i am a mechanic and people put silicone on the plug like u said and then we get the car for the next oil change and before i touch anything i tell the owner so he cant blame me and if he wants me to drain the oil i do to prove to him tht we didnt just throw the shit on the car.
Eric, or anyone for that matter, have an idea if this method can be used universally? as in on American cars?.. The place I went for an oil change last week has either left the drain plug loose or stripped it out. It's very irritating... It's a 1990 Lincoln Mark VII LSC
Hey Eric i got a question i wanted to ask you, you say that you should never INSTALL a drain plug in with a air wrench, which i never use i always install with a wrench BUT can i use air air ratchet to LOOSEN the oild drain plug if i cant get the drain plug loosen with my wrench?
also add that it is good to drill a hole inside and get round nedumium magnet in the hole in the scrue, the hole for the magnet should be at least 0.01mm smaller than magnet diameter, plus cold/hot way of placing it in the hole (but small hammer plus piece of wood should do it
@EricTheCarGuy question relating to oil pans and stripped out bolts, is there a way that a very good trick like this can be done on steel oil pans as well? i dont see too many steel oil pans on cars now a days alot are aluminum but can do this same trick with them? Oh BTW, thank you for sayin how stupid it is to use an airgun to put those in, who does that stuff? thats a big do not do that
this actually happened to me once. what happened was the mechanic drilled a slightly bigger hole in my pan and threaded that. The we just stuck and bigger drain plug in there and we were all good! it was all about 90 bucks or so. almost all labor. could this possibly be a better way to fix a stripped out oil pan? also, the stripping was my fault, i over tightened the bolt, but i did only use a wrench, maybe i don't know my own strength lol XD
@oHaixD thats too much work, plus the time you spent on that, with this method, i already chugged two heinekens after I measure and cut like Eric did and mow my lawn,just my thought..
this happened to my wife's volkswagon jetta. they didn't strip out the bolt per-se they actually managed to break off the weilded nut on the inside of the oil pan.. i always hate taking cars to shops for oil changes. they have such a tendency to put bolts back on like they never have to be taken off again with anything less than a power tool
@oHaixD Whatever capital boy. Thanks for your closed minded comment, at least I have a reasonable argument for what I suggest and I'd go head to head anytime to see what method is 'faster', I was a flat rate tech for years BTW and I know all too well that time is money but to each his own.
@EricTheCarGuy HI ERIC I DID LIKE THIS ON MY TRANSMISSION DRAIN BOLT I STRIPPED THE SIDE NOW I JUST USED JB WELD BUT THERES STILL ALIL BIT OIL COMING OUT,,PLEASE ANY IDEA?HONDA CIVIC 2003 THANK U FOR UR HELPFUL VIDEOS GOD BLESS
@Nutter1138 I don't recommend that as a 'first attempt' for a couple of reasons, first this is WAY faster and second because if you drill into the pan you run the risk of putting a bunch of metal shavings into the oil pan.
@gesundheit6210 I recommend trying this first rather than drilling into the pan, it's faster and it doesn't leave a bunch of metal shavings in the oil pan. Thanks for the comment.
It is a good habit to have a nut tightened to the bolt while cutting it. Of course the nut should be as close to the head as possible. After cutting the bolt just unscrew the nut fixing the thread damaged by the cut
As a manager at a Walmart tire shop: THANK YOU. It's nice to see somebody else with a passionate hatred towards people who screw up something as simple as putting a bolt into a hole. And for the record, I can assure you and everyone else that every drain plug that comes through my shop not only goes in with a wrench, it gets torqued to the manufacturer's spec.
why did the manafactures ditch the steel oil pans you can weld a nut onto the outside of the oil pan much stronger than the toyko revenge alloy casting japan mass produces
@AthenasConquest Actually aluminum is better and gives the engine block structural rigidity. In the case of the pan that I show in this video the differential is actually bolted to it. I don't think it's the pans fault at all just the people doing the oil changes.
@AthenasConquest I believe I have an answer to that. With an aluminum pan you get a lot more rigidity meaning that there is less flex to the block with a 'solid' pan rather than a flexible steal one. This makes it so they can actually make a 'thinner' block which would be lighter and therefore make for better fuel economy. That's just my theory anyway.
@EricTheCarGuy I work as a mechanic on the east coast of Canada. Ive replaced quite a few steel oil pans and transmission pans because they have rusted out to the point that they leak quite badly. The fact that aluminum pans don't rust out and leak the way steel pans can, may or may not have anything to do with it but i am glad my oil pan is aluminum. The newest vehicle i replaced a rusted leaking steel pan was on a 2007.
@AthenasConquest The longer bolt has always worked for me and to be honest I'd rather do the bolt than the helicoil because it doesn't take as much time to fix and it doesn't put metal shavings in the oil pan.
@TheSassylola You might consider what has been suggested below and look for a Mercedes drain plug, apparently they are longer and ready to go right out of the box if you don't have the equipment to do the cutting.
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Would this repair work on a 2008 Honda Fit? Jiffy Lube stripped my pan and refuses to reimburse me for a replacement and my Honda care won't cover it. If I get the bolt, could I convince a mechanic to try this for me?
Before I take a cutting blade to any bolt, I'll spin a pair of hex nuts all the way down the bolt. After cutting the bolt, you slowly remove the nuts. They will work similar to a die set and help form a nice tapered thread at the start of the bolt.
The other option for fixing a stripped thread (depending on severity) is to use a tap set to re-cut the threads, then use a proper drain plug, new sealant washer, and of course a torque wrench to tighten the plug to the proper spec.
@soigne95035 The bolt cutting method has been mentioned several times and is a great idea. As for tapping however normally there are not enough threads to install a standard plug back in even after a repair, aside from that you would be putting metal shavings in the pan if you did that.
Thanks Erick, I really had a headache for long time trying to solve this problem,actually I am ussing plumbing tefflon to avoid leaking, thank god I found your video before go to the dealer.
A question...can I use the new plug all the way long, I mean without cut it..? what is going to happen if I do not cut it..?
