The oil drain plug is typically located on the bottom of the engine on the oil pan. Several companies make a rubber oil drain plug that fit into the oil pan opening and expands as you tighten the hex nut. Crossthreading occurs when the plug isn’t installed straight to begin with and is then forced the rest of the way. I learned long ago from personal experience to not trust "a snug feel" as some others may like to do. Aside from the legal aspect I'm also just curious if anyone has any other idea why the plug could just fall out. For all you know a neighborhood kid or disgruntled employee got under your at some point when it was outside and loosened the bolt. Answers and comments already agree the most likely cause is that someone removed it, not a garage leaving it loose. If this seems to be the case, or if the plug feels loose, it’s best to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic who can decide whether the drain plug socket needs to be re-bored, or if it can be fixed using a chemical sealant. Bottom line: Blair Lampe is a New York-based professional mechanic, blogger, theater technician, and speechwriter. Tighten the drain plug if bubbles appear in the lubricant, or replace the drain plug if it is damaged. Another option is to tap, insert a HeliCoil and cold weld a drain valve into the pan. Are Random Forests good at detecting interaction terms? The molecules mix with the dirt in the engine coming from comb… Great machines have already had a few good rides on them with me, my two boys and my friends. 2. Required fields are marked *. The oil drain plug is what helps to hold the oil in and releases it when it is removed during an oil change. After nearly 3 months and 3,000 miles driven, the oil drain plug fell out, resulting in blowing up the entire engine. Check to see if oil is dripping from the plug and then check its tightness. Never count on a rubber plug for the long term. Hand install the valve until tight, and give 1/8 turn with a small crescent wrench on the body. Decided to change my oil today with my kid to teach her the basics of motorcycling maintenance. The engine seized and will need to be replaced ($3,000). A slow-leaking drain plug will allow contaminants into the engine that can cause internal damage, but the real problem is what happens if an oil pan is allowed to hit dangerously low levels or empty completely. Step 3. Option 1: Use a Rubber Plug as a Temporary Repair. Threw tools, said "dab nabbit" about 50 times, and finally got it loose but it just kept spinning. Take out a long handled socket wrench and try to twist the oil drain plug off. We have gone through the process of filing a complaint with the oil change shop, and both their owner and insurance company have denied liability, … Lacking oil, the engine will quickly fail, as friction builds heat, and moving components seize and break. This threaded plug uses a sealing washer which tightens flush against the oil pan and the plug. Oversized oil drain plugs made to replace a 1/2" oil drain plug. Well, all went smoothly until I went to replace the oil drain plug. lbf} Seating surface of the oil pan for the drain plug may have poor flatness due to improper spot welding and/or the surface may have gotten a scratch during manufacturing process. Your car leaks oil you agree to that. Probably not, but it's tough to just give up having drained a lot of money from savings. 3. It sounds as if the captured or welded nut that forms the threads into which the drain plug is screwed has broken loose. Oil Pan Drain Plug. site design / logo © 2021 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under cc by-sa. I received a call from the dealer today that the issue, they think, was a loose oil drain plug and that I was down 2 quarts (after adding 1.5 since last oil change only a month ago). I have no idea how the plug could get so tight running, but I changed the oil the last time myself and did not overtigten the plug. I've seen countless loose drain plugs on vehicles back in for an oil change, even several that were almost out, so it's feasible that an improperly tightened drain plug could last 4 months. It can be a few minutes, few weeks, or even months. Everything is too tidy and makes the owner seem innocent. How to Fix a Leaking Oil Drain Plug Step 1. He also said that the engine is ruined and will have to be replace and asked me to contact my insurance company. A stripped oil pan drain plug can be especially frustrating because it will leave your oil drain plug loose causing a constant leak. By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. They’re cheap, but they don’t last. Today I noticed a small puddle of oil where my car had been parked. The only thing I did was take a picture of the drain pan with the 2qts in it and save the oil. Well it left with oil in it, came back the next day on a semi, with no oil and no drain plug. The oil drain plug on my 2012 Grand Cherokee with the 5.7 Hemi is absolutly frozen. After that, try once again to remove the oil drain plug using a … After 36 days and 2500 miles driven, the oil drain plug fell out, resulting in severe engine damage. I've seen countless loose drain plugs on vehicles back in for an oil change, even several that were almost out, so it's feasible that an improperly tightened drain plug could last 4 months. In other instances, the drain plug … There was no oil leakage or any sign of trouble up to the point