Stuck drain plug... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bw4sale · 02-03-2007, 05:41 PM

Sometimes it is the simplest of things that go all wrong. When I bought the truck it wasn't running. So, I've gotten it running and now I need to change the oil, but the drain plug head is rounded off (thanks po). So, after a full weekend of trying every pair of vice grips I had I decided I would try to square it up a bit with the grinder so the vice grips would get enough bite to stay. No luck. It is so tight that the vice grips won't even break it. They just slip off no matter how tight I get them . Any suggestions? I'm stuck.

lilpup69chevy · 02-03-2007, 06:32 PM

i'd drop the pan and change it if you can't get it out, although first i'd try a hammer and chisel on it first just chisel into it like your trying to loosen it and see what happens just kinda hard to do it under the truck, i've used this technique on rounded flywheel bolts and it works, give that a shot if all else fails an oil pan from a junkyard will be cheap and chances are the main seals need replaced anyways

**Yukon Jack** · 02-03-2007, 06:35 PM

Weld a nut on it. The heat ought to break it loose.

FarmTruk · 02-03-2007, 06:48 PM

1. Spray repeatedly with penetrating oil...
2. Grind slot w/dremel or similar in center for big-a** screwdriver...
3. Apply heat to expand surrounding pan threads...
4. Cuss a lot...
5. Unscrew with aforementioned big-a** screwdriver...

Should come right off. Sounds easy enough, doesn't it?

watahyahknow · 02-03-2007, 06:57 PM

watch out with the welder i got an oilfire once trying to weld a nut on there .
you could try to square it once more and make it fit intoo a 12 point socket
(hammertime) if that fails i would go with the thing farmtruck came up with

Sport/Truck · 02-03-2007, 07:08 PM

I’m going to say not to drop the pan. I’m in that boat right now (and it’s sinking). I tried to drop the pan and it can’t come out with out lifting the engine etc. I ended up pulling the motor. I don’t think you want to go there for a stupid drain plug.
Unless you wanted to replace seals etc. (like I did, just not at first).
I like the heat idea. Use lots of penetrating oil Gibbs oil, Kroil (sp) or PB blaster all should work fine.
I think welding a flat bar to it would heat it, and give you something to turn it with.
s/t

rodnok1 · 02-03-2007, 07:55 PM

I would try hammering a socket on it first, if it's too gobbered up to have a socket stay on, grind it down to a smaller size and use a six point socket, if still no go weld a nut on, but clean the area well and grind all the paint/crap off.

cdowns · 02-03-2007, 07:59 PM

you can always drill and tap it and install a petcock// i find it alot easier to remove the pan and work on a bench. easy to do and the engine needs to only be lifted 3inches

bw4sale · 02-03-2007, 10:08 PM

Thanks for the input. What about an extractor? You know the kind where you drill a hole in the middle of it and then you that to get it out. Would it work or is that not strong enough?

i don't have a welder. Would jb weld be strong enough if I fixed a nut on there with that?

LawMan02 · 02-03-2007, 10:19 PM

How about trying a small pipe wrench.

bw4sale · 02-03-2007, 10:30 PM

Quote:

the engine needs to only be lifted 3inches

I dropped the pan on my dad's 85 and replace the oil pump without lifting the motor any. I guess this isn't the case with the '72? I actually suspect that the engine may have been swapped for a later model. The carburator is an '83 by the numbers. I haven't checked the block numbers yet. Would that make any difference on dropping the pan?

71swb4x4 · 02-03-2007, 10:36 PM

It's the crossmember that causes problems. It's not tough to lift it. Pull the engine mount bolts, and lift it from the top with a engine hoist. You should be able to get it up enough to slip the pan off. Replace the pan gasket with a one-piece.

