It must have been over tightened. I have broken two 17mm sockets already tonight, and the plug is starting to get the edges rounded off. It doesn't want to come out. I hope I can get it out without having to replace the whole oil pan.

I might take it to one of those oil change places tomorrow since Auto Zone is now closed tonight and I can't get another socket anywhere, plus I want to put a new plug in after I pull this one. I hope to god my pan isn't cross threaded.

So my oil change will now have to wait till tomorrow. I wanted to get it done today though.

>>> It must have been over tightened.
What tipped you off <g>?

>>> I have broken two 17mm sockets already tonight...
I don't know what you have for tools but you gotta get quality stuff. First of all a quality 1/2" socket won't break. Plus the size will be more exact then a cheap set giving you a better fit on the bolt so you are less likely to strip the bolt heads.

>>> I hope to god my pan isn't cross threaded.
I hope not too. A friend of mine had a cross threaded oil plug but they fixed it. They drilled it out then tapped it to the next larger size. Of course the crankcase had to be flushed out but he never had any problems. Something to think about.

One thing you might try is to get a 6-pt socket (most are 12-pt). A 6-pt socket will grip the plug better. Also get a short socket (2" tall) and not one of the 4" deep sockets. This gives you better leverage and torque right on the bolt and lessens the chance of twisting and slipping.

/ mark

Try a box end wrench; leverage is more direct than a socket. If you can get/borrow a good, like a Snap-on, 6 point as opposed to 12 point, even better. And, I know this sounds stupid, but make sure you are turning it the correct way. You're probably upside down and backwards to it, if you're laying on your back. It is sometimes easy to turn it the wrong way when you not in a "normal" position. Anyway, just a thought and yes there is a strong likelihood that the last "oil change place" gorilla'd it on. Worst comes to worst, vice grips and then a new plug & washer. Good luck!!!

>>> And, I know this sounds stupid, but make sure you are turning it the correct way.

Excellent point. It's a very common mistake. I once had an Austin Healy and had a good wrestling match with one of the bolts. I was rushing things a bit and it turned out that I was simply twisting the wrong way.

I am under the car, the filter and drain plug are on the drivers side of the car. To loosen it I need to turn it to the left. I have a long handled swivled head socket wrench using a short 6-pt 17mm socket. I am pulling the socket wrench toward the rear of the car, to turn the bolt left. Is this correct??? If I get it out myself tomorrow I'm putting in a new plug. If I say screw it and take it to an oil change business, I'm having them put in a new plug. If I don't do it myself this time, I will have all the oil to do it myself next time.

I will go get another socket set with lifetime warranty made in USA!!! I have a dentist appointment tomorrow afternoon but after that I'm going to get this damn plug out. I tried the vise grips but it started to round off my plug. I think with a strong socket or 17mm wrench with a long handle I'll be able to get it loose. Then I can put the new plug in. I don't think it would be cross threaded. The previous owner, Levent, did the oil change last. I know that with heat and what not the plugs seem to get really tight. Same with filters, you only put them on snug, but they get tighter.

Wish me luck!!

...plug this time use an impact force to try to loosen it.

Place the socket on the plug then FIRMLY hold the socket onto the bolt (where it ratchets), I like to also push it in toward the bolt. Now with a large hammer, I use a three pound hammer, smack the handle of the ratchet.

This is the method I use to free tough bolts. An impact load transers about three times the force of a static load!!

Good Luck!!

>>>I am pulling the socket wrench toward the rear of the car, to turn the bolt left. Is this correct???

If handle is closer to ground yes, if closer to engine, then no. It may be better to think of it as clockwise tightens, counterclockwise loosens.