Changing Oil - Can't Remove Sump Plug - Size?

[BrandonBJ8]

I'm changing the oil for the first time (inherited car). I can't remove the sump plug. It's really in their tight and I don't have a socket big enough. Anyone know what size it is so I can go pick one up? Any other advice?

Thanks!
-Brandon

 

[Keoke]

Hi Brandon, you might try tapping on the head of the drain plug with a hammer to aid in loosening it. The socket size I use is 1 1/8" on a 1/2" drive.--Fwiw -Keoke-AZ- /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cowboy.gif

 

[BrandonBJ8]

Was out buying the 1 1/8" as you wrote that! However, thanks for the hammer trick, it worked!

Now, I can't screw off the oil filter. (It's the spin off kind). Any tips on getting it off?

Thanks!
-Brandon

 

[BrandonBJ8]

Hmm, not sure if I do have the spin off type. How can I tell?

 

[Keoke]

Well lets see, if it is not the spin off type it will; 1] have a bolt head showing on the bottom. 2] it will lay parallel to the engine at a slight inclined level. 3] as you look at it from the top you will see two bolt heads that hold it on. If it is a screw on it will stick straight out from the side of the engine probably mounted to a short aluminum disk. If it is this latter type wrenches are available to grab it and remove it. If you just want to be messy you can drive a large screwdriver through the spin on filter and lever it loose. Gonna make a mess though. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif To remove the canister type filter will require a 9/16" socket applied to the two bolts I mentioned are visible from the top.---Keoke

 

[nevets]

...or you can go back to the store where you bought the 1 1/8 socket and buy an oil filter wrench. there are quite a few kinds out there, so make sure you get one that suits your needs. in a pinch, I've used an old leather belt (the kind with a buckle).

 

[Dave Russell]

Provided that it is a spin on filter, once you get it off, if you use a K&N filter, it has a nice one inch hex nut on the end. Makes installation & removal very easy. Really beats strap wrenches & jamming screw drivers through the can. In addition, it is a very high quality filter.

Many screw on filter adapters use the K&N HP-2009. A pic is attached.
D

 

[BrandonBJ8]

Thanks all! It just needed a little elbow grease! Got it off, oil changed, and back on the road! So much better!!

 

[Michael Oritt]

Just one more good reason to use a K&N filter--it has a 1" nut welded to the end of the case and there is a hole for safety-wiring the filter.

 

[bighly]

[ QUOTE ]
Just one more good reason to use a K&N filter--it has a 1" nut welded to the end of the case and there is a hole for safety-wiring the filter.

[/ QUOTE ]

This makes me think back to a time when I had done an oil change on my Fiat Spyder and failed to tighten the oil filter down. It came off and I siezed the motor. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cryin.gif
Perhaps if I had to safety wire it on I would have noticed it's loosness during the oil change.

Is wiring it down done so it dosent become FOD on the track? Or to keep it on, or both? Is this required for SCCA or?? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif

Tracy

 

[Michael Oritt]

Tracy--

I think that all racing organizations require all drain plugs-sump, diff, gearbox, etc.--to be safety wired. I do it to the OF on my street cars for good practice.

 

[nevets]

oil slicks on the track can be a problem