Stuck during oil change

[mr_maxime]

I got an 8mm socket from pepboys that fit but clearance was tight . I ended up getting the ratchet stuck between the frame and the oil pan. I can't think of a good way to get unstuck.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a353/mr_maxime/Delorean/20160820_185634_zpskrlzc75z.jpg (http://s15.photobucket.com/user/mr_maxime/media/Delorean/20160820_185634_zpskrlzc75z.jpg.html)

[AugustneverEnds]

Did you try tightening the drain plug back in and removing the socket? It got in that way so should come back out

[bfloyd]

Now that you've got it loose, screw it back in enough to get the wrench clear of the frame. Once you get the wrench out, take the 8mm socket off the wrench and stick it back in there and turn it by hand to remove the plug.

I tried 3 different socket wrenches last year before I found one thin enough to get in there and out of there without getting stuck. I've got a really thin profile Craftsman socket wrench that did the trick for me.

[mr_maxime]

I've been trying to screw it back in but I can't. I'm trying to switch the ratcheting to screw in but it's jammed in

[mr_maxime]

I pried it out. Hopefully I didn't damage too much. Definitely investing in that ez oil drain valve for next time.

[dmruschell]

Just get a hex head M16x1.50 drain plug. Then, you can use a wrench on it and never have to worry about getting stuck again. That size is available at most auto parts stores.

[AugustneverEnds]

Just get a hex head M16x1.50 drain plug. Then, you can use a wrench on it and never have to worry about getting stuck again. That size is available at most auto parts stores.

+1

DeLorean vendors all sell a 19mm head drain plug with a magnetic end. Nice little insurance to have. I bought this one from John Hervey: http://specialtauto.com/delorean-parts/images/oil-drain-plug-magnetic-1.jpg

[content22207_2]

Home made oil plug tool (aka: old Craftsman 5/16 screwdriver with the tip cut off and bent over):

45619

I cut the handle shorter so the tool can make a full swing without jacking the car up -- oil changes are much faster and easier when the vehicle remains on the ground (one of the advantages of a pickup truck).

I originally made a tool from hardware store 5/16 bar stock but it was too soft to hold up to repeated use. Screwdriver was Made in USA tool steel.

Bill Robertson
#5939

[Parzval]

They make ratcheting box wrenches. Looks like they would fit in there great.

[Michael]

I used an old 3/4 ratchet and just ground the head down to fit. It has worked great for the past 7+ years.

[DMC-81]

For the pep boys tool, CTA 2036, I use one of the Pittsburgh 67011 square socket caps. This allows an open wrench to be used, but as soon as you crack it loose, you have to remove the tool due to clearance issues. It really only used to break it loose and tighten it.

45642

Question: does anyone know whether the Snap on socket (PMM408A) allows a normal socket wrench to be used? Or do you need to get a thin wrench with that socket as well?

[axh174]

Question: does anyone know whether the Snap on socket (PMM408A) allows a normal socket wrench to be used? Or do you need to get a thin wrench with that socket as well?

I'm not sure if mine is the same part #, but I have a Snap On socket that looks just like PMM408A that I use, and I use a regular socket wrench with it when changing my oil. However, I've never tried taking the whole oil plug out with the wrench still on. I've only ever used the tool to loosen the plug and to tighten it.

[DMCMW Dave]

I'm not sure if mine is the same part #, but I have a Snap On socket that looks just like PMM408A that I use, and I use a regular socket wrench with it when changing my oil. However, I've never tried taking the whole oil plug out with the wrench still on. I've only ever used the tool to loosen the plug and to tighten it.

He made two mistakes - the tool he used was much longer than the Snap-On tool, and his ratchet was thicker and had the direction switch on the back instead of the side of the tool. Use the right tool, and a small breaker bar rather than a ratchet, and you won't see this problem.

[hmcelraft]

Home made oil plug tool (aka: old Craftsman 5/16 screwdriver with the tip cut off and bent over):

45619

I cut the handle shorter so the tool can make a full swing without jacking the car up -- oil changes are much faster and easier when the vehicle remains on the ground (one of the advantages of a pickup truck).

I originally made a tool from hardware store 5/16 bar stock but it was too soft to hold up to repeated use. Screwdriver was Made in USA tool steel.

Bill Robertson
#5939

+1 on that homemade tool. I even tried a 19mm for an end-wrench. Not nearly as convenient. New gasket and you never have to worry about over tightening - unless you're Godzilla.

[mr_maxime]

However, I've never tried taking the whole oil plug out with the wrench still on. I've only ever used the tool to loosen the plug and to tighten it.

The tool and the ratchet together were already a tight fit. I thought that I might be able to get the plug out before getting stuck.

[content22207_2]

Just put the socket in your tool box. You will find plenty of other uses for it. Those 8mm square plugs are all over the engine: water jacket drain plugs, TDC indexing plug, etc.

Bill Robertson
#5939

[Drive Stainless]

Home made oil plug tool (aka: old Craftsman 5/16 screwdriver with the tip cut off and bent over):

45619

Bill Robertson
#5939

Wasn't that "tool" made serendipitously when you were using the screwdriver to index TDC, but forgot about it when you cranked the starter?

[mr_maxime]

Just put the socket in your tool box. You will find plenty of other uses for it. Those 8mm square plugs are all over the engine: water jacket drain plugs, TDC indexing plug, etc.

Bill Robertson
#5939

That's what ive been doing with everything lol. Between my accord and delorean, my tool box is getting much larger.