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#1 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Hendersonville, TN
Posts: 1,528
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Stuck drain plug...
Sometimes it is the simplest of things that go all wrong. When I bought the truck it wasn't running. So, I've gotten it running and now I need to change the oil, but the drain plug head is rounded off (thanks po). So, after a full weekend of trying every pair of vice grips I had I decided I would try to square it up a bit with the grinder so the vice grips would get enough bite to stay. No luck. It is so tight that the vice grips won't even break it. They just slip off no matter how tight I get them . Any suggestions? I'm stuck.
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BRENT ![]() -'68 Stepside Project -'98 Z71 Daily Driver -Enough extra parts to build another truck and a half |
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#2 |
67-72 parts finder
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: southeast mo
Posts: 788
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Re: Stuck drain plug...
i'd drop the pan and change it if you can't get it out, although first i'd try a hammer and chisel on it first just chisel into it like your trying to loosen it and see what happens just kinda hard to do it under the truck, i've used this technique on rounded flywheel bolts and it works, give that a shot if all else fails an oil pan from a junkyard will be cheap and chances are the main seals need replaced anyways
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![]() ![]() 1981 chevy scottsdale lwb 2wd (parts chaser) 2004 pontiac gto (daily driver) 2004 pontiac grand prix gt (the ol ladys car) 1985 chevy short wide 1970 chevy c10 lwb (another parts rig) 1969 gmc lwb (rainy day project) 1968 chevy lwb c10 250 I6 3 spd (soon to be swb) |
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#3 |
Post Whore
![]() Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA
Posts: 12,684
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Re: Stuck drain plug...
Weld a nut on it. The heat ought to break it loose.
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1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14 |
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#4 |
In Memoriam...
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Wallburg, NC
Posts: 1,216
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Re: Stuck drain plug...
1. Spray repeatedly with penetrating oil...
2. Grind slot w/dremel or similar in center for big-a** screwdriver... 3. Apply heat to expand surrounding pan threads... 4. Cuss a lot... 5. Unscrew with aforementioned big-a** screwdriver... Should come right off. Sounds easy enough, doesn't it? ![]()
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'68 C10 SWB 307ci 2BBL FarmTruk Pics Here "You know, doing what is right is easy. The problem is knowing what is right." |
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: the netherlands europe
Posts: 4,335
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Re: Stuck drain plug...
watch out with the welder i got an oilfire once trying to weld a nut on there .
you could try to square it once more and make it fit intoo a 12 point socket (hammertime) if that fails i would go with the thing farmtruck came up with
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i got a job again and having fun at it too idea's for the trucks and the order of things to do are taking shape and get closer to being realized , a few more months and i be able to start building for real i complete 2 of the trucks intoo running fashion one custom and one basicly stock the thirth will be sacrificed for parts |
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#6 |
Sierra Grande Club
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: New Mexico USA
Posts: 2,433
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Re: Stuck drain plug...
I’m going to say not to drop the pan. I’m in that boat right now (and it’s sinking). I tried to drop the pan and it can’t come out with out lifting the engine etc. I ended up pulling the motor. I don’t think you want to go there for a stupid drain plug.
Unless you wanted to replace seals etc. (like I did, just not at first). I like the heat idea. Use lots of penetrating oil Gibbs oil, Kroil (sp) or PB blaster all should work fine. I think welding a flat bar to it would heat it, and give you something to turn it with. s/t
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1971 GMC Sierra Grande, 1/2 ton short wide, original 4 bolt 010 020 block & heads. (matching #'s). 383 stroker, SMI q jet 750 cfm, Lunati Voodoo 60102 cam, Scorpion roller rockers, Spin Tech pro street mufflers with X pipe. ![]() |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Linden, North Carolina
Posts: 617
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Re: Stuck drain plug...
I would try hammering a socket on it first, if it's too gobbered up to have a socket stay on, grind it down to a smaller size and use a six point socket, if still no go weld a nut on, but clean the area well and grind all the paint/crap off.
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64 Panel Rebuild Pics Clutch Replacement and Borg Warner T10 Trans Rebuild 64 Panel 1/2 Ton 350cubes/400hp BorgWarner t-10 3:73 Auburn Posi |
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#8 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: daytonabeach
Posts: 22,956
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Re: Stuck drain plug...
you can always drill and tap it and install a petcock// i find it alot easier to remove the pan and work on a bench. easy to do and the engine needs to only be lifted 3inches
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71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY |
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#9 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Hendersonville, TN
Posts: 1,528
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Re: Stuck drain plug...
Thanks for the input. What about an extractor? You know the kind where you drill a hole in the middle of it and then you that to get it out. Would it work or is that not strong enough?
i don't have a welder. Would jb weld be strong enough if I fixed a nut on there with that?
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BRENT ![]() -'68 Stepside Project -'98 Z71 Daily Driver -Enough extra parts to build another truck and a half |
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#10 |
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Saint Francisville, Louisiana
Posts: 157
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Re: Stuck drain plug...
How about trying a small pipe wrench.
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1972 GMC K2500, stepside, stock 350, 4 speed. Former F/D truck with 32,000 miles, no rust. 1973 Jeep CJ 5, 304, 33's with side pipes 2008 GMC 2500HD, CC, SWB, D/A, SLT |
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Shreveport LA
Posts: 3,170
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Re: Stuck drain plug...
