hello, this is my first post, and I have 2 related questions.

1. Jiffy Lube reamed my oil pan drain plug such that a 3/8" adapter will not loosen it. Furthermore, looking at the plug and the adapter, it seems too big for it anyway, even if it wasn't reamed out. My truck is a Cummings Turbo Diesel.

2. If I ever get it out, I want to replace it with the EZ drain or Finger Touch valve, but they don't seem to be the right size either. I have seen conflicting info online as to whether the 18mm plug will fit my model. Does anyone know FOR SURE that it will fit? Mo one has it locally so I will have to order it from Genos.

 

In the past what I've done is take a dremel tool with a reinforced cutting wheel and essentially made the bolt a standard head screw. I made the notch wide enough so you can put the screwdriver in there from the side rather than straight in, so you can lever it out by pulling on the handle like it's a wrench rather than straight on like a screwdriver. This plus a big-*** screwdriver ought to get that out of there for you. Just make sure you have a replacement on hand (obviously). It's amazing how much torque you can crank on it when you do it right.



Chris

 

Oh, and make sure you wear safety glasses in case the screwdriver decides to fail spectacularly. I haven't had it happen, but, since they're not exactly made for this, do it with care and at your own risk.

 

I'm not sure I understand what you are saying..... what does an adapter have to do with loosening a drain plug? Are you saying that you drain plug bolt is stripped? The head or the actual threaded part?

Maybe posting a picture would help?

 

My translation of it was a 3/8" ratchet w/ socket, and that the bolt head was rounded off. Hence, enter the ALMIGHTY DREMEL! *bows to the ALMIGHTY DREMEL and it's plethora of cutting/grinding/polishing/etc attachments that may be used and misused to accomplished almost any task*.

 

^^^ It could very well be that..... I would also try an adjustable wrench, depending on how bad the head is stripped.

 

I always use one of these when I deal with rounded off bolts.
http://www.mytoolstore.com/american/vis003.html

 

I think I pretty much need to get a couple of those.

 

Worth every penny. You'll never look back!

 

It's a Cummings so the drain plug has the square hole in it instead of a bolt head. I do believe that a very large easy out might work.