canonicalman

I tried to change my oil the other day but couldn't get the oil plug out. I ended up breaking a 6-point socket in the process and rounding the head off on the oil plug. Apparently, the guys who changed my oil last thought it's clever to use an impact wrench to tighten the oil plug. Anyone else have this problem? How did you get the plug off? My dad was a mechanic for almost 50yrs and never used an air wrench. Apparently, they don't make competent mechanics anymore.

AwdiA4

throw a monkey wrench on there for 2 reasons:
added leverage w/ the longer handle
added gripping as you turn

-buy new bolt ofcourse ;-)

siberian@siberian.org

I agree, a monkey Wrench/plumbing wrench will do well, it will create its own leverage point.

You may be able to get some kind of rounded off bolt removal kit, check at your local parts store.

I just did my first oil change post warranty and the dealer really cranks on those things!!! I was blown away at how tight they were on.

As a side note, I always put a new oil filter plug in when I change my oil. Its an extra buck and worth it to me. Extreme? Totally. Required? not at all!

Ritz

Sears has a reasonably priced set of sockets to remove rounded off bolts.

Ray Calvo

My '98.5 30V has a fancy drain plug that needs a special socket. I didn't worry about it - I left the drain plug alone, opened the filler plug, and pulled all the old oil out using a hand suction pump you can get at Wally-Mart, K-mart, large auto stores, etc.