@dlemons28 Check the measurement of the drain bolt that you have to get the size that fits your vehicle, it may be a different size. I actually get mine from a local hardware store and not a 'big box' version as they can often order special parts. You also might consider an online source.
BHAHAHAHAAH look at how angry he is when talking about people who put the drain plugs in with an impact gun i cant stand that i always get stuck with cars that have that problem
whoever changed the oil on my moms car F*@KED it up big time! the bolt it self is stripped. how can i get the bolt out without stripping it anymore than it is now?
@smitty6293 Not sure really but depending on your situation you may end up replacing the pan in the end. You might also consider taking it back where the oil was changed to see if they can do anything for you.
@smitty6293 I would go at it with an air chisel before I did that. You might look for one of those specialty wrenches that takes off damaged fasteners before you go there though.
@smitty6293 Going with this method could pay off.... Failing same...You can buy a 'Helicoil kit' to suit your sump plug problem , thus allowing you to redrill retap and fit /insert... a the helicoil spring into the sump casing....A good motor engineering shop could help you out with this .... or if you can get your hands on person who knows what he is doing, you are sorted...
@0:59 i respect that...very often i watch videos with my children that i dont expect to have obscene words and then out of no where...damn! i hate that.
@kahledyouth My kids watch my show too so I watch what I say, besides I'd rather make up my own words, everyone knows what I mean anyway. Thanks for the comment.
Im planning on changing to Amsoil or Motul engine oil.
Amsoil claims that their oils can get 15000miles or one year "which ever comes first" using their sythetic oil filters, will an oil filter last that long?
im living in miami like climates during the summer and chicago winters,,,, with Las Vegas type driving.
What are you suggestions to using sythetics/filters,,, also change intervals
@choi3ed Let me put it this way, if your engine is old and has run regular oil stay with it and save your money. I've seen more than one occasion where someone switched to synthetic or 'special' oil only to find that it leaks more and burns more oil after the switch. That stuff is good for new engines but I don't recommend it for old ones.
@EricTheCarGuy thats what I noticed on my Honda accord 1999, after I switch, after 2000 miles, I have check engine light about the VTEC running low on oil,tsk tsk,
Hi Eric, After what i currently know and thought i cant find a reason why your last resort couldnt be just tapping the hole again no matter what kind of metal? so can you?
@cvr800 If you did this you would have no need for a 'last resort' for starters. Keep in mind when you drill into the oil pan you are putting a bunch of metal shavings in there when you drill, I prefer not to do this. In addition mentioned in the comments below there is a Mercedes drain plug that is the perfect size and will just go right in without any cutting, I don't know about you but drilling and tapping seems like it would take a lot more time and effort as opposed to just replacing it.
always use a torque wrench, its not impacts that do it, its people using wrenches and tightening them way to tight. They have bolts that size that have a hole in the centre with a little bolt, so that way you never need to remove the bigger one again, just remove the little one to drain oil. The shop down the street, their oil change guy needs to learn what a torque wrench is used for....
Im a dealership tech myself, and I'll never get sick of learning "old school" tricks from A techs like yourself. You can read all the TSBs, service manuals etc you want, but its repairs like this that save yourself nightmares with service advisors, managers, and customers. Nothing worse then feeling the heat on your neck and your butt puckering up because you know you are F'ed and its on a simple oil change. Often because the guy before you doesnt know how to tighten a plug properly.
does this really only apply to honda oil pans btw? also if the threads at the end of the hole in the oil pan are boogered up, what tips do you have to ensure that you are threading that new bolt in straight. If it goes in cocked, i'd imagine you are still screwed
@310stanger I would say it would apply to aluminum oil pans in general. As you run the fastener in by hand you should be able to feel if it's binding or something, if it is then back it out and try again. The point is to take your time and do it right if not you'll be putting a new pan in. Thanks for the comment.
@frankie2234 The bolt is too long for that but if you read through the comments below there is a suggestion about using a Mercedes oil bolt instead that you might consider.
Thanks for the info! As a steel bolt and alumium don't go well together in some situations it is probably better to clean the thread (recut) after the bolt is shortened by using a new steel nut (as a thread cutter) before using the fresh cut new bolt in the aluminium oil pan first? Just to be on the safe side for any DIY.
brilliant - I see so many garages doing things like this. One main dealership tightened up oil filters with a wrench! Others were stripping the thread as you showed and then refusing to honour the warranty when the engine blew. On a forum I used, people were getting a mile or two before the warning light and engine failure. In every case, the garage blamed the customer! There are not many good mechanics left here in the UK, most are fast fit places that do a rubbish job.
@urbex2007 It's very unfortunate but that is a very common occurrence, I hate it because it makes the honest mechanics look bad. Thanks for the comment.
Eric, I can read and empathize with your thoughts why, because I HATE ALUMINUM OIL PANS, especially those on STUPID Fords!! No I'm not angry, I just have a very colorful personality. ;) The EXACT thing happened to me, unfortunately the ATF fluid pan is right behind the oil pan and blocks putting in a longer bolt. Thank you Ford engineers for the great automotive design. Was lucky to find a used pan but the job still cost me $300 bucks. Oh and AMBER VISION RULES!!
I don't get why you can't just put the whole new bolt in the oil pan? And if cutting it is necessary, instead of using the grinder to round it off would a file work?
@SystemXpander To answer the first question because the threads are stripped and there is nothing for the new bolt to thread into, as for the second question yes you can but it will take longer.
@ErickTheCarGuy....wow, you just saved me $590. I was searching for an oil pan for my 02 Acura RL...just like the Legend, it's a beast to take out and I've been getting quoted more than I can afford. I must admit, I tried the rubber plugs, but after seeing your video, and reading the comments, I'm off to the Mercedes dealership to purchase a longer drain plug! You really don't understand how much this saving is going to help me and my wife out! Continued success with your youtube career!
@DMJohn73 Nothing makes me happier than getting comments like this, I'm very glad my video helped you and that it saved you so much money. Good luck and thanks for the comment.
