While the correct fix is to replace the oil pan, it is possible to drain the oil through the dip stick. The plug is cross-threaded into the pan and has seized. "Drain plugs fall out because the people doing the oil changes often don’t use a fresh crush washer. Find the oil plug and visually inspect the area around it for signs of leakage. @Mustangman, if this were the case, only people who go to quickie-lube places would have this problem. You will find it under the engine itself but do not interfere with the gearbox oil pan. If you buy the right plug and follow the directions it should be a decent repair. I worked for a long time at Global Rebound Automotive companies (Toyota, TATA, BMW, Nissan, TVs, and Others ) as a Mechanic and Mechanics Supervisor. The other way is to apply heat on the oil drain plug. Sure enough, a wristpin was missing the clip and his lucrative customer pay job went south because of this. I've seen countless loose drain plugs on vehicles back in for an oil change, even several that were almost out, so it's feasible that an improperly tightened drain plug could last 4 months. Nylon washers can probably be reused if they’re not split, but they’re so dirt-cheap to buy by the package that it isn’t worth reusing them. When you over tighten the plug, you are damaging the screw pitch. This is kind of the sequence for me after getting everything ready: The whole thing only takes about 10 minutes so its just a lot smoother to go back and tighten the plug afterwards, but you have to physically remember to do it. A kid starting out working part-time at McDonalds can make more per hour than a kid starting out at QuickyLubeOilMartExpress. The mechanic got paid 1 dollar for doing the inspection; 2 dollars after the fee schedule was revised and before the program was eventually terminated. Nobody likes getting bad news like that, and it’s easier to try to sweep the problem under the rug than it is to tell you the mechanic got your drain plug out, saw that it was damaged, and he can’t finish your oil change until you pay for replacement of the drain pan, which is going to take at least another day since they will have to order the parts, especially if you’re getting your oil changed on a weekend. The sludge forms around the drain plug because the oil in the engine has exceeded its oil change time. That point where the crush washer gives way is what keeps one from stripping the threads and forming a tight seal. Run the plug down with your hand until it stops flush with the oil pan. I have no idea how the plug could get so tight running, but I changed the oil the last time myself and did not overtigten the plug. Begin by ensuring that the car is parked on a stable surface. If so, get a new drain plug washer. If you are in a tight spot and you don't have time to repair the threads in the oil pan, you could install an rubber drain plug for the oil pan. I prefer to replace rubber o-rings when I change fluids, but I don’t always do it. With a wrench tighten the plug very lightly until it stops and is only snug with the pan. Change the ratchet direction and tighten the filter-NOW I HAVE TO REMEMBER TO TIGHTEN THE PLUG. Oil plugs fall out because the employees that change oil at the quickie-lube places are not mechanics. One of these ways is by using Irwin Tools BOLT-GRIP Extractor. I also bought a replacement drain plug and now the new one is only 13mm . A. How does that happen? It adds literally only pennies to the cost of the job. Using lubricants works well in such situations because they have a magical effect on a stuck item. During oxidation, the molecules of engine oil break down. The sheer stupidity of that is lost on someone, yet they would never dream of going to a restaurant, walking right into the kitchen and telling the cook what he wants for dinner. Hand screw the oil plug in.-TIGHTENING THE PLUG AT THIS POINT WOULD MEAN TAKING THE FILTER WRENCH OFF AND PUTTING THE SOCKET BACK ON, SO INSTEAD I COME BACK TO IT. Locate the engine oil pan. Bought a 6 point box end and with a little grunting got it loose and the oil changed. Tester, if the threads are not damaged and the plug properly torqued, the plug should not fall out. He came up to me later with a wristpin circlip and wanted to know if I was screwing around with him. I dont know who told you otherwise. A loose, leaky or damaged oil drain plug can cause unsightly stains on your driveway, as well as reducing the amount of oil in your engine. You May Like: How To Remove A Stripped Spark Plug. !” “Yeah, I’ll be there as soon as I finish this oil change.” “Now dammit, I need help!”. it doesn’t take much torque to keep the darn plug from falling out, since there’s roughly zero force on the thing. That leaves one car per month with which something goes wrong. I had thought this was somewhat common. Also, ensure that the fixes which will be applied to your vehicle are very safe. And the drain plug is at the lowest point in the oil pan, meaning it’s important it makes a perfect seal. You can also perform some machining processes in the screw hole to retain the damaged place and replace the oil drain plug with a new one. Just remove and replace. Eventually, this catches up and the plug falls out. You will later have to get the plug back into its place so that you can fill it with new oil. By a thorough, experienced, qualified professional many distractions that exist in a way! 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