My oil pan's drain plug is stripped?

Question

my '97 saturn sc2's drain plug is stripped; if i managed to get it out somehow (via pulling or vice grips?), it wouldn't go back in, would it?

Answer 1

if you dont want to tap and put a larger plug..use a rubber repair plug...get it at any pts store...advancemzone,oreilly.....i use one on my tractor,,,still working after 10 years

Answer 2

Why would you want to put it back in?  A new one costs about $2.00 and you can get it back out again.

Answer 3

If you can get it out, and the plug threads are damaged, you should be okay. Take it to a parts store and get a new one.  Some of the bigger stores carry replacements.  If the treads of the pan are stripped, the you're toast.  You will need to either have new threads cut in the pan, if you can find a tap the size to do it, or you will have to replace the pan.

Good luck.

Answer 4

You might try carefully turning it with a pipe wrench. These wrenches are designed to turn round items. Before you try anything , you probably want to purchase a new plug, to replace the damaged one, afterward. Also make sure you use the correct wrench size when installing the new one,  so it doesn't become stripped also.

Answer 5

are you saying the head on the drain plug is stripped or the threads themself, dont pull it out unless you have a replacement plug it might not go back in

Answer 6

try using vise grips or a small pipe wrench. once you get it out, get a self tapping bolt for it. it will make its own threads.

Answer 7

They make sockets for removing rounded off bolts. Mine are craftsman from sears

Answer 8

If you go to a good auto parts store they can fix you up with a self tapping oversized drain plug to replace the stripped out plug. You will eventually have to remove the old plug to change your oil and that is when to put the new one in.