1999 V70 Ridiculously Rounded Drain Plug Advice

Post by **deepsouth** » 07 Sep 2014, 18:44

Same car I've got the head pulled on. Went to drain the oil and this is what I found the drain plug looked like. I have a killer set of Irwin Bolt extractors and they simply tear into the soft metal and spin off (even when going down a size and hammering it on). It doesn't help that the upper left corner is missing a chunk. I'm at my wits end--this thing will not freaking budge. Any ideas?

Post by **mecheng** » 07 Sep 2014, 19:26

I've always had luck with bolt out sockets, are they slipping?

If so: Try filling two flat edges and then use wrench. Before that try some vise grips.

To be honest: I've always found the bolt outs the best solution, hammer on the ratchet with rubber mallet

Post by **deepsouth** » 07 Sep 2014, 19:30

Yeah, because of the chunk missing from the upper right they are slipping off (until now, they've never failed me either). So far, no luck with vice grips either. This thing feels like it's been JB Welded into place.

Post by **cn90** » 07 Sep 2014, 20:39

Is there room for pipe wrench?

Post by **dosbricks** » 07 Sep 2014, 21:02

Chanellock nut buster (also know as parrot jaw). I've had a set for 40 years and never failed me yet. The more torque applied, the tighter they grip, and they don't care what shape the bolt/nut is.

https://www.channellock.com/product.aspx?zpid=358

Post by **timmybdaddyof3** » 07 Sep 2014, 21:58

+1 to the channellocks, another thought is to take a dremel to two sides of it so you have something to lock a vise grip on. Another thought is to drill a small pilot hole in it then hit that with an easy out bit

Oh yeah, when you get it out i would buy a new plug

Post by **abscate** » 08 Sep 2014, 06:06

Tack weld a rod to it. Make sure you can clear the total 360 rotation.

You can then re-use that plug, too. Not.

Post by **rmmagow** » 08 Sep 2014, 07:13

The channellocks have worked for me in a similar situation with a rearend drain. I have also used an electric impact with the bolt removal thing in the past on badly rounded plugs like this. If you weld, be sure the battery is disconnected.

Post by **rspi** » 08 Sep 2014, 07:35

Pipe wrench.

Post by **regent** » 08 Sep 2014, 08:29

+1 to the pipe wrench - awesome method, but... it only works when torque is applied in the right direction (please don't ask me how I came to know)