OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums General Discussion Forum Off Topics Stuck Sump plug - any tips

Evening all

Its only 5:14 over here in WA, and an hour ago I decided to change the oil in my car.

This is the first oil change I have done since I bought it 2 months ago. It was last serviced in January by a mobile guy just before I bought it.

My issue is that I can't get the damn sump plug off. I am turning the correct way.

Anyone have any special tips to getting a stubborn sump plug out?

Hi Tyler,
If it's a hexagon bolt head on the plug ,I use a single hex socket and a breaker bar and if
you need more leverage slide a length of water pipe over the breaker bar end.

Thanks Max
The main problem was Hyundai, in their infinite wisdom) put a chassis rail on one side of the plug, and the exhaust on the other. Means I couldn't get a longer bar on without it hitting the ground.

The solution ended up being a Victa lower handle - the lower section that mounts to the deck. The bend in it allowed enough space off the ground, and enough leverage (just).
The sump plug was buggered (half rounded), so I went to SCA and got a new one. Came home, fitted well.

Then I went to remove the filter. Turns out the filter strap wrench that does z154 ( commodore& camira), and z9 (Kingswood) filters was too big and wouldn't fit the smaller z79a I had to remove.

Back to SCA for a smaller strap wrench, and the filter wouldn't come off either.

Just about tore it in half getting it off.
All done now, but am going to ring that bloody mechanic tomorrow.

4 hours to change the bloody oil - started at 4, ended at 8.

Thanks
Regards
Tyler

my socket i use for sump plug ,i ground down the rounded socket edges so its completely flat. those sump plug bolts usually have a very narrow edge so this fix gives maximum bite to stop rounding out bolt edges.

Good tip about the socket. I have several smaller ones here that I have done that to as many small hex screw that I deal with are low profile versions or where someone has already rounded them somewhat.

Thats a good idea Gizmo. I have a few rounded ones here from various $2 tip shop purchased socket sets, so I will give it a go

Thanks
Tyler

My grandson has one of those stupid Holden Combo vans, typical European rubbish where they want to re-invent the wheel. The sump plug is a reasonable size with a small torx fitting in it. Well over a hundred years ago somebody invented the sump plug with an external square end on it, worked well till the Europeans got their grubby little hands on the idea and changed it for no other reason but to show the world how clever they are

What worse they all but quit making the square sockets. 12 points sockets are basically useless on the squares. I got a few 8 point sockets which are better than the 12points; though, not by much. I am still search every once a while for the 4 points. They usually show up under military surplus and can be pricey even when used.

I still see a lot of the square plugs when it come to plumbing.