Sport/Truck · 02-03-2007, 10:43 PM

An easy out extractor would work, but remember when you drill the hole you are going to flow oil over everything drill etc. if you got that route, use the biggest easy out possible so you don’t take a chance breaking it off.
When I tried to remove my oil pan it would hit the auto trans. If I lifted my motor a little I could have taken it off, but what a PITA that would have been.
I figured if I already was going to undo the motor mounts it wasn’t that much more to take the engine out (in my case) because I had the radiator out, and everything else out. it really was just a matter of a few wires and bolts.
Did you try heating it?
s/t

70c10swb · 02-03-2007, 11:05 PM

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...seBVCookie=Yes

Craftsman bolt out, I have this and works great imo

fastwillie 696969 · 02-03-2007, 11:10 PM

changing oil might be the worst thing to do for a rusty old engine

chopper103in · 02-04-2007, 01:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70c10swb

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...seBVCookie=Yes

Craftsman bolt out, I have this and works great imo

i have a set of these and they are the best i found for rounded off bolts

**truckdude239** · 02-04-2007, 01:08 AM

and no jbweld will not be strong enough

jimfulco · 02-04-2007, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LawMan02

How about trying a small pipe wrench.

I used one of those with a cheater pipe on a Toyota that had made one too many trips to the local oil change emporium and one too many trips to Vise-grip City.

bw4sale · 02-04-2007, 04:56 PM

I don't really have a good way to heat it. thanks for all the advice. Hopefully something will work soon.

71swb4x4 · 02-04-2007, 04:58 PM

A propane torch would work, and they are cheap at Wal-Mart. You can use the style that are used for plumbing copper pipe.
You would be amazed at how much heat helps with stuck bolts.

PanelDeland · 02-04-2007, 07:36 PM

I vote for the pipe wrench.I have taken bolts out that had to be much tighter than an oil drain plug in a sheetmetal oil pan.Heat will help too.

"OR" you could take it to the oil change place! J/K

*rage'nrat638* · 02-04-2007, 09:57 PM

i say use a drimmel and cut a slot for a flat blade and then use a impact screwdriver... that will turn it

jamesi20 · 02-04-2007, 10:01 PM

Go to sears and get a set of those bolt out extractors! $$ well spent and you will have them for future jobs...they do work

bobthecop · 02-05-2007, 02:40 PM

Be careful, my son, gorilla arms, got one loose on his '69, only the weld inside the pan broke. Had to replace the pan anyway.

bw4sale · 02-05-2007, 03:29 PM

Quote:

"OR" you could take it to the oil change place! J/K

Ha! The thought actually did cross my mind at one point. Let them wrestle with it.

Too cold today to be up under a truck, so I'll have to wait till it warms up a little.

02-03-2007, 05:41 PM	#1
bw4sale Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Hendersonville, TN Posts: 1,528	Stuck drain plug... Sometimes it is the simplest of things that go all wrong. When I bought the truck it wasn't running. So, I've gotten it running and now I need to change the oil, but the drain plug head is rounded off (thanks po). So, after a full weekend of trying every pair of vice grips I had I decided I would try to square it up a bit with the grinder so the vice grips would get enough bite to stay. No luck. It is so tight that the vice grips won't even break it. They just slip off no matter how tight I get them . Any suggestions? I'm stuck. Attached Images __________________ BRENT -'68 Stepside Project -'98 Z71 Daily Driver -Enough extra parts to build another truck and a half

02-03-2007, 06:32 PM	#2
lilpup69chevy 67-72 parts finder Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: southeast mo Posts: 788	Re: Stuck drain plug... i'd drop the pan and change it if you can't get it out, although first i'd try a hammer and chisel on it first just chisel into it like your trying to loosen it and see what happens just kinda hard to do it under the truck, i've used this technique on rounded flywheel bolts and it works, give that a shot if all else fails an oil pan from a junkyard will be cheap and chances are the main seals need replaced anyways __________________ 1969 chevy shortstep 2wd (under construction) 1981 chevy scottsdale lwb 2wd (parts chaser) 2004 pontiac gto (daily driver) 2004 pontiac grand prix gt (the ol ladys car) 1985 chevy short wide 1970 chevy c10 lwb (another parts rig) 1969 gmc lwb (rainy day project) 1968 chevy lwb c10 250 I6 3 spd (soon to be swb)

