Engine oil plugs hard to open - answer how not to have headachs.

[buck1234]

I just changed my engine oil and experienced what seems to be a common problem. The plugs are put on and tightened by Paul Bunyon.

Easy trick that always works, use some penetrating oil on the plug. Then put the allen wrench into the socket. Now using a small hammer or the 3/8" ratchet handle rap and tap a whole bunch of times squirting a little more penetrating oil as you go, 5 or 10 raps won't due 20 or 30 will.

I suppose that any good quality penetrating will do, I use Gibb oil it has a reputation for one of the best there is. Restorers, rebuilders, and the Smithsonian use it and I swear by it.

Hope this helps.

Buck1234

 

[Freddy]

Just had the same problem on my first oil change. I replaced the plugs with 19mm hex plugs. OK, the engine plug doesn't have a magnet now (like almost all drain plugs) but I won't have trouble getting em out next time.

 

[SpyderGirl]

Just had the same problem on my first oil change. I replaced the plugs with 19mm hex plugs. OK, the engine plug doesn't have a magnet now (like almost all drain plugs) but I won't have trouble getting em out next time.

I had to do the same when I had just nearly stripped mine out after one of my last couple oil changes. I had no choice. Bad design if you ask me.

 

[spyryder]

I had to do the same when I had just nearly stripped mine out after one of my last couple oil changes. I had no choice. Bad design if you ask me.

You don't have to tighen them very much and they still stick quite easily.
Anyone who's had an older Ford with the big tapered spark plugs will know what I mean.

 

[Freddy]

I actually refitted the original plugs and tightened em as much as I dared, but the engine plug dripped when hot so that's when I replaced em with hex plugs. They ain't tapered like them old spark plugs.

 

[krb1945]

Remove the drain plugs while the engine is still warm. Use a high quality tool. Apply steadily increasing pressure in the correct direction and you'll never have any problems. When you re-install use the correct torque setting and a torque wrench to tighten and future removals will be easy. Ken krb1945

 

[boborgera]

Remove the drain plugs while the engine is still warm. Use a high quality tool. Apply steadily increasing pressure in the correct direction and you'll never have any problems. When you re-install use the correct torque setting and a torque wrench to tighten and future removals will be easy. Ken krb1945

:agree:With one Caveat, use short handled tools, Too much torque will strip any bolt. How do i know, Any body need a bucket of striped bolts?pps: