Every vehicle enthusiast understands the importance of changing engine oil. Thankfully, this is a task you can handle on your own by removing the oil drain plug under the oil pan. You only need to locate this tank at the bottom of your car, position an oil drain pan/container to collect the old oil, and remove the plug.
But what if you encounter an over-tightened oil plug that won’t come out despite all the effort? Before seeking professional help, you can try a few tricks to loosen an over-tightened or stuck oil plug.
I show you how to remove an over tightened oil plug in five steps. You’ll also discover the possible causes of an over-tightened oil drain plug.
Answer: Reasons for an Over-Tightened Oil Plug
Understanding why oil plugs get over-tightened can help you avoid this issue in the future. Below are the possible reasons why you have an over-tightened oil drain plug:
Over-tightening
The most obvious reason for an over-tightened plug is using too much force to tighten the plug. This issue happens after an oil change where you exceed the tightening limit. When tightening the plug, turn your wrench until you get to a comfortable torque.
Sludge
If your engine oil exceeds its changing time, sludge might form around the oil plug, resulting in an oil drain plug stuck.
Molecules in this oil oxidize under high temperatures, breaking down to create deposits. These deposits can mix with fuel, dirt, water, and carbon to form a sticky sludge.
Rust
Another possible cause of an oil drain plug stuck is rust. The oil plug’s location – under the car – exposes it to harsh conditions that can trigger corrosion.
For example, road salt, dust, snow, and water can accumulate around the plug and cause rust formation. Rust will accumulate over time if you fail to check and clean this plug during regular clean-ups.
Answer: How to Remove an Over Tightened Oil Plug
Before you get under your car to remove an over-tightened oil plug, ensure you have the following tools:
- Socket wrench
- Lubricant or rust remover
- Oil drain pan
- Hammer
- Propane torch
- Floor jack
You may also want to wear safety glasses and a mechanic overall. After ensuring you have everything needed, proceed to the task at hand. These steps will help you remove the plug safely:
Step 1: Warm Up Your Car
Warming up the car makes the engine oil thinner, allowing it to flow seamlessly out of the tank. To do that, start the engine and allow it to idle for 5-10 minutes.
Then, use a floor jack to lift the car above the ground. Next, place your oil drain pan under the oil tank. You must also put all your tools under your vehicle, near the drain pan, to reach them easily.
Bend under the car to access the oil plug. Then, use your socket wrench to loosen it. If the oil plug won’t come out, head over to the next step.
Step 2: Apply Lubricant or Rust Remover
A rust remover or lubricant will help remove an over-tightened or corroded oil plug. Spray your lubricant or rust remover around the plug and give it a few minutes to do its job.
The lubricant or rust remover will loosen the rust and sludge, making the plug easier to rotate. As the rust remover penetrates through the plug, it’ll dissolve rust and ensure proper lubrication.
Step 3: Use Your Socket Wrench
When looking for a socket wrench for this job, find one with a longer handle. A socket wrench with a long handle provides extra torque, making your work easier.
The good thing about socket wrenches is that they’re multi-use tools ideal for many applications. Look for a socket matching the plug size to loosen an over-tightened oil plug. Then, place your socket wrench on the plug and turn it counterclockwise.
Still having trouble loosening the oil plug? If so, look for another powerful wrench or a ratchet to loosen the plug. You can also spray more lubricant or rust remover.
Step 4: Use a Hammer
Should your lubricant/rust remover and socket wrench fail, a hammer can be your next option. Reaching this stage means rust or sludge is not to blame. Perhaps you have an over-tightened oil plug that won’t loosen with the help of a socket wrench.
Use the hammer to tap the over-tightened plug gently. Continue tapping the plug while trying to loosen it with your socket wrench. In most cases, a little persuasion with the hammer can loosen whatever is causing the plug to remain stuck.
Note: When tapping the plug, be cautious not to hit other car parts or damage the oil plug’s teeth.
Step 5: Heat the Oil Plug
If tapping with a hammer doesn’t help, use a propane torch to apply heat directly to the over-tightened plug. Heating the plug will cause it to expand and break loose the accumulated rust. You can also use your hammer to tap the plug after heating.
Then, allow the heated plug to cool and return to its original size. Lastly, use your socket wrench to loosen the plug. Remember to keep your oil drain pan in place to collect the old oil.
That’s how to remove an over-tightened oil plug without causing any damage. However, if the pesky oil plug fails to budge after doing all the above, drive your car to an auto repair shop. An auto technician will examine the plug and know what to do.
The technician might use professional tools to remove the stuck oil drain plug. Sometimes, replacing the oil pan could be the only solution.
Answer: How to Remove Rounded-Off Oil Plug
An oil plug head can become rounded off over time and prove difficult to remove with your wrench.
In most cases, this problem results from over-tightening the plug, setting the plug incorrectly, or normal wear and tear. Determining the cause will help you avoid this issue when installing a new drain plug.
To remove this plug, tap the plug with your hammer to see if it’ll loosen. Then, hold the plug with pliers and turn it clockwise and counterclockwise. Alternatively, use a bolt extractor and insert it into the drain plug.
You can gently tamp the head of the bolt extractor with a hammer to allow a better grip. Doing so will allow the socket’s internal grooves to bite the oil plug’s head. Lastly, use your socket wrench or power tool to loosen the plug.
Vise grip pliers can also help remove a rounded-off oil drain plug. Hold the oil plug head with your vise grip pliers and try turning the pliers counterclockwise.
If the plug fails to loosen, place a rubber band over the rounded-off plug. Then, use your pliers to create a firm grip and try turning it. The rubber band will prevent the pliers from slipping as you turn the oil plug.
Final Thoughts
You now know how to remove an over tightened oil plug using various tools. For better results, start by identifying the cause of an over-tightened plug. Doing so will help you determine the tools to use. In most cases, a lubricant, socket wrench, and a hammer will help you remove this pesky oil plug.
If you have a rounded-off oil drain plug, use a hammer, bolt extractor, or vise grip pliers to remove it. But what if nothing helps you remove the plug? In this case, a certified auto technician will help remove the plug or replace the oil pan.