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Stuck oil drain plug

Featured Replies

Any tips for removing one?

I've had PB blaster soaking on this sunnavabich for nearly an hour, and I am still having no luck getting it off.

 

Also, just to confirm for me, which way should the plug be turning?

Clockwise or anti-clockwise?

 

Thanks,

Grumpy

Doubt it it's rusted. Try a 1/2" drive 6 point socket on an 18" breaker bar,if you don't have the impact wrench and find a new mechanic. Proper torque is only around 30 ftlbs., if that.

  • Author

Thanks guys, found a suitable socket wrench and the thing came loose after a few good pulls.

 

I'm throwing the whole plug and gasket, fitting with a new one because the corners are a little rounded off now...

 

WHEW! :D

 

PS. You guys are QUICK on here!

ya use the proper metric socket with a 12'' socket wrench, oyu shouldnt have to over torque those darn things, i think someone way back when said that all his oil drained out because he didnt torque the oil plug enuf, since then everyone has been like, "torque that B**CH down boys, ahuk."

 

 

 

 

~Josh~

One way to forget all those problems (stuck plug, finding right torque, stripped threads, plug falling into oil catch pan, oil getting all over your hands and on the floor, etc.) is bying a Fumoto valve. A flick of the lever and your oil starts to drain, one flich of the lever and it's closed. Had it for over three years and am very happy with it.

http://www.fumotovalve.com/

Torque spec for the drain plug is 40Nm, which is as stated above roughly 30ftlbs. I always tighten bolts with my torque wrench.

 

I think the grease monkeys at most dealers just overtighten everything, thinking that way nothing will fall off. Overtightening IS dangerous, bolts can break suddenly under later stress.

One way to forget all those problems (stuck plug, finding right torque, stripped threads, plug falling into oil catch pan, oil getting all over your hands and on the floor, etc.) is bying a Fumoto valve. A flick of the lever and your oil starts to drain, one flich of the lever and it's closed. Had it for over three years and am very happy with it.

http://www.fumotovalve.com/

That valve bothers me. What if a stick or something got stuck in there just enough to acuate the valve. . . I'll stay with the standard drain plug, thank you very much. . . HTere is such a thing as too easy. . .

I've had the Fumoto valve on three Subarus, three Volvos and a Toyota and its made oil changes much quicker & cleaner. The first thing I do when I get a new car is buy one. The actuation of the valve requires two movements and accidental activation would be extremely difficult to cause.

 

 

Bill

I've had the Fumoto valve on three Subarus, three Volvos and a Toyota and its made oil changes much quicker & cleaner. The first thing I do when I get a new car is buy one. The actuation of the valve requires two movements and accidental activation would be extremely difficult to cause.

 

 

Bill

I agree with Gnuman, this puts the valve down way to low if you hit a curb or go on off road trials like I do it would be way to risky.
I agree with Gnuman, this puts the valve down way to low if you hit a curb or go on off road trials like I do it would be way to risky.

It's a matter of choice of course. I was only stating what my experience has been. Add to that the fact that I have been on this board and on alt.autos.subarus for more than five years, know that many have the fumoto valve or something similar and I've never read a single post from someone having had the kind of trouble some here are fearing.

But I've read numerous posts of drivers having had trouble with the standard plug.

And I think people doing serious off road should have a skid plate anyway. If you go places where the valve could be damaged, you're goint to places where your oil pan could be punctured.

Yeah, but the standard skid plate on the Legacy BC7 I owned DID protect the oil pan (I made use of the plate too!) but a fumoto valve would stick out an be just past level with the plate.

 

Meaning you would need to fit a new plate.

 

I have often been tempted to fit a fumoto, since I replace my oil every three months, but I must admit that I share "the fear" :-)

It's a matter of choice of course. I was only stating what my experience has been. Add to that the fact that I have been on this board and on alt.autos.subarus for more than five years, know that many have the fumoto valve or something similar and I've never read a single post from someone having had the kind of trouble some here are fearing.

But I've read numerous posts of drivers having had trouble with the standard plug.

And I think people doing serious off road should have a skid plate anyway. If you go places where the valve could be damaged, you're goint to places where your oil pan could be punctured.

I just fear adding a failure point to my vehicle. Even a good curb shot could take the valve off, or a wayward rock. I do not do serious wheeling with my subaru but have bounced a few rocks off my underside from time to time.
Yeah, but the standard skid plate on the Legacy BC7 I owned DID protect the oil pan (I made use of the plate too!) but a fumoto valve would stick out an be just past level with the plate.

 

Meaning you would need to fit a new plate.

 

I have often been tempted to fit a fumoto, since I replace my oil every three months, but I must admit that I share "the fear" :-)

Maybe we've got the scenario for a new asian horror movie here : the Fumoto fear!!!!!! :)

Setright, I will look at it more closely next time my head is under the car... but in my opinion - and i remember it was a reason why I was at ease with the valve - the valve does'nt protrude under he pan bottom level. I dont know how it is with your car, but on mine the oil plug opening is on the side of the pan.

 

Just when you thought it was safe to scoot under the car....

 

Fumoto Valve!

 

Coming soon...Only in Cinemas

Buy the valve, they are most excellent. Quit what if'ing the frikin' thing to death.

 

What if your oil pan got hit by lightning while you were racing up Pike's peak?

 

What if a train track rail suddenly popped up off the roadway and knocked off the valve?

 

What if, What if, What if...

[i had the same problem with my old Mercedes and a mechanic fro germany said give a good rap with a hammer on oil plug. Never was frustrated again!

  • 2 weeks later...

Those Fumoto valves are pretty cool but I wouldn't reccomend one if you do any kind of off-roading. I have heard people say they use them while off roading and had no problems but I wouldn't want to be the exception.

What if your oil pan got hit by lightning while you were racing up Pike's peak?

What if a train track rail suddenly popped up off the roadway and knocked off the valve?

Yes, Yes, Yes! That's exactly what happened to me!

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