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Can't Open My Oil Pan Drain PLug!?
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Jwiz88
Novice
Sep 28, 2009, 6:52 PM
Post #1 of 6
(5818 views)
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Can't Open My Oil Pan Drain PLug!?
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Well I searched a lot on Google, but I can't seem to find how to open my oil pan drain plug. I own a 2001 Dodge Stratus and I need to do an oil change but I can't figure out how to get the damn oil pan drain plug open. It says on the bolt that it is metric but I have used every metric and non-metric socket I can find and none of them seem to fit it right. A 13mm is just a little to small (almost fits but not quite), and 14mm is to large to get a slug fit. I don't know what the problem is. I was thinking maybe a star bit or something similar might be the answer the my problem but I don't want to go and dish out the money for a socket bit that might not even fit. If anyone can help me in figuring out how to bust my nut I would appreciate it. ;) ty much.
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Jeff Norfolk
Enthusiast
Sep 28, 2009, 8:07 PM
Post #2 of 6
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Re: Can't Open My Oil Pan Drain PLug!?
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Try a 1/2 wrench or socket. That is the correct size. My advise is to have someone do it for you. This is the basic of basic DIY. If you are having trouble just fix it with your wallet and pay someone to do it. Jeff
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hardliquor
Novice
Sep 29, 2009, 5:30 PM
Post #3 of 6
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Re: Can't Open My Oil Pan Drain PLug!?
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...well you gotta start somewhere and I remember not knowing crap about cars...I still don't know a lot, but each little thing you do builds on itself. Oil change is pretty hard to mess up. Just don't overtighten the drain bolt when you put it back in, don't overtighten the filter, and put in the correct amount of oil. And make sure you take your old oil to a recycling spot. Don't dump it on the ground or in a storm drain. You might consider having a friend help you out.
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Jwiz88
Novice
Sep 30, 2009, 1:20 PM
Post #4 of 6
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Re: Can't Open My Oil Pan Drain PLug!?
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Jeff: That was the first thing I tried was using a 1/2 in socket. It was a cheaper socket set and didn't fit the nut quite right but I gave it hell and ended up breaking the socket bit... And a 1/2 wrench doesn't fit the nut, just a little too small. I got right up close to the nut and it says "metric D" right on it but like I said, no normal metric socket bits will fit it. I was thinking maybe a special metric bit like a star bit would work. Any advise? _____ /metric\ | | <-the nut \__D__/
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Jeff Norfolk
Enthusiast
Sep 30, 2009, 6:11 PM
Post #5 of 6
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Re: Can't Open My Oil Pan Drain PLug!?
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If you broke a socket....even a cheap one, you may have more problems then just not having the correct tools for the job. My advise is the same as above. Fix it with your wallet, take it in some place. Jeff
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Sidom
Veteran
/ Moderator
Oct 1, 2009, 6:21 PM
Post #6 of 6
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Re: Can't Open My Oil Pan Drain PLug!?
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Some of the cheap sets don't fit as well as a Snap on or similar quality set. I've had some plugs where obviously the guy who put it on figured the tighter the better....... If the 13 won't quite go on, then the plug is probably rounded due to wear. Best bet would be to get a 1/2 drive 13mm, tap the socket all the way on with a hammer & use a breaker bar and then replace the plug... If you've already got it off.............then..... nevermind......
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