02-03-2007, 06:35 PM	#3
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,683	Re: Stuck drain plug... Weld a nut on it. The heat ought to break it loose. __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

02-03-2007, 06:48 PM	#4
FarmTruk In Memoriam... Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Wallburg, NC Posts: 1,216	Re: Stuck drain plug... 1. Spray repeatedly with penetrating oil... 2. Grind slot w/dremel or similar in center for big-a screwdriver... 3. Apply heat to expand surrounding pan threads... 4. Cuss a lot... 5. Unscrew with aforementioned big-a screwdriver... Should come right off. Sounds easy enough, doesn't it? __________________ '68 C10 SWB 307ci 2BBL *FarmTruk Pics Here* *"You know, doing what is right is easy. The problem is knowing what is right."*

02-03-2007, 06:57 PM	#5
watahyahknow Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: the netherlands europe Posts: 4,335	Re: Stuck drain plug... watch out with the welder i got an oilfire once trying to weld a nut on there . you could try to square it once more and make it fit intoo a 12 point socket (hammertime) if that fails i would go with the thing farmtruck came up with __________________ i got a job again and having fun at it too idea's for the trucks and the order of things to do are taking shape and get closer to being realized , a few more months and i be able to start building for real i complete 2 of the trucks intoo running fashion one custom and one basicly stock the thirth will be sacrificed for parts

02-03-2007, 07:08 PM	#6
Sport/Truck Sierra Grande Club Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: New Mexico USA Posts: 2,433	Re: Stuck drain plug... I’m going to say not to drop the pan. I’m in that boat right now (and it’s sinking). I tried to drop the pan and it can’t come out with out lifting the engine etc. I ended up pulling the motor. I don’t think you want to go there for a stupid drain plug. Unless you wanted to replace seals etc. (like I did, just not at first). I like the heat idea. Use lots of penetrating oil Gibbs oil, Kroil (sp) or PB blaster all should work fine. I think welding a flat bar to it would heat it, and give you something to turn it with. s/t __________________ 1971 GMC Sierra Grande, 1/2 ton short wide, original 4 bolt 010 020 block & heads. (matching #'s). 383 stroker, SMI q jet 750 cfm, Lunati Voodoo 60102 cam, Scorpion roller rockers, Spin Tech pro street mufflers with X pipe.

02-03-2007, 07:55 PM	#7
rodnok1 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Linden, North Carolina Posts: 617	Re: Stuck drain plug... I would try hammering a socket on it first, if it's too gobbered up to have a socket stay on, grind it down to a smaller size and use a six point socket, if still no go weld a nut on, but clean the area well and grind all the paint/crap off. __________________ 64 Panel Rebuild Pics Clutch Replacement and Borg Warner T10 Trans Rebuild 64 Panel 1/2 Ton 350cubes/400hp BorgWarner t-10 3:73 Auburn Posi

02-03-2007, 07:59 PM	#8
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Stuck drain plug... you can always drill and tap it and install a petcock// i find it alot easier to remove the pan and work on a bench. easy to do and the engine needs to only be lifted 3inches __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

02-03-2007, 10:08 PM	#9
bw4sale Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Hendersonville, TN Posts: 1,528	Re: Stuck drain plug... Thanks for the input. What about an extractor? You know the kind where you drill a hole in the middle of it and then you that to get it out. Would it work or is that not strong enough? i don't have a welder. Would jb weld be strong enough if I fixed a nut on there with that? __________________ BRENT -'68 Stepside Project -'98 Z71 Daily Driver -Enough extra parts to build another truck and a half

02-03-2007, 10:19 PM	#10
LawMan02 Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Saint Francisville, Louisiana Posts: 157	Re: Stuck drain plug... How about trying a small pipe wrench. __________________ 1972 GMC K2500, stepside, stock 350, 4 speed. Former F/D truck with 32,000 miles, no rust. 1973 Jeep CJ 5, 304, 33's with side pipes 2008 GMC 2500HD, CC, SWB, D/A, SLT

