Help... Oil Change problem

[bunnishiwa]

Hi,

Trying to change oil myself for first time. Access hatch off, but cannot move the drain plug at all, to the point that the head is beginning to round off. I am using a 17mm socket, on an extender to fit my 3/4 ratchet, trying to turn it counter-clockwise. I assume that this is correct as it's the same direction as the bolts holding the access cover. Engine is still warm from drive home 2 hrs ago.

Am I doing something wrong? Is there a technique I'm missing? Having gone to the trouble of buying the 17mm socket, the filter and the oil I really do not want to have to take it to a garage and pay them.

Any helpful advice gratefully received

[LZY_EYE]

Or if you don't have a single hex socket, use a ring spanner.

Sockets are notorious for rounding bolts if they are not single hex

[exaltd]

DO NOT USE A SOCKET - I REPEAT, DO NOT USE A SOCKET.

Change to a ring spanner, 17mm. Failing all that, start using a shifter spanner (adjustable wrench).

Lzy_Eye is completely right, sockets are notorious for rounding off heads if they are double hex, single hex is better, but at a slight angle, they can round off heads too.

It should come off with a bit of strength, as the collapsible washer is only tightened so hard Once you break the seal, it will come off easily.

[JesseVRX]

In order of use:

Ring spanner
Open end spanner
Shifter
Socket

[LZY_EYE]

I have a set of offset ring spanners, they make jobs like this so easy. You can pick up a set for about $20 at supercheap, and they are quite good quality for the occasional use.

If you have to use a shifter.... take it to a mechanic.

Oh and Marc, if the sump plug is starting to round off, go to Mitsu and buy a new one. Never reinstall rounded bolts if you can help it.

Also make sure you have a new sump plug washer. They are a special washer and crush as you tighten.

[bunnishiwa]

Wish I'd asked the question before I started with the socket - live n learn I suppose.

Re the ring spanner - I assume that this is the ring end of a combination spanner?

And good advice re getting a new sump plug screw & washer - will do today.

Final Q - anti-clockwise to remove?

Thank you to all for the advice, very much appreciated

[LZY_EYE]

Yep, standard thread so counter clockwise.

Yeah the ring end.

The offset spanners do make it easier, but a normal combination spanner will do the job fine.

[stewy]

Having had a cheap set from SuperCheap (which rounded bolts much more easily), I can say you are best to just spend $100-150 and get a decent set of metric JBS spanners from Blackwoods. The quality of them is much better and seeing as they will last a lifetime they will pay for themselves before long...

[bunnishiwa]

Well, after much cursing and effort the ring spanner did the job, and the plug finally loosened - thanks for the advice

On to the filter - OMG, tightened by Zeus, further tightened by me getting confused between clockwise and anit-clockwise whilst lying under the car

Two strenuous cramped hours with a slightly too large filter remover finally saw it come off - god I ache this morning

Thanks again to all for the advice that finally enabled me to do this

[AJjnr86]

Haha, lefty loosey, righty tighty

[AJjnr86]

Strap-on, sorry mean Snap-off, or something like that