Oil change problems

Post by **priapism** » 06 Jul 2011, 10:38

So, I can't get the drain plug off. This is the 2nd time it's happened. Last time I just went to my trusted shop who said he got it off no problem?

Does the tank expand when hot, making the bolt harder to get off? I literally had both feet on the left tire pulling as hard as I could and the thing wouldn't budge. I ended up rounding off the bolt. What gives? What am I doing wrong?

Am I going to have the same problem with the oil filter housing?

All the work I've done on this thing and I've never changed the oil! ha!

flylow · Post by **flylow** » 06 Jul 2011, 10:48

That's weird ? I would check to make sure your turning it counter clock and that your not getting turned around when your on your back. It's happened to all of us take your time look at it to make sure your going counter clock...

Post by **priapism** » 06 Jul 2011, 10:51

Yup, I keep second guessing myself. I'm turning the bottom side towards the passenger side.

I did it right after I shut down the engine, so all I could think of is that the heat made it expand. I had the same problem last time.

flylow · Post by **flylow** » 06 Jul 2011, 10:57

Yes a hot engine can make a little harder I like to do it warm for the oil flo, but I use a 1/2 ratchet and socket with not to much problem... And a retchet is good because you can set it before you get under the car so you know your are going the right way

SimLyons · Post by **SimLyons** » 06 Jul 2011, 12:54

Had the same thing happen with my 850 a couple of months ago. First time in 10 years of ownership and 2-3 changes per year (using mileage). This episode caused me to take it to my friendly independent shop who got it out for me. I had a new magnetic plug from IPD to replace the old and new crush washer. I don't anticipate any more issues since the indie shop reinstalled using Volvo's torque setting. (had to cut new flat edges in the rounded head to get a grip with a huge paair of vice grips to get it out)

I had always done my own changes but the last one prior to the problem was done by Jiffy-Lube, since we were travelling and it was due. I think they must have used a pneumatic wrench with the setting on infinity to replace the plug!

RaymanSean · Post by **RaymanSean** » 06 Jul 2011, 20:42

I do not know why people like to torque oil plugs down like they are head bolts, hand tight plus 0.25 of a turn or so has served me well ever since started changing oil. I know specs are written for a reason, but all you are trying to do is prevent the oil from leaking out of a relatively unpressurized system. As far as how to get the oil plug out that has been tightened Erik Pettersson with a 2 meter cheater pipe, I would say grind some flats on it and get a large pair of vise grips. If that fails, drill the center of the bolt and use an easy out. They also make impact sockets that will try to grab the outside of a rounded bolt, but I have found that usually they will just spin, but sometimes you get lucky.