Hey guys,
After 140k miles, my V6 S-Type 3.0 has a stripped drain plug. Anyone know where I can get the cheapest replacement plug?
Autozone has one for $4.99, but I can wait, if online places have them for less. My oil still has 2k miles to go

Also, any tips on how to get the drain plug out?

 

Hi gtmaster303,

Is it your assumption that it is the drain plug itself that is stripped, or the threads in oil pan? The drain plugs are usually steel, so it's usually the threads in the aluminum sump that strip.

The self-tapping oversized drain plugs from AutoZone and others do work, and given the likely cost of postage, it's unlikely you can save much over their price. Just choose the size and thread carefully, and take extra care not to overtighten the new drain plug. When I had to do this on one of our cars I cleaned the sump opening and the drain plug with acetone and used a little RTV sealant to help promote a good seal with the drain plug just gently snugged.

If I understand your post, you're not currently leaking oil around the drain plug even though the threads are stripped. I don't know if I would personally trust a stripped drain hole; if it decides to begin leaking rapidly your engine could be damaged before you realize your oil is too low.

If the drain plug turns counter-/anti-clockwise but won't thread out, you may be able to grab it with some Vise-grips/Mole-grips and pull while turning the plug to get it to grab what remains of the threads.

Please keep us informed!

Cheers,

Don

 

Maybe I'm using the wrong term, but what I mean by stripped is that the hex side where the wrench goes has been worn smooth from so many years of use. Threads on plug and pan are fine

 

The hex may be too rounded for a open end wrench or 12 point box wrench.

It is unlikely that it is too rounded for a six point wrench of the correct size.

If it is, then it would be time for vise grips since you will be discarding the plug anyways.

 

+1 on all the advice above - easy fix.

 

The drain plug is a common Ford sized plug. It should be available in most auto parts stores.

bob gauff

 

Aha! Now I understand. If plums suggestions of using a six-point socket or Vise Grips don't prove successful, I've had success filing all six flats down a little so the next smaller six-point socket will fit.

And to reinforce plums' mention of a six-point socket, that's the only kind you should ever use on a drain plug. 12-point sockets are notorious for rounding hex heads, especially on screws like drain plugs that are loosened and refastened many times over the life of a vehicle.

Cheers,

Don

 

Indeed it is.

The problem is the OP doesn't want to pay the princely sum of $4.99

 

I never said that. Just wondering if it could be had for less elsewhere, that's all

 

Sockets don't fit over the plug. There's not enough clearance. On my car, there's 2 stainless steel lines running right next to the plug with only an inch or 2 of clearance. Not wide enough to attach a socket, trust me I tried

 

Er... I don't think there normally any such lines... what are they?

(BTW, The plug should be a softish metal, specifically so it would not strip the sump threads if mistreated a little.)