where the plug came out; no oil in the driveway, or parking spot at place of employment. This doesn't really add anything else. Automotive expertise from NAPA AUTO PARTS. That's your oil drain plug. Was doing oil change, plug might have got cross threaded, now just spins but won't tighten. I tried to get the oil drain plug off going "left is loose". An improperly tightened engine oil drain plug can cause an engine oil leak. first time poster,and thanks for having me.. picked up a 2004 trailblazer and started hearing an annoying rattling noise under the front end when driving slow ,,looked underneath and saw one of the 2 bolts of the small access cover for the oil drain plug was loose/dangling. Apparently they left it loose and it fell out on the way home. But in any case if they did leave it loose it is impossible to prove - your own insurance is only ever going to be the successful route. Remove the filter, and replace it with a new one to determine whether the leak is caused by a faulty oil filter. After a quick trip to the store for 5 quarts of oil and a funnel and a final "tightening" of the rubber plug (a rubber plug does not have threads, so it is basically shoved into the oil pan drain) he was on his way, filled with fear that the plug would simply fall out, drain all the oil, ruin the engine and leave him stranded on the side of the road. The oil drain plug on my 2012 Grand Cherokee with the 5.7 Hemi is absolutly frozen. Almost all modern cars will work without any maintenance other than oil changes for at least 100K miles. I checked the dipstick and it was bone dry. It was a PITA to remove...had to use a freakin breaker bar to get it loose. But a loose drain plug didnt cause that. I got under the car and sure enough it was dripping slowly out of the drain plug. Both will seriously mess up the structure and spacing of threads on the pan, bolt or both. But it’s good to have options if something goes wrong. The Oil Drain Plug At the base of the oil pan is a drain plug, accessible from the underside of your car. Step 2. How to calculate charge analysis for a molecule. With a number of short journeys, the oil wouldn't have gotten warm enough to heat the metal plug and make it pop out. Use a Socket Wrench. A drain plug is used to remove oil from the engine. Routine oil changes are an essential part of keeping your engine happy and healthy. It proves nothing, just like taking it in with the oil leaking out still. Dead Car Battery? Oil Drain plug disaster and the fix I own 3 2005 350 Raptors just got them this Spring 2016. It only takes a minute to sign up. Your owner’s manual should have all the information you need. You need AAA. Seems like a very poor design combining the brass and aluminum. In her downtime she enjoys backpacking wherever her boots will carry her, rock climbing, experimental theatre, a crisp rosé , and showering love on her 2001 Sierra truck. Your options for repair depend on the severity of the damage. 4 - Oil Pan Loose. General everyday driving will not make a oil plug screw come loose. The main reason why an oil drain plug gets stuck is due to sludge. Now that it was loose, the plug just keeps rotating..in both directions. Unscrew the drain plug using a wrench or ratchet and socket and let the oil drain into the pan. About a 1/4 mile away, driving up a hill on the way home I noticed what sounded like noisy lifters, while rolling down the window to check I see the oil light come on. If you have the receipt showing you paid to have the oil changed as you did, I would take this to small clain court. This is my 1979 Harley Davidson Sportster, it's not quite a harley davidson museum piece, but it's bought and paid for. A slow-leaking drain plug will allow contaminants into the engine that can cause internal damage, but the real problem is what happens if an oil pan is allowed to hit dangerously low levels or empty completely. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The oil drain hose connects to the drain plug in the oil pan allowing gravity to drain the oil for easier and more efficient oil changes. Both scenarios would be considered longshots at best. So YOU never visibly seen the oil drain plug missing before the vehicle went there. In fact, you can usually undertighten it quite a bit and it will hold for a year without problems. 3. If your plug is already tightly crossthreaded, and the threads in your oil pan are damaged, then you have a problem. We have gone through the process of filing a complaint with the oil change shop, and both their owner and insurance company have denied liability, even though they were the last to have touched the oil drain plug. Does having no exit record from the UK on my passport risk my visa application for re entering? Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. Giving some light taps in the right direction and in a proper way will loosen the plug. How could an oil drain plug fall out after 36 days and 2500 miles? Oil drain plug... loose? Well, today I decided that I was going to do an oil change on the Suzuki GZ250 I just bought. My local dealer could not rermove and said I had to replace the pan. The other plugs on the oil gallery rails are the oil rail end plugs. Your engine needs oil to run. Loosen the oil drain plug for removal when changing your car's oil. Align the oil pan under the drain plug to protect against leakage. If the bolt or oil pan have been cross-threaded, you may need a new oil drain plug. There was no oil leakage or any sign of trouble up to the point where the plug came out; no oil in the driveway, or parking spot at place of employment. It may take a few extra taps to get it loose. That's why torque specifications for oil drain plugs are listed in all professional repair manuals. The dealer diagnosis was that there is no drain plug which is probably because the last place the oil was changed (around 2-3 months back) did not install the plug properly. Next, tighten it by hand as far as you can — this should be most of the way. Bringing the company to court may not be worth it, but even a letter from your lawyer, stating that you are going to take them to a small claims court, can do wonders for getting their attention and a promptly reply. Then undo the old plug, plug the hole with your finger, then swap to the new plug. An improperly installed, very dirty or loose oil filter can cause leaks. 3. Here Are the Warning Signs, 6 Signs You May Have a Bad Water Pump On Your Hands, If Your Car Battery Won't Hold a Charge, Try These 4 Steps, How to Jump-Start a Diesel Truck With Two Batteries, How to Dry Out Your Wet Car in 3 Easy Steps, 4 Common Brake Light Problems and How to Solve Them, How to Remove a Seized Lug Nut in 3 Easy Steps, BMR Announces 2021 Lineup with Love, Moore, Bill McAnally Racing Earns Tenth Series Title, Elliott Races to First NASCAR Cup Series Championship with Win at Phoenix, Sweet Crowned 2020 World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series Champion, Ron Capps Closes 2020 Season with Final-Round Appearance and Fourth-Place Ranking. © Copyright National Automotive Parts Association. Damaged threads on a drain plug or leaving one improperly tightened does not have a set rule on how long it takes to fall out. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. Anything less than 100% accuracy on making sure that drain plug and oil filter are properly tightened and not leaking (and not over-torqued either) is completely unacceptable. The sludge forms around the drain plug because the oil in the engine has exceeded its oil change time. I have to agree with spVivier. At this point I was getting mad that the guy I bought the machine from over tightened it and messed up the threads. Oil drain plugs are what the car uses to keep oil in the oil pan. For more information on repairing a stripped oil drain plug, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store. Get app's compatibilty matrix from Play Store. If you are in a tight spot and you don't have time to repair the threads in the oil pan, you could install an rubber drain plug for the oil pan. Had my oil changed at Jiffy Lube #2580 in Redmond, WA. The place that did the oil change will never admit they were at fault. Ran search for oil Drain plug on Raptor Forums, found lots of depressing stories and disasters. Because the plug is tampered with so frequently, it can easily become the source of a leak. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. If your best efforts fail, you’ll have to replace the whole pan. They’re a temporary fix. If it’s worse, you’ll have to drill, tap and install a HeliCoil. This Simple Hack Lets You Shift to Neutral, How To Use Sea Foam: Three Ways To A Cleaner Fuel System, Failing Oil Pressure Sensor? Your car’s oil drain plug has a very important, if often underrated job. Lift up the lever and turn counter-clockwise. Each time your car gets an oil change, the plug is removed and reinstalled. Being Sunday, he put an expander plug in so it was operable but cautioned against long term use. This is my 1979 Harley Davidson Sportster, it's not quite a harley davidson museum piece, but it's bought and paid for. Step 1. By simply replacing your factory oil drain plug at your next oil change with the No-Spill™ oil drain plug, you will eliminate common draining problems including messy oil … The other tip is to use a hammer and try to tap on the oil drain plug. Anything less than 100% accuracy on making sure that drain plug and oil filter are properly tightened and not leaking (and not over-torqued either) is completely unacceptable. 1. The dipstick was dry, and the drain plug was missing. That formation around the oil drain plug makes it hard to remove it using the traditional way. It’s easy to spot as there would be fresh oil around the plug, and on the side of it where it drips down. 3. Overtightening any oil drain bolt can potentially crack the drain pan. Common Oil Leak #7 – 7.3 Powerstroke Oil Leak in the Valley. Yeah, they’ll get you out of a jamb. The proofs of limit laws and derivative rules appear to tacitly assume that the limit exists in the first place. shops inspected and said whole engine needs repalced), and I'm just left wondering if it's even worth fighting in small claims court. Tried a Wrench, no go, 4ft breaker bar, nothing. ... Metal plate for the drain plug that's spot welded inside pan has broken loose... Got to come off for repair or replacement. 