Broken Oil Drain Plug

D

dlm

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B7100HST FEL B670
Jan 18, 2012
5
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USA
I screwed up. Go easy on me. Instead of loosening the oil drain plug I over-tightened it to the point where it broke. There were a couple of snapping sounds. Now the bolt head just spins whichever way it’s turned. A slow oil leak has developed around the plug.

I’m planning to try and drill it out with a small drill bit so that I can insert an EZ out style extractor. Never used one before, but hoping I can get the broken bolt out and the oil pan thread is still good enough for a new bolt.

Let me know if you have any other tips to help me fix my mistake.
 
The Evil Twin

The Evil Twin

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You probably just stripped the threads. All is not lost. If it spins relatively easily, snap on a set of vice grips and gently pull while spinning counter clockwise. Be ready with a catch pan!
Then you can inspect the threads. If the plug threads are more chewed up then you can use a thread chaser on the pan to clean those threads up. Get a new plug and you're good. It only takes 15- 18 lb ft torque to snug the plug up. Don't go more or you'll bugger up the threads you just fixed.
20240409_171843.jpg
 
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fried1765

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dlm said:
I screwed up. Go easy on me. Instead of loosening the oil drain plug I over-tightened it to the point where it broke. There were a couple of snapping sounds. Now the bolt head just spins whichever way it’s turned. A slow oil leak has developed around the plug.

I’m planning to try and drill it out with a small drill bit so that I can insert an EZ out style extractor. Never used one before, but hoping I can get the broken bolt out and the oil pan thread is still good enough for a new bolt.

Let me know if you have any other tips to help me fix my mistake.
Click to expand...
Do NOT even THINK about using an EZ out.....ever,..... on ANYTHING!
They are an option for only a VERY competent mechanic!
In any bolt, if you break off an EZ out, you will have MUCH bigger problems.
In any current or future problems, TRY to forget that you ever even heard the term....EZ out!
Post #2 is your logical solution to your current problem.
 
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D

D2Cat

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fried1765 said:
Do NOT even THINK about using an EZ out.....ever,..... on ANYTHING!
They are an option for only a VERY competent mechanic!
In any bolt, if you break off an EZ out, you will have MUCH bigger problems.
In any current or future problems, TRY to forget that you ever even heard the term....EZ out!
Post #2 is your logical solution to your current problem.
Click to expand...
You sure got out of bed on the wrong side! My advise to you is don't ever use an ignition key unless you a competent, nimble fingered operator!!!!! You'll screw up something or lose it.
 
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North Idaho Wolfman

North Idaho Wolfman

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And the inverse of the stripped plug threads is the pan is stripped, there are several ways to go about fixing it.
The best is to pull the pan and have the threads replaced.
There are repair plugs, but I'm not a fan of those plugs.

FYI: An ez out is not going to help you one bit in this scenario.
Follow @The Evil Twin advice on how to remove it.
 
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R

rc51stierhoff

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Evil twin is shooting you straight. Afterwards, cut the handles off your wrenches so just long enough to get your thumb and index finger on it.😉. Then go buy a torque wrench. I got my first torque wrench for Christmas same year I did something similar to my dad’s truck…oops.🤪 🥃
 
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fried1765

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D2Cat said:
You sure got out of bed on the wrong side! My advise to you is don't ever use an ignition key unless you a competent, nimble fingered operator!!!!! You'll screw up something or lose it.
Click to expand...
YOU have obviously NEVER broken off an EZ out, or known anyone who has!
In the hands of the inexperienced, an EZ out is simply a disaster about to happen!

PS. My current car has push button start,.....so I think I am safe.. 😂
 
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G

GreensvilleJay

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re: My current car has push button start,.....so I think I am safe.

except from thieves unless you spent $20 to prevent it from being stolen and driven away.....
 
F

fried1765

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GreensvilleJay said:
re: My current car has push button start,.....so I think I am safe.

except from thieves unless you spent $20 to prevent it from being stolen and driven away.....
Click to expand...
We don't have may thieves in this part of Florida.
Our sheriff, Grady Judd, shoots thieves! ;)
 
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GeoHorn

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dlm said:
I screwed up. Go easy on me. Instead of loosening the oil drain plug I over-tightened it to the point where it broke. There were a couple of snapping sounds. Now the bolt head just spins whichever way it’s turned. A slow oil leak has developed around the plug.

I’m planning to try and drill it out with a small drill bit so that I can insert an EZ out style extractor. Never used one before, but hoping I can get the broken bolt out and the oil pan thread is still good enough for a new bolt.

Let me know if you have any other tips to help me fix my mistake.
Click to expand...
YOu’ve not broken the plug…you’ve stripped the pan-threads. Wolf is correct.
 
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M

Motion

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Once the plug is removed and threads corrected always use a fresh crush washer and as others have said don't overtighten.
 
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Runs With Scissors

Runs With Scissors

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As stated, an "Easy out" will not help in your situation.

I do advise you do to try to use one though at some point in life.

The only way you will learn why you should not use an "Easy out" is to break one off in a very expensive machine like a Rolls Royce jet engine, or inside the wing of a Gulfstream jet.

Oh, and just for "kick and giggles", try to do it in an area that is nearly inaccessible just before quitting time; On a plane that your Commanding Officer has said "it better fly" in the morning.

That's when the cursing and tool throwing tantrums really begin; It will also mark the start of a very valuable life lesson.

I have probably broken off ....oh maybe 20 or 30 of them. (That why I curse so much probably) ;)

1712751752698.png
 
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J

jaxs

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Ez-outs from Harbor Freight are going to break.
 
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