Found online a M14 1.5 X 60 mm - I was wondering if this would be enough to screw it right in without having to cut a longer bolt? It looks like it would be just about the final length of your bolt. Just wondering since my cool Midas mechanics stripped my oil pan but luckily I can wait to get the car repaired...
@hhiryu To be honest without seeing what you are up against it's very difficult for me to say about the best advice I can offer right now is to get it and see, if it's too long you can always trim it as I show in this video. I also recommend reading through the comments below because I think someone mentioned that Mercedes drain plugs are a little longer and will also work.
@EricTheCarGuy Yup that's what I ended up doing, I went to the MB dealership and bought an oil drain bolt from them, and it worked for me as well! Thank you very much for the video and suggestion, and to @billtracy4 as well for the Mercedes tip! Thumbs up!
Thanks for this tip! I haad the same problem from the fine work done by Mobile Lube Express on our 05 Honda Odyssey. Stripped the pan, and I had been limping it along with the universal Dorman rubber plug, but that fell out last night on our way home from the fireworks. A good alternative is to buy an oil drain plug at the local Mercedes dealer for a 190d model. It has the same 14x1.50 pitch and is about 1/2" longer than the stock Honda plug. $5 and it uses a 13mm wrench. No machining!
is it better to use a torque wrench rather than a normal wrench? on my buick, my service manual says to tighten the plug to 15-20 ft lbs. on my moms civic, it says 29 ft lbs. right now i just use a wrench. i dont tighten it to death. i just get it tight.
@AGreedyTree I've never used a torque wrench on a drain plug but that doesn't mean you couldn't. The point is not to over tighten which seems to be the tendency.
@EricTheCarGuy Hey I don't know if you've heard but for some reason I had to unsub from you and then subscribe again because your new videos wouldn't pop up in my subscription box, only the old ones did.
@larlar752000 That's not the issue, sometimes I upload a video long before it goes live and it doesn't show up as new as a result, I'm working on a solution to that however stay tuned.
@techgood Yea doing it yourself is a good way to prevent damage to your drain bolts and it also gives you the chance to get to know your truck better. Thanks very much for your comment, I'm glad you like the videos.
cool tip thanks that is why i change my own oil i use this gearwrench tool its magnetic so you dont drop the plug in the pan and its anodized so you know which size fits your vehicle's plug it comes with a ratchet wrench looks like a box wrench i know this may sound ignorant but could you fix it with a tap and die if so inclined
Eric, man, you know I love ya, but if folks do this, they need to eat the cost of the oil pan replacement. On a side not, it's alot of fun going back through yer older videos!
Nice video and thanks 4 the tips however u can go 2 the advance auto parts store and get 14MM x 1.5 plus plastic or rubber washer for all under $5. Btw the store have many different sizes of oil drain plugs as well.
@OMG55699 Those aren't long enough, the reason you use the longer bolt is because the standard ones are stripped out and the threads wont' catch, just installing a new plug will not work if it's stripped out.
If you blow out all the threads, can you weld some material onto the pan and then retap the threads? Or, could you drill the hole out and then retap a larger bolt hole? How much does an oil pan cost?
@snowboardgrly If it's already been fixed I would leave well enough alone as the threads on the helicoil are not likely to be the same as the stock threads were and you don't want to create a situation where you end up pulling the helicoil right out of the pan.
@EricTheCarGuy Thanks for the quick reply. The reason I asked is because the dealer told me that the helicoil is no longer holding up and that I'd have to replace the whole oil pan by my next oil change. Any suggestions as to what to do?
The only thing I would do differently is to thread on a nut or 2 onto the bolt before cutting/grinding it. That would 'chase' the treads on the end clean & back into shape prior to installing it.
This has nothing to do with this video but... I recently reversed the battery terminals on my 95 camry as some jerk put the wrong battery in it. Since then the ac hasn't worked. I checked every fuse on the car and they all work. The AC starts to kick on, rpms go up, then the ac light just keeps blinking and the rpms go back down...no cold air. What else should I be checking? What are some probable solutions here? Georgia summers coming, I need ac BAD.
This has nothing to do with the video but...I recently accidentally reversed the terminals on my battery, as some jerk stuck the wrong one in it. Since then the ac in my 1995 camry doesn't work. It starts to kick on, then the ac light blinks on and off and it won't blow cold air. I've checked every fuse on the car and they all work. What are some probable solutions to my dilemna? What else should I check? The georgia summertime is coming, and I will catch on fire and explode without ac.
@BHownsall I believe that is the default setting of the AC when it detects a problem for Toyota. The battery may have nothing to do with it as it could just have a low charge. I recommend taking it to a shop to have the AC diagnosed.
Have you had any luck with HeliCoils? I would be worried about getting the chips and the little tang out. Perhaps drilling the hole with grease on the bit to catch the chips. Another worry I have is if the pan is very thin..I would hope there's at least 1/2" of thickness/thread.
@fernfeyes I wouldn't use a helicoil on this, it's easier and quicker to do what I've shown in this video in my opinion and you don't have to worry about getting metal shavings in the pan.
I would be horrified to see a mechanic use an impact wrench tightening the sump plug on my vehicle. I would point out that I have seen aluminium threads become fatigued and stretched from a combination of numerous oil changes and hand wrench overtightening. My opinion is that one handed full force on a stubby wrench is all that is required for most to adequately tighten.
so not to be a wisenheimer, why not a stubbi wrench to tighten up tender bolts? unless one has an air or electric cutting wheel n simply cut the wrench in half ... more or less...
i have been that guy who gets someones fuck up it sucks.
zackduellman88 6 days ago
i am a mechanic and people put silicone on the plug like u said and then we get the car for the next oil change and before i touch anything i tell the owner so he cant blame me and if he wants me to drain the oil i do to prove to him tht we didnt just throw the shit on the car.
loser6574 1 week ago
Eric, or anyone for that matter, have an idea if this method can be used universally? as in on American cars?.. The place I went for an oil change last week has either left the drain plug loose or stripped it out. It's very irritating... It's a 1990 Lincoln Mark VII LSC
ffgew22 1 week ago
is it ok if i use a socket/ratchet wrench?
