Stripped Oil Drain Plug? How to Fix and Remove a Stuck Oil Pan Drain Plug

If you overtighten the oil pan drain plug, it can strip the bolt and make it difficult to remove. In some cases you may have to replace the oil pan and drain plug. This article and video reviews what happens when you overtighten an oil pan drain plug bolt and how to remove and fix a rounded or stripped oil drain plug.

Why Is the Oil Drain Plug Stripped and Stuck?

1. The Oil Pan Plug Was Overtightened and Stripped

Stuck oil pan drain plug

If you over tighten the oil pan drain plug it can strip the threads. This can happen, for example, if you tighten the bolt by turning it clockwise when you intend to loosen it. It’s important to make sure you’re tightening and loosening the oil pan bolt properly so it doesn’t strip.

In the video above, our mechanic Andrew overtightens the bolt so much it becomes a little looser than when installed initially. The bolt is now stripped, is difficult to remove, may not remove from the oil pan.

2. The Wrong Tools Were Used

You can also round and strip the bolt if you use the wrong tools to remove and install it, like using an under-sized socket or tightening the bolt without a torque wrench.

How to Properly Install an Oil Drain Plug Bolt

Oil drain plug metal gasket and an oil drain plug with a rubber gasket attached
Oil drain plug metal gasket and an oil drain plug with a rubber gasket attached

1. Use the Right Tools

Use the right tools like a socket or wrench to remove the drain plug.

2. Turn the Oil Plug Bolt Counterclockwise to Loosen

Turn the bolt counterclockwise to loosen it and make sure you’re turning the wrench clockwise so you don’t accidently overtighten and strip the drain plug.

3. Check the Threads on the Drain Plug

With the plug removed, check the threads and make sure they are in good condition and not stripped. If they are, the drain plug will have to be replaced.

4. Check the Rubber or Metal Gasket

Check for tearing or wear and replace the plug if it has a worn gasket. Replace any metal gaskets that go with the oil pan plug.

5. Turn the Plug Clockwise to Tighten It and Torque It to Spec

Tighten the oil pan plug by turning it clockwise without overtightening it, and torque the drain pan bolt to the manufacturer’s specifications. Stop tightening the bolt once the torque wrench clicks.

Read more on how to use a torque wrench

This video has tips on changing the oil, including how to correctly install an oil drain pan bolt after removing old oil.

Fix a stripped oil drain pan plug yourself with quality auto parts at 1aauto.com

How to Remove a Stripped or Stuck Oil Drain Plug

Steps on how to remove a stripped oil pan drain plug properly

  1. Remove the Stripped Bolt with a Wrench, a Socket and Ratchet, or Vice Grips

    The right-sized wrench or socket and ratchet should remove a stripped oil pan bolt. You may have to apply upward force and wedge the bolt out also with a tool like a screwdriver. Attaching vice grips to the bolt, turning them and pulling out, and tapping it with a hammer if needed may help remove it

  2. Remove a Rounded Oil Pan Bolt with a Bolt Extractor Socket

    A bolt extractor socket is specially designed to grip the socket and release it. You may have to gently hammer the socket on to secure it, and then turn it with a ratchet to release the stuck bolt.

  3. Drill the Stripped Bolt Out

    If the bolt is still stuck, drill the bolt out straight down the center with a smal drill bit. Drilling in reverse may pull the bolt out. You may also have to drill another slightly larger hole and remove the bolt with a bolt extractor.

  4. Replace the Oil Pan

    If the bolt won’t release and is still stripped and stuck, or if the bolt did remove but damaged the oil pan, the oil pan will need to be replaced.

More DIY Repairs for Your Car

Learn how to diagnose, maintain, replace parts and more with tips and instructions from our professional mechanics in our how-to videos.

More Automotive Tips and Tricks

Shop Parts and Tools

Summary
Stripped Oil Drain Plug? Fix a Stuck Oil Pan Plug - 1A Auto
Article Name
Stripped Oil Drain Plug? Fix a Stuck Oil Pan Plug - 1A Auto
Description
If you have a stripped oil drain plug or want to learn how to prevent a drain pan bolt from stripping, this article and video explains what to do if the oil drain pan bolt is stuck and how it can happen.
Author
Publisher Name
1A Auto
Publisher Logo

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *