Thread: Stripped oil pan plug

I just purchased a 2006 grand Prix GT. I wanted to change the fluids and make sure it's all fresh stuff. I flushed the coolant first with no problems.

I ran into a great deal of problems with the oil change.... which typically is an easy job, at least on all the other vehicles I've owned.

Anyways, the drain plug on this car is in a cramped space. It's location is on the rear of the oil pan between the transmission pan. I couldn't get a socket in that space with the ratchet on.

So, it seemed to me like the only logical choice was to use the box end of a 13mm wrench. I got that on there snugly, I had to use a lot of force to get it to spin(yes lefty loosey), however the plug never moved.... it just stripped and rounded a bit.

I guess the guy I bought it from must have waaay over-tightened this sob. I also tried to put a pair of vice grips on the plug. Again, the grips were spinning and the plug stayed put.

I took it to an oil change place to see if they could get it, but they too couldn't get it... so now I'm not quite sure what to do next.

Does anyone have any ideas or has anyone else ran into this? Real bad design having the plug in the location it is, real disappointed in that.

Thanks in advance guys!

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Originally Posted by BillBoost37

While I don't agree about it being a poor location. that's my opinion.

How about slotting it up the center and using a screwdriver as a lever to remove it and put in a new one.

Whoever changed the oil last, put the plug in extremely tight. Like I said, a box end wrench didn't get the job done and neither did vice grips. Makes me wonder if the threads are damaged from over-tightening?

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Originally Posted by BrandonHall10

Could you weld a nut to what's left of the bolt head?

That thought has crossed my mind for sure. I've got a buddy who does welding I'll see what he says.

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Originally Posted by Scottydoggs

hammer and a chisel should bust it free, hitting the edge of the bolt in the proper direction to loosen it up. or a small pipe wrench would lock on it better then vice grips if its like round now.

Thanks for the advice, I'll give that a whirl when I get home from vacation.

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Originally Posted by BillBoost37

I do have six point box ends for when things are too tight like this.

I'd drop a groove in it and use a flat head as a lever.

Will try that. Thanks


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Originally Posted by ItHurtz

Pipe wrench never failed me, those things DIG in

Thanks for input.

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Originally Posted by idrivejunk

Hmm, My drain plugs are all 15 MM. I use a long-reach wrench or two wrenches piggybacked for leverage. Ya might try again with the engine at operating temperature, if that hasn't already been tried. Sounds like pipe wrench will be the ticket though. Sure is strange that the drain plug is in a tight location on yours, 3800s are way out in the open. Something ain't right. Need pic.

I'll send pics with updates this weekend

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Hey guys! Sorry I haven't updated in a while. I tried a pipe wrench as suggested and it worked like a charm. I really had to reef on that sob though. The last guy really over did it. Thanks for all the input fellas!

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