Oil drain plug

louieglen

Senior Member
I bought a car, and decided to change the oil. The grommet? that the drain plug screws into turns with the plug. Is there any thing I can do other than pull the pan? Thanks
 
Those bosses are only soldered in. What you describe is not uncommon by any means. I had it happen once when I was 2,500 miles from home. I had to drop the sump to change the oil, then drove home and fixed it.
Resoldering is not so easy now that it is soaked in oil but not impossible. That will only leave you where you were before - a weak joint. I recommend brazing it or welding and yes, the sump has to come off - not that it is a big job.
 
Pro tip:

If this happens on the road, before you drop the pan to change the oil, there are several designs of oil suction devices where you can suck it right through the dipstick hole. Rotary pumps on a drill or vacuum based with an air pump on a metal tank. Might be worth the day wait and the FedEx charge to ship one in.
 
I would have it welded when you have the time to fix it right. For a quick oil change pick up a vacuum pump. This is what I use on my boat and I think I purchased mine at Walmart.

Ron
 
There is also a vacuum pull that looks like a grease gun. Just put the hose in and pull the handle. Works great and cheap too.
 
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