stripped oil drain bolt - Benzworld.org

Joey Baggs · 07-22-2008, 08:43 AM

anyone have a good way to break loose a stripped oil pan bolt? It never occured to me to check the oil drain bolt when I bought the Benz, but apparently I should have. This thing is stripped to all hell. I've tried everything to get it off, but just is not happening.

anyone got some special trick to breaking it loose? I really need to change the oil before this weekend.

also, anyone have info on a replacement plug if/when I get it off? What size, where to get, etc. any info is appreciated.

OliverK · 07-22-2008, 08:51 AM

1. you can use a set of vice grips.
2. you can use a dremel to cut a slot in it, or reshape the hex shape to get a socket on.
3. craftsmen makes a set of sockets for stripped bolts
4. If you're super desperate and nothing has worked, you can weld a socket to the nut.
5. Get a mityvac and suck the oil through the dipstick and don't worry about the drain plug.

**Matt L** · 07-22-2008, 08:55 AM

I vote #5. My drain pan plug hasn't been out of my car in years, and I'm not looking back.

Joey Baggs · 07-22-2008, 09:28 AM

thanks for the replies.

vice grips didn't work the last 2 times i tried. Seemed like all I did was strip it more. I think cutting a slit to get a flathead in there might be my best bit.

I'll have to look into the mityvac as well.

ohlord · 07-22-2008, 12:27 PM

at the store call first if in stock
Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices
topsider clone,or for 5 bucks you can slip a piece of longer tubing that is the diameter of the dipstick tube into the hand held siphon pump sold at hb tools and pump the warm oil into an old anti freeze container.Mobil1 0w40 euro spec only and fleece filter a must.
ohlord

oops went up to $25
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=45403

kyle21nluvnit · 07-23-2008, 08:41 AM

Ummm, why are you taking the drain bolt out? If it is to change the oil, you should get a fluid vac and remove the oil through the dipstick tube.

jlomon · 07-23-2008, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joey Baggs

thanks for the replies.

vice grips didn't work the last 2 times i tried. Seemed like all I did was strip it more. I think cutting a slit to get a flathead in there might be my best bit.

I'll have to look into the mityvac as well.

Are you using vice grips with a flat jaw or with the more rounded jaw? I've always had more success with the rounded jaw models because you can get more surface area contact against the stripped drain plug.

ETP · 07-23-2008, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OliverK

1. you can use a set of vice grips.
2. you can use a dremel to cut a slot in it, or reshape the hex shape to get a socket on.
3. craftsmen makes a set of sockets for stripped bolts
4. If you're super desperate and nothing has worked, you can weld a socket to the nut.
5. Get a mityvac and suck the oil through the dipstick and don't worry about the drain plug.

DITTO #5 DITTO #5 $25.00 Harbor Freight