mbozza 1 week ago
Hey Eric i got a question i wanted to ask you, you say that you should never INSTALL a drain plug in with a air wrench, which i never use i always install with a wrench BUT can i use air air ratchet to LOOSEN the oild drain plug if i cant get the drain plug loosen with my wrench?
tomfan180 1 week ago
also add that it is good to drill a hole inside and get round nedumium magnet in the hole in the scrue, the hole for the magnet should be at least 0.01mm smaller than magnet diameter, plus cold/hot way of placing it in the hole (but small hammer plus piece of wood should do it
norbi7631 2 weeks ago
@EricTheCarGuy question relating to oil pans and stripped out bolts, is there a way that a very good trick like this can be done on steel oil pans as well? i dont see too many steel oil pans on cars now a days alot are aluminum but can do this same trick with them? Oh BTW, thank you for sayin how stupid it is to use an airgun to put those in, who does that stuff? thats a big do not do that
ranger4x42011 3 weeks ago
use a rubber plug
1112223333111 3 weeks ago
That explains why the oil plug on my old pan looked like that.
1974Alfa5Spd 3 weeks ago
this actually happened to me once. what happened was the mechanic drilled a slightly bigger hole in my pan and threaded that. The we just stuck and bigger drain plug in there and we were all good! it was all about 90 bucks or so. almost all labor. could this possibly be a better way to fix a stripped out oil pan? also, the stripping was my fault, i over tightened the bolt, but i did only use a wrench, maybe i don't know my own strength lol XD
ninjaseven1 1 month ago
Is this bolt size for any oil pan or or just get a longer bolt with the same threads that the stripped bolt has ??
brandon1997bmx 1 month ago
@oHaixD thats too much work, plus the time you spent on that, with this method, i already chugged two heinekens after I measure and cut like Eric did and mow my lawn,just my thought..
wangbungal 1 month ago
they should tax more giant corporations and pass legislation to prevent them from forcing the consumer to pay for it
midianpart2 1 month ago
they called him new tax gang rich why didnt I get elected? hmmm
midianpart2 1 month ago
I hate the let me put a BIgger Drain plug in this and have the next guy worry about it....Well Im that next guy....Had to rethread damn aluminum pan
gamemaniac85 1 month ago
Excellent
Videogamerdaryll 1 month ago
i thought i did this, but the problem was not changing the washer
peugeotCitroen2CV 1 month ago
"labor intensive" lol
TripInsure 1 month ago
this happened to my wife's volkswagon jetta. they didn't strip out the bolt per-se they actually managed to break off the weilded nut on the inside of the oil pan.. i always hate taking cars to shops for oil changes. they have such a tendency to put bolts back on like they never have to be taken off again with anything less than a power tool
anime1973 1 month ago
Ideally using a wrench is the best way to put bac a drain plug. Would a socket wrench also be ok as well or no?
glocsta707 1 month ago
Oh farrkkk the mechanic of the previous owner did this to me!
Forever a small drip now. Luckily its extremely slow and doesnt require this yet, might try it anyway.
They even some how managed to get the wheel lugs on so hard that it took a tyre shop 10 minutes to get them all off.
sprtn1o69 1 month ago
@oHaixD Whatever capital boy. Thanks for your closed minded comment, at least I have a reasonable argument for what I suggest and I'd go head to head anytime to see what method is 'faster', I was a flat rate tech for years BTW and I know all too well that time is money but to each his own.
EricTheCarGuy 2 months ago 6
@EricTheCarGuy @oHaixD also helicoil kits cost around 20 dollars if your lucky and a new bolt about 3 at the moss
NTKsuckit 1 month ago in playlist More videos from EricTheCarGuy
@EricTheCarGuy HI ERIC I DID LIKE THIS ON MY TRANSMISSION DRAIN BOLT I STRIPPED THE SIDE NOW I JUST USED JB WELD BUT THERES STILL ALIL BIT OIL COMING OUT,,PLEASE ANY IDEA?HONDA CIVIC 2003 THANK U FOR UR HELPFUL VIDEOS GOD BLESS
thekid11227 3 weeks ago
Or drill and tap up to the next size bolt if your willing to take the pan off? Love your vids.
Nutter1138 2 months ago
@Nutter1138 I don't recommend that as a 'first attempt' for a couple of reasons, first this is WAY faster and second because if you drill into the pan you run the risk of putting a bunch of metal shavings into the oil pan.
EricTheCarGuy 2 months ago
HELICOIL is the best solution, not the oil pan replace.
gesundheit6210 2 months ago
@gesundheit6210 I recommend trying this first rather than drilling into the pan, it's faster and it doesn't leave a bunch of metal shavings in the oil pan. Thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 2 months ago
It is a good habit to have a nut tightened to the bolt while cutting it. Of course the nut should be as close to the head as possible. After cutting the bolt just unscrew the nut fixing the thread damaged by the cut
SzymekCRX 2 months ago
@SzymekCRX That's an excellent point and I wish I would have put that in the video, thanks for your comment.
EricTheCarGuy 2 months ago
As a manager at a Walmart tire shop: THANK YOU. It's nice to see somebody else with a passionate hatred towards people who screw up something as simple as putting a bolt into a hole. And for the record, I can assure you and everyone else that every drain plug that comes through my shop not only goes in with a wrench, it gets torqued to the manufacturer's spec.
m33p0n3 2 months ago
@m33p0n3 Thank you sir! We need a few thousand more of you!
EricTheCarGuy 2 months ago
This makes me want to start changing my own oil again...
KayMonarch 3 months ago
@KayMonarch Not a bad idea, it could save you quite a bit of money not to mention getting to know your car better is never a bad thing.
EricTheCarGuy 2 months ago
why did the manafactures ditch the steel oil pans you can weld a nut onto the outside of the oil pan much stronger than the toyko revenge alloy casting japan mass produces
AthenasConquest 3 months ago
@AthenasConquest Actually aluminum is better and gives the engine block structural rigidity. In the case of the pan that I show in this video the differential is actually bolted to it. I don't think it's the pans fault at all just the people doing the oil changes.
EricTheCarGuy 3 months ago
@AthenasConquest I believe I have an answer to that. With an aluminum pan you get a lot more rigidity meaning that there is less flex to the block with a 'solid' pan rather than a flexible steal one. This makes it so they can actually make a 'thinner' block which would be lighter and therefore make for better fuel economy. That's just my theory anyway.
EricTheCarGuy 2 months ago
@EricTheCarGuy I work as a mechanic on the east coast of Canada. Ive replaced quite a few steel oil pans and transmission pans because they have rusted out to the point that they leak quite badly. The fact that aluminum pans don't rust out and leak the way steel pans can, may or may not have anything to do with it but i am glad my oil pan is aluminum. The newest vehicle i replaced a rusted leaking steel pan was on a 2007.
ziprock 1 week ago
cant you helicoil the oil pan drain threads after the longer bolt stips out?
AthenasConquest 3 months ago
@AthenasConquest The longer bolt has always worked for me and to be honest I'd rather do the bolt than the helicoil because it doesn't take as much time to fix and it doesn't put metal shavings in the oil pan.
EricTheCarGuy 3 months ago
LISTEN UP JIFFY LUBE!
hwhhww 3 months ago
hi Eric where do i go to cut the screw?? and make it round at the edge??
TheSassylola 4 months ago
@TheSassylola You might consider what has been suggested below and look for a Mercedes drain plug, apparently they are longer and ready to go right out of the box if you don't have the equipment to do the cutting.
EricTheCarGuy 4 months ago
So if you dont used a impact gun this will never happen to you right?
Whitecrackertrash 4 months ago
@Whitecrackertrash Yes, don't use power tools to tighten drain plugs and it will keep you out of trouble.
EricTheCarGuy 4 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
RON PAUL 2012 PEOPLE NEED TO SWITCH PARTIES 12 WEEKS IN ADVANCE OF THE PRIMARIES IN MOST STATES.
IF YOU DO NOT SWITCH IN TIME YOU CANNOT VOTE IN PRIMARY.
IF YOU ARE NOT REGISTERED REPUBLICAN YOU CANNOT VOTE IN PRIMARY.
IF RON PAUL DOES NOT WIN PRIMARY, NO GENERAL ELECTION ! REGISTER AS A REPUBLICAN. FIND OUT WHEN YOUR STATE HAS PRIMARIES. FIND OUT WHERE AND VOTE VOTE VOTE ! PLEASE !
WE NEED EVERY LAST VOTE ! Copy and paste this everywhere
naliaacn 4 months ago
0:32-0:40 is the most truth I've ever seen on YouTube.
fsv87 4 months ago
Could you not use a heli-coil to repair the damaged threads?
rwhutcheson 4 months ago
@rwhutcheson Takes longer, can put metal in the pan. I prefer this method.
EricTheCarGuy 4 months ago
Would this repair work on a 2008 Honda Fit? Jiffy Lube stripped my pan and refuses to reimburse me for a replacement and my Honda care won't cover it. If I get the bolt, could I convince a mechanic to try this for me?
Kat7583 4 months ago
@Kat7583 That's the first thing I would try. You might consider calling the BBB on the shop that damaged your pan. Good luck.
EricTheCarGuy 4 months ago
Before I take a cutting blade to any bolt, I'll spin a pair of hex nuts all the way down the bolt. After cutting the bolt, you slowly remove the nuts. They will work similar to a die set and help form a nice tapered thread at the start of the bolt.
The other option for fixing a stripped thread (depending on severity) is to use a tap set to re-cut the threads, then use a proper drain plug, new sealant washer, and of course a torque wrench to tighten the plug to the proper spec.
Great video!
soigne95035 4 months ago
@soigne95035 The bolt cutting method has been mentioned several times and is a great idea. As for tapping however normally there are not enough threads to install a standard plug back in even after a repair, aside from that you would be putting metal shavings in the pan if you did that.
EricTheCarGuy 4 months ago
@EricTheCarGuy That's what a magnetic drain plug is for :)
soigne95035 4 months ago
Thanks Erick, I really had a headache for long time trying to solve this problem,actually I am ussing plumbing tefflon to avoid leaking, thank god I found your video before go to the dealer.
A question...can I use the new plug all the way long, I mean without cut it..? what is going to happen if I do not cut it..?
Thanks again for your help
Firekid144 4 months ago
Haven't tried it yet. Checked Home Depot for the bolt. No luck. They had 12mm and 16mm
dlemons28 5 months ago
@dlemons28 Check the measurement of the drain bolt that you have to get the size that fits your vehicle, it may be a different size. I actually get mine from a local hardware store and not a 'big box' version as they can often order special parts. You also might consider an online source.
EricTheCarGuy 5 months ago
Thanks!!!!!!!!!!
dlemons28 5 months ago
@dlemons28 Your welcome, Hope I saved you some time and effort.
EricTheCarGuy 5 months ago
BHAHAHAHAAH look at how angry he is when talking about people who put the drain plugs in with an impact gun i cant stand that i always get stuck with cars that have that problem
your my hero eric
frankduckit 5 months ago
@frankduckit Yea those folks burn my biscuits alright. Thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 5 months ago
fact! os plugs and rtv don't do s#!t. tried both and no good. i did look for helicoils first though.
koglowa 5 months ago
Pretty sure you're my hero,
ssaxby02 5 months ago
@ssaxby02 I'm too fat to leap tall buildings though. :)
EricTheCarGuy 5 months ago
whoever changed the oil on my moms car F*@KED it up big time! the bolt it self is stripped. how can i get the bolt out without stripping it anymore than it is now?
smitty6293 6 months ago
@smitty6293 Not sure really but depending on your situation you may end up replacing the pan in the end. You might also consider taking it back where the oil was changed to see if they can do anything for you.
EricTheCarGuy 6 months ago
@EricTheCarGuy shit, could i use vicegrips to try to get it off?
smitty6293 6 months ago
@smitty6293 I would go at it with an air chisel before I did that. You might look for one of those specialty wrenches that takes off damaged fasteners before you go there though.
EricTheCarGuy 6 months ago
@smitty6293 Going with this method could pay off.... Failing same...You can buy a 'Helicoil kit' to suit your sump plug problem , thus allowing you to redrill retap and fit /insert... a the helicoil spring into the sump casing....A good motor engineering shop could help you out with this .... or if you can get your hands on person who knows what he is doing, you are sorted...
malachy1847 5 months ago
awesome knowledge for the masses! Great, thanks!
avion85 6 months ago
@avion85 That's what I'm here for. Thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 6 months ago
Comment removed
Motorfordtoyota 6 months ago
@0:59 i respect that...very often i watch videos with my children that i dont expect to have obscene words and then out of no where...damn! i hate that.
kahledyouth 6 months ago
@kahledyouth My kids watch my show too so I watch what I say, besides I'd rather make up my own words, everyone knows what I mean anyway. Thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 6 months ago
hey eric.
Im planning on changing to Amsoil or Motul engine oil.
Amsoil claims that their oils can get 15000miles or one year "which ever comes first" using their sythetic oil filters, will an oil filter last that long?
im living in miami like climates during the summer and chicago winters,,,, with Las Vegas type driving.
What are you suggestions to using sythetics/filters,,, also change intervals
best
choi3ed 6 months ago
@choi3ed Let me put it this way, if your engine is old and has run regular oil stay with it and save your money. I've seen more than one occasion where someone switched to synthetic or 'special' oil only to find that it leaks more and burns more oil after the switch. That stuff is good for new engines but I don't recommend it for old ones.
EricTheCarGuy 6 months ago 3
@EricTheCarGuy thats what I noticed on my Honda accord 1999, after I switch, after 2000 miles, I have check engine light about the VTEC running low on oil,tsk tsk,
wangbungal 1 month ago
Hi Eric, After what i currently know and thought i cant find a reason why your last resort couldnt be just tapping the hole again no matter what kind of metal? so can you?
cvr800 6 months ago
@cvr800 If you did this you would have no need for a 'last resort' for starters. Keep in mind when you drill into the oil pan you are putting a bunch of metal shavings in there when you drill, I prefer not to do this. In addition mentioned in the comments below there is a Mercedes drain plug that is the perfect size and will just go right in without any cutting, I don't know about you but drilling and tapping seems like it would take a lot more time and effort as opposed to just replacing it.
EricTheCarGuy 6 months ago
iffy lube come's to mind lmao
stevespade 6 months ago
always use a torque wrench, its not impacts that do it, its people using wrenches and tightening them way to tight. They have bolts that size that have a hole in the centre with a little bolt, so that way you never need to remove the bigger one again, just remove the little one to drain oil. The shop down the street, their oil change guy needs to learn what a torque wrench is used for....
DaShadowInc 6 months ago
@DaShadowInc I see where your coming from but I think just a little restraint and not using power tools goes a long way. Thanks for you input.
EricTheCarGuy 6 months ago
Im a dealership tech myself, and I'll never get sick of learning "old school" tricks from A techs like yourself. You can read all the TSBs, service manuals etc you want, but its repairs like this that save yourself nightmares with service advisors, managers, and customers. Nothing worse then feeling the heat on your neck and your butt puckering up because you know you are F'ed and its on a simple oil change. Often because the guy before you doesnt know how to tighten a plug properly.
310stanger 7 months ago
@310stanger Been there a BUNCH of times myself. Thanks very much for your comment I really appreciate it.
EricTheCarGuy 7 months ago
does this really only apply to honda oil pans btw? also if the threads at the end of the hole in the oil pan are boogered up, what tips do you have to ensure that you are threading that new bolt in straight. If it goes in cocked, i'd imagine you are still screwed
310stanger 7 months ago
@310stanger I would say it would apply to aluminum oil pans in general. As you run the fastener in by hand you should be able to feel if it's binding or something, if it is then back it out and try again. The point is to take your time and do it right if not you'll be putting a new pan in. Thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 7 months ago
I LOVE ERIC THE CAR GUY!!!! You have helped me SOOOO MANY TIMES AND LOTS OF MONEY
TheSexylittlelatina 7 months ago
@TheSexylittlelatina That's what I do, thanks for the comment it really made my day.
EricTheCarGuy 7 months ago
Tq wrench. On plugs.
1967800 7 months ago
could you put the whole bolt in without cutting some of it off or will it end up hitting something spinning in the oil pan????
frankie2234 7 months ago
@frankie2234 The bolt is too long for that but if you read through the comments below there is a suggestion about using a Mercedes oil bolt instead that you might consider.
EricTheCarGuy 7 months ago
Thanks for the info! As a steel bolt and alumium don't go well together in some situations it is probably better to clean the thread (recut) after the bolt is shortened by using a new steel nut (as a thread cutter) before using the fresh cut new bolt in the aluminium oil pan first? Just to be on the safe side for any DIY.
4711Express 7 months ago
@4711Express That is an excellent suggestion and I wish I would have put it into the video. Thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 7 months ago
@Designing5 Awesome! Always good to meet a new subscriber thank you.
EricTheCarGuy 7 months ago
damn, that amber vision was neat.
13FravelJ 7 months ago
@13FravelJ One of my favorite parts really.
EricTheCarGuy 7 months ago
brilliant - I see so many garages doing things like this. One main dealership tightened up oil filters with a wrench! Others were stripping the thread as you showed and then refusing to honour the warranty when the engine blew. On a forum I used, people were getting a mile or two before the warning light and engine failure. In every case, the garage blamed the customer! There are not many good mechanics left here in the UK, most are fast fit places that do a rubbish job.
urbex2007 7 months ago
@urbex2007 It's very unfortunate but that is a very common occurrence, I hate it because it makes the honest mechanics look bad. Thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 7 months ago
Eric, I can read and empathize with your thoughts why, because I HATE ALUMINUM OIL PANS, especially those on STUPID Fords!! No I'm not angry, I just have a very colorful personality. ;) The EXACT thing happened to me, unfortunately the ATF fluid pan is right behind the oil pan and blocks putting in a longer bolt. Thank you Ford engineers for the great automotive design. Was lucky to find a used pan but the job still cost me $300 bucks. Oh and AMBER VISION RULES!!
kwakman99 7 months ago
@kwakman99 That is unfortunate, lets hope the new pan does not suffer the same fate. Thanks for sharing your story, it was 'colorful'.
