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so...much....anger.... aka oil change

dabuddha

dabuddha

Lifer
So I'm trying to change the oil on my 2010 dodge grand caravan for the first time (since I got it from the dealer) and apparently they must have tightened the oil drain plug using an air wrench or something cause I have had 0 success loosening it.
I've broken two sockets so far.
I've tried WD-40 (was afraid to use PB Blaster cause I don't know how it'll react with the oil pan).
I tried using a vice grip plier (tightened it as hard as possible and used a mini sledge to try loosening it) and had no luck.

I'm open to any tips suggestions cause I'm sick of jacking up the van just to fail every time

TIA!

EDIT (04/14/2016) year later I know 😀

I totally forgot to update this thread. I ended up taking it to a mechanic who got the bolt off for me. I brought a replacement plug with me and he put the replacement on for me. He charged me $5 for the job and it was money well spent for me.
 
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Are you sure you've got the right plug? If so, time to slip the ole' 3' steel pipe on the end of that wrench.
 
I have the Craftsman version of those and they generally work well. I'd get a new drain plug ahead of time. 🙂
 
I already picked up a replacement plug from advance auto parts so I'm good there. I'm just sick of crawling under there. I'd love to take it back to the dealer and make them remove it but it's a 45 minute drive each way.
 
wow...i woulda given up and gone to a local oil changer and have them deal with it.

And then try it next time after to see if I have any luck.
 
Do you have access to an air compressor and impact wrench? That would probably be the easiest. I would also complain to whoever performed the last oil change service.

Also, I hope you have a torque wrench and know how much to tighten the oil plug.

Oh, and WD40 isn't the best for loosening fasteners. PB blaster won't harm your oil pan.
 
Tried applying some heat? Maybe a heat gun would help.

Not sure about putting one of those small propane torches on your oil pan though lol. Although that works 99% of the time when I can't break a nut loose.
 
I had the same issue, I had the dealer do my oil changes while the car was in warranty, the first time I went to do it myself the drain plug was on so tight I had to put the front-end on jackstands to gain enough clearance to use a F-ing breaker bar to finally loosen it, had to be on with over 100ft/lbs of torque, damm I was pissed!. The filter wasn't much better, I eventually got it off but almost had to resort to the screwdriver through the middle trick..
 
If you are still stuck come by my place, I am also in NoVA. I'll break it free and you can use my slab to change your oil.
 
jlee said:
They probably do have a torque spec, but I don't think I've ever used a torque wrench on one.
Click to expand...

On my car there's a specific torque spec cast into the oil drain pan around where the plug goes. Same on the oil filter cap. I always use a torque wrench on them.

I don't know why not, it takes an extra 30 seconds.
 
My TDI's have a one time use plug, so I installed fumoto drain valves on them. If the pan is the least bit messed up I'd consider that so you don't have to worry about stripping out the threads and doing a helicoil kit.
 
WD40 is about the worst penetrating oil you can use. Although it does not sound like corrosion is your problem, so I don't think many penetrating oils would help.

I would try heat, directly on the oil pan around the plug. If you're changing your oil it doesn't matter if you burn the oil a little.

You could always use a vacuum oil extractor and leave the plug where it is.
 
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