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#12 | |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Hendersonville, TN
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Re: Stuck drain plug...
Quote:
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BRENT ![]() -'68 Stepside Project -'98 Z71 Daily Driver -Enough extra parts to build another truck and a half |
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#13 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Brookings, SD
Posts: 10,497
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Re: Stuck drain plug...
It's the crossmember that causes problems. It's not tough to lift it. Pull the engine mount bolts, and lift it from the top with a engine hoist. You should be able to get it up enough to slip the pan off. Replace the pan gasket with a one-piece.
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Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs. |
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#14 |
Sierra Grande Club
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: New Mexico USA
Posts: 2,433
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Re: Stuck drain plug...
An easy out extractor would work, but remember when you drill the hole you are going to flow oil over everything drill etc. if you got that route, use the biggest easy out possible so you don’t take a chance breaking it off.
When I tried to remove my oil pan it would hit the auto trans. If I lifted my motor a little I could have taken it off, but what a PITA that would have been. I figured if I already was going to undo the motor mounts it wasn’t that much more to take the engine out (in my case) because I had the radiator out, and everything else out. it really was just a matter of a few wires and bolts. Did you try heating it? s/t
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1971 GMC Sierra Grande, 1/2 ton short wide, original 4 bolt 010 020 block & heads. (matching #'s). 383 stroker, SMI q jet 750 cfm, Lunati Voodoo 60102 cam, Scorpion roller rockers, Spin Tech pro street mufflers with X pipe. ![]() |
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#15 |
no brain no headache
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Cape Cod MA
Posts: 567
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Re: Stuck drain plug...
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...seBVCookie=Yes
Craftsman bolt out, I have this and works great imo
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1996 GMC Sierra z71 ![]() 1970 SWB 2wd (project) ![]() Last edited by 70c10swb; 02-03-2007 at 11:19 PM. |
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#16 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: sycamore,il
Posts: 163
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Re: Stuck drain plug...
Quote:
i have a set of these and they are the best i found for rounded off bolts
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69 chevy swb 2.5 in droped spindle with 1 coil cut--5 in dropped spring in rear 5 in dropped spring 307 repaced soon with 350 3sp on tree soon replaced with 350 tubo 06 monte carlo 94 chrysler town & country---198K 84 jag xj6 76 sportster---57 panhead Last edited by chopper103in; 02-04-2007 at 01:04 AM. |
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#17 | |
250 V-6 Club
![]() Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: San antonio, TX.
Posts: 898
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Re: Stuck drain plug...
Quote:
I have the same thing and they work great. The only thing is you will want to use a short socket so you can put presser on them while turning.
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1970 Chevy C/10 6 Cyl. 43k original miles all factory ![]() Never ask a stupid question unless you want a stupid answer ![]() |
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#18 |
~Rest In Peace~
Join Date: May 2005
Location: CALIFORNIA NOR CAL
Posts: 9,707
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Re: Stuck drain plug...
changing oil might be the worst thing to do for a rusty old engine
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is it fast ? it has a lighting bolt donut? B___H please, I can remove 90% of your so called "beauty" with a kleenex |
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#19 |
Senior Member
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Location: Lewisville, Nc
Posts: 10,234
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Re: Stuck drain plug...
and no jbweld will not be strong enough
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#20 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Hendersonville, TN
Posts: 1,528
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Re: Stuck drain plug...
I don't really have a good way to heat it. thanks for all the advice. Hopefully something will work soon.
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BRENT ![]() -'68 Stepside Project -'98 Z71 Daily Driver -Enough extra parts to build another truck and a half |
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#21 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Brookings, SD
Posts: 10,497
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Re: Stuck drain plug...
A propane torch would work, and they are cheap at Wal-Mart. You can use the style that are used for plumbing copper pipe.
You would be amazed at how much heat helps with stuck bolts.
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Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs. |
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#22 |
I am a Referee of life.
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Greensboro N.C.
Posts: 13,993
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Re: Stuck drain plug...
I vote for the pipe wrench.I have taken bolts out that had to be much tighter than an oil drain plug in a sheetmetal oil pan.Heat will help too.
"OR" you could take it to the oil change place! J/K
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The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil" Last edited by PanelDeland; 02-04-2007 at 07:38 PM. |
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#23 |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: ** THE FALL GUY **CHICAGO IL
Posts: 5,883
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Re: Stuck drain plug...
i say use a drimmel and cut a slot for a flat blade and then use a impact screwdriver... that will turn it
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#24 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2002
Location: NORTHEAST OHIO
Posts: 493
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Re: Stuck drain plug...
Go to sears and get a set of those bolt out extractors! $$ well spent and you will have them for future jobs...they do work
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#25 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Yukon Oklahoma
Posts: 2,647
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Re: Stuck drain plug...
Be careful, my son, gorilla arms, got one loose on his '69, only the weld inside the pan broke. Had to replace the pan anyway.
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Happiness is towing your "new" truck home. 1972 C-10 1982 GMC (parts truck??) ![]() 1969 c10 parts truck 1969 C-10 ( my sons) 1992 Silverado 4X4 (now the boys truck)(now mine again ![]() 2002 Tarus (my wife loves that car) |
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