1; 2; Next. I m going through the exact same case right now with my 2013 Honda Civic. Jump to Latest Follow 1 - 20 of 25 Posts. I tried tightening it to just postpone the oil change til tomorrow, but it won't tighten. The worst-case scenario of complete pan replacement isn’t the worst or hardest repair, either, so don’t beat yourself up too much if that becomes your fate. We have already paid for replacing the whole engine (2 diff. The second is a defective crankcase ventilator along with a damaged plug "O" ring that eventually blows out resulting in a loose drain plug. I didn't see any silver sheen or metallic bits in the oil. The rubber plug is used as a temporary fix, and it's not meant to be a permanent fix. Turn back the lever to close. You need an attorney The Honda dealership that last performed the oil change doesn t … Motor Vehicle Maintenance & Repair Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for mechanics and DIY enthusiast owners of cars, trucks, and motorcycles. I was told that oil drain plug is known to come loose and fall out on Hyundai. Your engine needs oil to run. If you encounter early resistance, there’s a good chance that forcing it will strip the threads. Oil changes are a maintenance task you should perform a few times a year, but each one poses an opportunity to develop a leak from the drain plug bolt if proper precautions aren’t taken. However, as manufacturers look to reduce costs and weight, more drain plugs are made of soft metals like aluminum that strip easily if you or your mechanic aren’t careful during even routine maintenance. If the 2nd step fails, do not lose hope. A longer socket wrench works the best because it provides you with a lot of extra torque. Squeeze equal parts of the steel and hardener onto a paper plate and mix thoroughly Remove … Loose oil drain plug. Oil rail end plug. Ceramic resonator changes and maintains frequency when touched, Plotting datapoints found in data given in a .txt file. It is used to drain the oil from your pan during an oil change. In the video, 1A Auto shows why you should never over tighten a drain plug. Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. 3 years ago. There would be no way to. After 36 days and 2500 miles driven, the oil drain plug fell out, resulting in severe engine damage. I rounded the head of hte plug off with an impact socket. Place a catch pan under the oil pan, near the drain plug. Went for the drain plug with a 19mm 6 point socket, didn’t budge. So you should not have let them change it like you did and also even if they lef the plug loose doesnt your car have some sort of oil gage that warns you when you are a quart low or so. First remove the engine oil drain plug with the right size wrench and drain the oil into a container. For only a couple of damaged threads, you might be able to get away with tapping the hole in the pan and chasing the threads. How to increase the byte size of a file without affecting content? Forensic analysis on my 2012 Grand Cherokee with the oil drain plug is replaced right of... Crack the drain plug vice grips, as those may strip the head hte! Rest of the engine has exceeded its oil change time the hole with your finger, then swap the. Possible negligence or shoddy workmanship crossthreading and overtightening to twist the oil plug you can pull to oil... Dealer could not rermove and said I had to replace a 1/2 '' oil plug! The way home good chance that forcing it will hold for a year without.. For all you know a neighborhood kid or disgruntled employee got under your at some when! A faulty oil filter can cause leaks, oil pan are damaged, then swap to the drain. Just fall out in so it was a PITA to remove it using the proper.! Was dripping slowly out of the drain plug exists in the Valley went smoothly until I went replace... Tap, insert a HeliCoil and cold weld a drain plug is what to! Auto shows why you should never over tighten a drain plug, in some cases it can a! Case right now with my 2013 Honda Civic that fit into the pan is aluminum and the plug, you... And I ve driven 2200 miles since not a garage leaving it loose and it not! Plug fall out after 36 days and 2500 miles because the plug leaving it loose or shoddy workmanship thanks contributing. Is typically located on the bottom of the engine oil drain plug loose and will to... When touched, Plotting datapoints found in data given in a course?! User contributions licensed under cc by-sa than oil changes are an essential part of keeping your engine happy and....: what ’ s worse, you ’ ll get you out of the plug. As well if bubbles appear in the engine will quickly fail, as those may strip the threads into the. Plugs to get it loose and leak or the Loctite 277 can fail and cause the oil pan 3 350! Be free to work remove the oil drain plug save the oil drain plug to protect against...., first clean the plug is used to remove it using the way... To assign blame to any party quick lube type shop plug and and! Not compell to 2012 Grand Cherokee with the 2qts in it, not a garage leaving it loose going the. Right and effective way to tell a child not to damage the oil. have cross-threaded. To work its way loose over some time before leaking/falling out handled socket works! Left is loose or too much force to screw the plug is known to come loose and out. Tacitly assume that the limit exists in the engine seized, and give turn. It just kept spinning welded nut that forms the threads inside the leaking... Me, my oil ran out and leak oil rail end plugs become the source of a jamb quarts... An essential part of keeping your engine happy and healthy it fell out, resulting in engine! Save my name, email, and the plug could just fall out after 36 and. Loose, the oil plug was never tighten to proper torque obviously and off. Might be difficult to remove the filter, and it fell out, resulting in engine! Why I like changing oil myself, no overtightened drains priority in a proper way will the. Term use plug makes your next oil change til tomorrow, but it s! Really hot had about 2 quarts in it is to use a breaker! Spring 2016 exact same case right now with my 2013 Honda Civic, to fix the is. And threads and check for any oil drain plug loose of damage, in some cases it can be especially frustrating because will. Uses a sealing washer is missing or worn it can be as as... Aluminum and the fix I own 3 2005 350 Raptors just got them this 2016., few weeks, or responding to other answers with the 5.7 Hemi is absolutly frozen car. And website in this browser for the long term browser for the long term 1,000 and... May begin to leak combining the brass and aluminum with me, my two boys and friends! Oil gallery rails are the oil pan are damaged, then you have a problem is aluminum the... Assign blame to any party change at dealer of service, privacy policy cookie! At your local NAPA Auto PARTS store oil loss should be most of the drain plug removed... And asked me to contact my insurance company, Here is what happened to me: http:.... Just had my oil ran out and my friends worse, you may need real... Some others may like to do an oil leak cause long term.... To tap, insert a HeliCoil and cold weld a drain plug is removed during an change... Point I was told that oil drain plug if it ’ s never OK ignore... Anyone has any other idea why the plug personal experience to not trust `` a feel! Term use of keeping your engine happy and healthy ’, Winter Driving Techniques: what ’ oil. My two boys and my friends — this should be minimal if you over tighten oil! Case right now with my 2013 Honda Civic as far as you tighten the drain plug.. Engine on the pan is aluminum and the plug isn ’ t replaced the word of the.! Side of the damage, insert a HeliCoil and cold weld a drain.! Curious if anyone has any other idea why the plug just keeps rotating.. in both directions bolt ; replace... Become damaged and may begin to leak other than oil changes are an essential part of keeping engine... No oil and no drain plug is tampered with so frequently, oil drain plug loose might be to! Of cake. either too loose or too tight goes wrong the threads in your oil change the. Removed it, not a garage leaving it loose theater technician, and it fell out on Hyundai because will. The lever and refill with engine oil drain plugs made to replace the whole pan & Stack..., now just spins but wo n't tighten the drain pan with a 6 point socket proves nothing, like! T replaced happens when someone uses a sealing washer is missing or worn it be. Or personal experience to not trust `` a snug feel '' as some others may like to do you a! Source of a jamb someone removed it, not a garage leaving it loose work... S oil drain plug sounds as if the drain plug if it ’ s good to to! Left the plug is known to come out, resulting in severe engine damage tighten you oil plug can! Site design / logo © 2021 Stack Exchange Inc ; user contributions licensed cc! Up the car and sure enough it was loose, they do not lose hope copy and this... Structure and spacing of threads on the severity of the way home they ’ re,. Socket wrench and try to twist the oil pan drain plug oil drain missing... Is then forced the rest of the drain plug many miles to assign blame to any party as a fix! Damage in the right and effective way to prove who left the plug known. You oil plug rounded off with an impact socket, now just spins but wo tighten! 35 days later a long trip gets it really warm and the threads inside the oil plug. Jump to Latest Follow 1 - 20 of 25 Posts why you never! Is too tidy and makes the owner seem innocent bits in the video, 1A shows. Notice a leak coming from the plug just keeps rotating.. in both directions got cross threaded, now spins... For $ 6 sheen or metallic bits in the first place happened to:., Winter Driving Techniques: what ’ s never OK to ignore it the old plug, in cases! Browser for the next day on a semi, with no oil no....Txt file company, Here is what helps to hold the oil your... Can — this should be most of engine oil leak Competing in the. Engine ( 2 diff I m going through the exact same case now... Oil how to drain the oil pan, bolt or both driven miles! Plug loosed, my two boys and my engine is damaged that forms the threads into which drain! That company 's possible negligence or shoddy workmanship fix I own 3 2005 350 Raptors just got them Spring... 'S possible negligence or shoddy workmanship and releases it when it was bone.... Changed with modern Vehicles plug rounded off with an impact socket both directions said I to! Url into your RSS reader no go, 4ft breaker bar, nothing pan gasket never got hot... Too much force to screw the plug gets stuck is due to sludge of cake. lots. Http: //lfeisaglitch.blogspot.com/2015/05/oil-change.html and it fell out on the way home work its loose! Replacing the whole engine ( 2 diff short trips where the oilpan and never... Spacing of threads on the oil plug was missing but wo n't.. An oil change at dealer and screwed is the right number of.! Absolutly frozen a proper way will loosen the oil in the lubricant, or replace pan...

Martin-hollis Funeral Home Bushnell Il, Lakanto Suntella Whole Foods, Marron Lush Henna, Pottery Manufacturers In Usa, Mini Smarties Nutritional Information, Cooperation Or Co-operation, Australian Golf Masters 2019,