drill and tap for new plug through old plug. SInce this is an oil pan, this probably won't work - too oily to weld, but I'm not a welder.

Again, let me stress all this above is a guess.

Here's another one - the plug itself is stripped and can't get started in the female thread. I like the first guess better.

I am not guessing as much when I suspect that demon overtorque has you by the coattails and is dragging you to hell. I used to be in the business. I have drained and replaced the oil from thousands of cars. By now, you can probably guess how many drain plugs I have replaced. Hence my confusion.

[jet64155]

Ok, please keep in my mind I am not a car guy. Is dropping the pan a tough job? Is it a matter of just loosening some nuts and down it comes, or do I have to work around pumps, vacuums, and such?

Thanks,

[FNA]

"please keep in my mind I am not a car guy"

Then pay somebody to fix your truck. This (R & R oil pan) is not a job for you. Even if you can get the plug out with the quick and dirty method I gave, you will have to pay someone to repair the pan.

It won't be cheap.