02-03-2007, 10:36 PM	#12
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: Stuck drain plug... It's the crossmember that causes problems. It's not tough to lift it. Pull the engine mount bolts, and lift it from the top with a engine hoist. You should be able to get it up enough to slip the pan off. Replace the pan gasket with a one-piece. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

02-03-2007, 10:43 PM	#13
Sport/Truck Sierra Grande Club Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: New Mexico USA Posts: 2,433	Re: Stuck drain plug... An easy out extractor would work, but remember when you drill the hole you are going to flow oil over everything drill etc. if you got that route, use the biggest easy out possible so you don’t take a chance breaking it off. When I tried to remove my oil pan it would hit the auto trans. If I lifted my motor a little I could have taken it off, but what a PITA that would have been. I figured if I already was going to undo the motor mounts it wasn’t that much more to take the engine out (in my case) because I had the radiator out, and everything else out. it really was just a matter of a few wires and bolts. Did you try heating it? s/t __________________ 1971 GMC Sierra Grande, 1/2 ton short wide, original 4 bolt 010 020 block & heads. (matching #'s). 383 stroker, SMI q jet 750 cfm, Lunati Voodoo 60102 cam, Scorpion roller rockers, Spin Tech pro street mufflers with X pipe.

02-03-2007, 11:05 PM	#14
70c10swb no brain no headache Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cape Cod MA Posts: 567	Re: Stuck drain plug... http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...seBVCookie=Yes Craftsman bolt out, I have this and works great imo __________________ 1996 GMC Sierra z71 1970 SWB 2wd (project) Last edited by 70c10swb; 02-03-2007 at 11:19 PM.

02-03-2007, 11:10 PM	#15
fastwillie 696969 ~Rest In Peace~ Join Date: May 2005 Location: CALIFORNIA NOR CAL Posts: 9,707	Re: Stuck drain plug... changing oil might be the worst thing to do for a rusty old engine __________________ is it fast ? it has a lighting bolt donut? B___H please, I can remove 90% of your so called "beauty" with a kleenex

02-04-2007, 01:08 AM	#17
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,228	Re: Stuck drain plug... and no jbweld will not be strong enough __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube



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02-04-2007, 04:56 PM	#19
bw4sale Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Hendersonville, TN Posts: 1,528	Re: Stuck drain plug... I don't really have a good way to heat it. thanks for all the advice. Hopefully something will work soon. __________________ BRENT -'68 Stepside Project -'98 Z71 Daily Driver -Enough extra parts to build another truck and a half

02-04-2007, 04:58 PM	#20
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: Stuck drain plug... A propane torch would work, and they are cheap at Wal-Mart. You can use the style that are used for plumbing copper pipe. You would be amazed at how much heat helps with stuck bolts. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

02-04-2007, 07:36 PM	#21
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: Stuck drain plug... I vote for the pipe wrench.I have taken bolts out that had to be much tighter than an oil drain plug in a sheetmetal oil pan.Heat will help too. "OR" you could take it to the oil change place! J/K __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil" Last edited by PanelDeland; 02-04-2007 at 07:38 PM.

02-04-2007, 09:57 PM	#22
rage'nrat638 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: THE FALL GUY CHICAGO IL Posts: 5,883	Re: Stuck drain plug... i say use a drimmel and cut a slot for a flat blade and then use a impact screwdriver... that will turn it

02-04-2007, 10:01 PM	#23
jamesi20 Senior Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: NORTHEAST OHIO Posts: 493	Re: Stuck drain plug... Go to sears and get a set of those bolt out extractors! $$ well spent and you will have them for future jobs...they do work

02-05-2007, 02:40 PM	#24
bobthecop Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Yukon Oklahoma Posts: 2,647	Re: Stuck drain plug... Be careful, my son, gorilla arms, got one loose on his '69, only the weld inside the pan broke. Had to replace the pan anyway. __________________ Happiness is towing your "new" truck home. 1972 C-10 1982 GMC (parts truck??) 1969 c10 parts truck 1969 C-10 ( my sons) 1992 Silverado 4X4 (now the boys truck)(now mine again) 2002 Tarus (my wife loves that car)

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