EricTheCarGuy 7 months ago
I don't get why you can't just put the whole new bolt in the oil pan? And if cutting it is necessary, instead of using the grinder to round it off would a file work?
SystemXpander 7 months ago
@SystemXpander To answer the first question because the threads are stripped and there is nothing for the new bolt to thread into, as for the second question yes you can but it will take longer.
EricTheCarGuy 7 months ago
@ErickTheCarGuy....wow, you just saved me $590. I was searching for an oil pan for my 02 Acura RL...just like the Legend, it's a beast to take out and I've been getting quoted more than I can afford. I must admit, I tried the rubber plugs, but after seeing your video, and reading the comments, I'm off to the Mercedes dealership to purchase a longer drain plug! You really don't understand how much this saving is going to help me and my wife out! Continued success with your youtube career!
DMJohn73 8 months ago
@DMJohn73 Nothing makes me happier than getting comments like this, I'm very glad my video helped you and that it saved you so much money. Good luck and thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 8 months ago
Found online a M14 1.5 X 60 mm - I was wondering if this would be enough to screw it right in without having to cut a longer bolt? It looks like it would be just about the final length of your bolt. Just wondering since my cool Midas mechanics stripped my oil pan but luckily I can wait to get the car repaired...
hhiryu 8 months ago
@hhiryu To be honest without seeing what you are up against it's very difficult for me to say about the best advice I can offer right now is to get it and see, if it's too long you can always trim it as I show in this video. I also recommend reading through the comments below because I think someone mentioned that Mercedes drain plugs are a little longer and will also work.
EricTheCarGuy 8 months ago
@EricTheCarGuy Yup that's what I ended up doing, I went to the MB dealership and bought an oil drain bolt from them, and it worked for me as well! Thank you very much for the video and suggestion, and to @billtracy4 as well for the Mercedes tip! Thumbs up!
hhiryu 8 months ago
@hhiryu I love it when things work out like this, thanks for the update.
EricTheCarGuy 8 months ago
Thanks for this tip! I haad the same problem from the fine work done by Mobile Lube Express on our 05 Honda Odyssey. Stripped the pan, and I had been limping it along with the universal Dorman rubber plug, but that fell out last night on our way home from the fireworks. A good alternative is to buy an oil drain plug at the local Mercedes dealer for a 190d model. It has the same 14x1.50 pitch and is about 1/2" longer than the stock Honda plug. $5 and it uses a 13mm wrench. No machining!
billtracy4 8 months ago
@billtracy4 That's a great tip and accomplishes the same thing as in this video with even less effort, well done.
EricTheCarGuy 8 months ago
is it better to use a torque wrench rather than a normal wrench? on my buick, my service manual says to tighten the plug to 15-20 ft lbs. on my moms civic, it says 29 ft lbs. right now i just use a wrench. i dont tighten it to death. i just get it tight.
AGreedyTree 8 months ago
@AGreedyTree I've never used a torque wrench on a drain plug but that doesn't mean you couldn't. The point is not to over tighten which seems to be the tendency.
EricTheCarGuy 8 months ago
Is using a ratchet Ok? and what about taking the bolt out with an impact
kt14328 8 months ago
@kt14328 Hand tools only, no air tools in or out.
EricTheCarGuy 8 months ago
@EricTheCarGuy Hey I don't know if you've heard but for some reason I had to unsub from you and then subscribe again because your new videos wouldn't pop up in my subscription box, only the old ones did.
larlar752000 8 months ago
@larlar752000 That's not the issue, sometimes I upload a video long before it goes live and it doesn't show up as new as a result, I'm working on a solution to that however stay tuned.
EricTheCarGuy 8 months ago
@EricTheCarGuy Oops... Oh well now i know and it didn't hurt anything the time i took it out with an impact.
kt14328 8 months ago
why in the world , put that drain bolt so daaa...tight, i found my truck bolt was so tight too, now on i am do my oil service
thanks Eric - Stay dirty i really really - really like your videos - i mean all of them
techgood 8 months ago
@techgood Yea doing it yourself is a good way to prevent damage to your drain bolts and it also gives you the chance to get to know your truck better. Thanks very much for your comment, I'm glad you like the videos.
EricTheCarGuy 8 months ago
cool tip thanks that is why i change my own oil i use this gearwrench tool its magnetic so you dont drop the plug in the pan and its anodized so you know which size fits your vehicle's plug it comes with a ratchet wrench looks like a box wrench i know this may sound ignorant but could you fix it with a tap and die if so inclined
ibondwithmydog 9 months ago
@ibondwithmydog That fix would take more time and effort as well as put metal shavings into the oil pan.
EricTheCarGuy 9 months ago
Eric, man, you know I love ya, but if folks do this, they need to eat the cost of the oil pan replacement. On a side not, it's alot of fun going back through yer older videos!
beefystik 9 months ago
@beefystik Consider this however, if they messed up the oil pan in the first place would you trust them to replace it too? Thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 9 months ago
@EricTheCarGuy Alright man, ya totally got me there, heh..
beefystik 9 months ago
I literally lol'd when you said, "From this point forward, amber vision" and watched the video go amber.
conquesimo 9 months ago
@conquesimo We like to have fun at ETCG, thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 9 months ago
Nice video and thanks 4 the tips however u can go 2 the advance auto parts store and get 14MM x 1.5 plus plastic or rubber washer for all under $5. Btw the store have many different sizes of oil drain plugs as well.
OMG55699 10 months ago
@OMG55699 Those aren't long enough, the reason you use the longer bolt is because the standard ones are stripped out and the threads wont' catch, just installing a new plug will not work if it's stripped out.
