Hey guys I have a pretty rookie question....
Ive been getting my oil changed on my truck for a while now. Today I needed an oil change had nothing to do so I thought Id do it myself. I get under the truck and see that the oil pan bolt head is pretty close to being COMPLETY stripped off. Ive tried vice grips but they are just stripping away they little metal left. Any ideas?

 

really? why would the place you get your oil done at re-use a stripped headed bolt? They have tons of new bolts in stock...usually.

I say stop what you are doing and go buy a new bolt with a seal. Advance auto, Autozone, NAPA, peckerboys all have them for a couple of bucks.
The oil pan bolt shouldnt be so tight as to where vice-grips can't loosen it up. If your vice-grips are sliding off, you either don't have them tight enough or they are worn and their teeth aren't sharp enough to bite-in.
I'd buy a new set of vice-grips while your at Advance auto getting your new pan bolt.

 

IDK Dirty, sometimes vice grips just dont get it really. After I bought my wifes Mini and had to change the oil, her oil pan bolt was SUPER tight. I swear someone used the strongest tread lock they could find. I tried all my wrenched and even took my air saw out and cut a slot in it and squeezed the head and tried to remove it.

LUCKILY, some years back I bought these Irwin extractors made for rounds heads but I had never used them. I got them out of the cabinet and found the right one and and with it I was able to grab and break loose the oil pan bolt. It was literally destroyed from everything slipping and the vice sets locking on and cutting in to it.

 

Yep, vice grips are the "Primitive Pete" way to do it. I've got a set of just like 'Weed has pictured at Sears years ago for something like $19.99.

I found that along with a set of GraBits for screws (also around $20) are invaluable to have in the old tool box...

 

Thats about what I paid for them. I also bought some nut splitters I have had to use a few times also. They come in handy as well

 

Once you get it off, replace it with a fumoto valve!

 

Exactly. Ive got one on my truck and the wifes Mini and let me tell you, they are well worth the coin.

 

alright, thanks guys

 

Might also want to run the truck till it's hot, may help a little.

 

ive never stripped an oil pan bolt. get these just be careful with your leverage they are really long http://www.gearwrench.com/catalog/wrenches/ratcheting/gearbox/setdetails.jsp?part=85988