So, I went to replace my oil today and my drain plug just spins. Its not tight, doesnt leak, but doesnt loosen either. I need to get this fixed. does any body know what to do about this. I have taken it to a couple oil change places and they wont even touch it. Is this repairable or am i goin to have to get a whole new oil pan. and if so what do i need to do to get the pan off? ie..lift the engine? thank for the help

 

not quite sure to tell you how to get it out...but if you can get it out then you can get what they call an oversized pan drain plug... it is just a little larger and is made to create new threads and works pretty good.. when i was mgr at parts store wal mart was alwasy coming in because on of there techs was going ape **** with the ratchet...

 

Even if you do get the plug out I don't think an oversize plug will help. It sounds like the bung for the plug broke off on the inside. The oil pan would have to be removed to fix it. You would have to remove the motor mount bolts and raise the engine for clearance to remove it, hopefully it will be enough room. You might not have to get a new pan if you know someone with a welder. They could tack the bung back onto the pan, just make sure it is perfectly flat or the plug won't seal when screwed in.

Now it may not be this, it could just be stripped out and doesn't want to come out. Then you can try pulling on it while unscrewing it and get the oversize plug or try rethreading the hole.

And one more thing, since I'm not familiar with your year truck I don't know what type of plug it has. I have seen some that work like a radiator drain plug. It loosens but doesn't come out and is usually plastic. I don't know how you would want to fix it then, but would probably still require oil pan removal.

 

great, i hope its just stripped for a quick fix. if not i gotta do alot of work. thanks for the info guys.

 

Here is a cheap and simple solution to your problem below is a listing of over sized self tapping drain plugs.

http://www.cgenterprises.com/drain_p...ize_repair.htm

The total, with shipping for the plug, and gasket (I picked a copper one at .39 cents) is just a little over $10 bucks.

To get the present plug out get yourself a larger flat bladed screw driver or a knife any thing you can force under under the edge of the plug. A putty knife works great if you make a notch in it that will slip under both side of the plug. Insert the blade of whatever you are using under the hex part of the plug and pry up and put outward pressure on the plug while you are turning it, This should let you back the plug out.

Below is an example of what these plugs look like this one happens to have
a magnetic insert, which is good.

 

It is interesting all of the things I have picked up over the years to keep a car or truck going, vehicles that where such piles of junk you never wanted to drive them any farther then you where willing to walk back. Some where so bad when I first got them I actually carried a bicycle in the trunk or in back. Such vehicles give a whole new meaning to travel, it isn't the destination, it is just getting there that is the important. The relief you feel when you actually make it somewhere with out braking down is almost addictive.

I once had a early '60 Dodge truck that was so rusted out driving it down the road was like riding a motorcycle.

 

honestly i have had 2 things happen to me in this situation, one was the plug was stripped and corroded in there, and the second was the plug was crossed in and destroyed the threads, i couldnt find a plug for any of the taps i had, so i replaced the pan, on your truck you might need to drop the lower brace, but not 100% sure, if you want a second set of hands man let me know, im down to help

 

There is Timesert but I suspect a new oil pan would be cheaper then purchasing the Timesert Kit. This is one of the things I like about the old trucks with the beam front ends. You had full access to the bottom of the engine and zipping the oil pan off with a air tool was so fast, and easy.

Did not think about the bung it's self loose. If that is the cause a new oil pan is in order unless you have a welding friend that will do the job for a six pack, or if you can braze or weld it yourself. But since you have to pull the pan off the do the welding anyway I would just replace it.

http://www.timesert.com/

 

Thanks!!!! The putty knife thing work great. I just went to the local auto parts store and got another plug for $4. Im glad it was a cheap fix. thanks for all your help guys. This is why this forum is #1. great group of knowledegable people and local members down to help you out.

 

Thank you SuperCrew for the update on your thread. Its nice to know the resolve of our suggestions. Its gained knowledge for everyone.