EricTheCarGuy 10 months ago
helicoil might work, if you have the clearance
ratrace2p51 10 months ago
@ratrace2p51 This is faster and easier and costs less.
EricTheCarGuy 10 months ago
If you blow out all the threads, can you weld some material onto the pan and then retap the threads? Or, could you drill the hole out and then retap a larger bolt hole? How much does an oil pan cost?
spelunkerd 10 months ago
@spelunkerd My question to that would be why make that effort if all you have to do is fit a longer bolt into the hole?
EricTheCarGuy 10 months ago
iron pans FTW!!
MeowJW 10 months ago
HA... I love 'amber vision'... lol
layintrax 10 months ago
hey thank u i was going nuts trying to figure it out a longer bolt duhh lol thanks its a 08 tc stupiid dealer
europhiCc 10 months ago
@europhiCc Sucks that the dealer did it, they aren't going to fix it for you?
EricTheCarGuy 10 months ago
Do you shop at harbor freight? if so do you have an opinion on there tools?
hennabear1234 11 months ago
@hennabear1234 Some of their tools are great for some jobs, some are not.
EricTheCarGuy 11 months ago
Hi Eric. Thanks for the video! Would your method work when I've already had my oil pan "repaired," wihthout my knowledge, with a helicoil?
I don't know if Mazda did it or Midas... but I'm trying to avoid paying the $600 I was quoted to get a new oil pan put in.
snowboardgrly 11 months ago
@snowboardgrly If it's already been fixed I would leave well enough alone as the threads on the helicoil are not likely to be the same as the stock threads were and you don't want to create a situation where you end up pulling the helicoil right out of the pan.
EricTheCarGuy 11 months ago
@EricTheCarGuy Thanks for the quick reply. The reason I asked is because the dealer told me that the helicoil is no longer holding up and that I'd have to replace the whole oil pan by my next oil change. Any suggestions as to what to do?
snowboardgrly 11 months ago
@snowboardgrly Your probably going to have to replace the pan unfortunately as once you put a helicoil in that's it you really can't fix sorry.
EricTheCarGuy 11 months ago
Comment removed
snowboardgrly 11 months ago
i love being a machinist and knowing what hes talking about =D
cheeriomartinez 11 months ago 2
Also, do not use a filter wrench to install an oil filter.. It makes it a nightmare to remove.
gerrysauto 11 months ago
@gerrysauto Yea, that should be a given. Thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 11 months ago
what about a helicoil? i've had a lot of success using them on other threaded holes (spark plugs etc)
3wheeler016 11 months ago
@3wheeler016 That has been mentioned several times, please read through my comments below for my response to that.
EricTheCarGuy 11 months ago
Great tip.
The only thing I would do differently is to thread on a nut or 2 onto the bolt before cutting/grinding it. That would 'chase' the treads on the end clean & back into shape prior to installing it.
JohnzCarz 1 year ago
@JohnzCarz Your absolutely right, in fact that's been suggested a few times in the comments.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
technically a wrench is mechanical leverage
blazinloud 1 year ago
@blazinloud And if used improperly it can be a danger as well.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
Couldn't you drill it and re-thread the hole with a larger sized bolt?
kawasabi1 1 year ago
@kawasabi1 See the comments below, thanks.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
LISTEN UP JIFFY LUBE!!!!
hwfixiturself 1 year ago
This has nothing to do with this video but... I recently reversed the battery terminals on my 95 camry as some jerk put the wrong battery in it. Since then the ac hasn't worked. I checked every fuse on the car and they all work. The AC starts to kick on, rpms go up, then the ac light just keeps blinking and the rpms go back down...no cold air. What else should I be checking? What are some probable solutions here? Georgia summers coming, I need ac BAD.
BHownsall 1 year ago
This has nothing to do with the video but...I recently accidentally reversed the terminals on my battery, as some jerk stuck the wrong one in it. Since then the ac in my 1995 camry doesn't work. It starts to kick on, then the ac light blinks on and off and it won't blow cold air. I've checked every fuse on the car and they all work. What are some probable solutions to my dilemna? What else should I check? The georgia summertime is coming, and I will catch on fire and explode without ac.
BHownsall 1 year ago
@BHownsall I believe that is the default setting of the AC when it detects a problem for Toyota. The battery may have nothing to do with it as it could just have a low charge. I recommend taking it to a shop to have the AC diagnosed.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
Have you had any luck with HeliCoils? I would be worried about getting the chips and the little tang out. Perhaps drilling the hole with grease on the bit to catch the chips. Another worry I have is if the pan is very thin..I would hope there's at least 1/2" of thickness/thread.
fernfeyes 1 year ago
@fernfeyes I wouldn't use a helicoil on this, it's easier and quicker to do what I've shown in this video in my opinion and you don't have to worry about getting metal shavings in the pan.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
@wildwestshit Yea, I don't like them, it makes changing the oil in the future very difficult.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
I would be horrified to see a mechanic use an impact wrench tightening the sump plug on my vehicle. I would point out that I have seen aluminium threads become fatigued and stretched from a combination of numerous oil changes and hand wrench overtightening. My opinion is that one handed full force on a stubby wrench is all that is required for most to adequately tighten.
bitpri05 1 year ago
Another reason to do it yourself :)
mrjost55 1 year ago
Impact wrench or not, lube places all over-tighten drain plugs. Don't trust them.
Guppypants 1 year ago
so not to be a wisenheimer, why not a stubbi wrench to tighten up tender bolts? unless one has an air or electric cutting wheel n simply cut the wrench in half ... more or less...
lisagrrl00 1 year ago
@lisagrrl00 That would work great I'm sure, I just worry about the guys with the impacts that just close their eyes and pull the trigger.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
Or if you are really pro, use a torque wrench
adamruck 1 year ago
@adamruck Now that's fancy. I might on a Ferrari but on a Hyundai, probably not.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
i am wondering couldn't u just retap the screw and pan
smallenginemaster1 1 year ago
@smallenginemaster1 You could but that would take a lot more time and possibly put metal shavings in the