How Do You Fix An Oil Pan Drain Plug?
Because the oil pan drain plug is regularly removed when servicing an oil change, it’s not uncommon to discover the plug needs to be repaired or replaced often. Depending on the severity of the damage incurred to the plug, repairing it may be a viable, but temporary solution. Drain plugs are inexpensive to replace. To prevent damage to the threads of the oil pan drain hole, plugs should be replaced every couple of years or sooner if the repair to them is ineffective. Use a hammer to pound on a bolt extractor (suitable size) to the oil drain plug with a damaged bolt head. A drain plug with a damaged bolt head should be replaced once extracted. Be sure to pound the extractor on until it’s flush and flat to the drain plug’s tapered flange. Use a ratchet and suitable socket to fit over the hex-head of the bolt extractor and then turn the drain plug counterclockwise to remove it. If the extractor slips or incurs more damage to the drain plug hex-head, go down one size in the extractor kit a
