Oil Change - That ^@!*ed Plug!

[ArcadeTracks]

Any other weak people out there?
I have a 2.0 Turbo, and can't get the bolt/plug on the oil pan to budge at all. I tried 1/2" and 13mm sockets. Even added a breaker bar. I changed the oil myself the first time, with no problem at all. I didn't even think about the oil pan plug bolt.
Over the winter (2nd oil change) I had the dealer do it -- it was cold, and I had a Jeep Wave freebie. Third oil change was supposed to be today, but I failed. Miserably. And I'm concerned I'm going to strip the plug. Any advice from more experienced ppl other than "get stronger?" I hate being weak. But I also don't see myself dedicating time to muscle building any time soon. I guess I'll cash in my next free oil change, but It's going to be well past due by the time I can get an appt.

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[Martial Fartist]

Better late than never if you’re worried about breaking that bolt. Let the dealership break it.

 

[KrzybonesJLU]

did my oil change the first time after my wave ended on my 2019 JLU 2 years ago. Dealer put the bolt on so tight that I stripped it. Went to the local hardware store to buy extraction socket set and was able to get the plug out. Bought a new drain plug at the dealer and was good to go.
So if you end up striping the bolt don’t stress just buy an extractor set to get it off.
Pretty sure the dealer didn’t hand tighten my drain plug and used the driver on it.

 

[Jeffy56]

Up-side-down don't ya know...........
Lefty Loosey - Righty Tighty. I've had to stop and think about it once in a while.
Just checking.

 

[jludave]

Any advice from more experienced ppl other than "get stronger?"

Heat it with a torch.

I guess I'll cash in my next free oil change, but It's going to be well past due by the time I can get an appt.

I wouldn't worry about that too much. Going over mileage/time by a bit will not hurt anything.

 

[BetOnBlack]

did my oil change the first time after my wave ended on my 2019 JLU 2 years ago. Dealer put the bolt on so tight that I stripped it. Went to the local hardware store to buy extraction socket set and was able to get the plug out. Bought a new drain plug at the dealer and was good to go.
So if you end up striping the bolt don’t stress just buy an extractor set to get it off.
Pretty sure the dealer didn’t hand tighten my drain plug and used the driver on it.

Install a Fumoto valve and these issues go away. MAkes oil changes so much easier. Just hook a tube to it, place the other end of tube in the drain pan, and flip the switch and let it drain. No more messes.

 

[ArcadeTracks]

Install a Fumoto valve and these issues go away. MAkes oil changes so much easier. Just hook a tube to it, place the other end of tube in the drain pan, and flip the switch and let it drain. No more messes.

I think I will! I actually didn't mind doing the oil myself the first time, and this would make things even simpler

 

[MBrady78]

Any other weak people out there?

HAHA... Not my 2.0 but my Daughters JK. The last two times I had a local mechanic do the work since he was also doing some other things. I went to do the oil change over Memorial Day and the plug wouldn't move. Brought out my impact driver and still no movement. Then broke out my torque driver and ended up stripping the head. I said screw it, sprayed some wd-40 and this past weekend got it up on the ramps so I could get a better angle grabbed my channel locks, and eventually got it free. I am not sure if it was the wd-40 or the much warmer engine or the better angle but I did get the plug out and replaced it with a new one.

 

[driventoadventure]

Install a Fumoto valve and these issues go away. MAkes oil changes so much easier. Just hook a tube to it, place the other end of tube in the drain pan, and flip the switch and let it drain. No more messes.

Every time I see this, I can't help but think it's a bad idea because of how far it would hang down. You're better off going with something like https://nospillsystems.com/ since then it's no worse a clearance/rock catching issue than a normal drain plug.

 

[C.Sco]

Every time I see this, I can't help but think it's a bad idea because of how far it would hang down. You're better off going with something like https://nospillsystems.com/ since then it's no worse a clearance/rock catching issue than a normal drain plug.

That's just a good excuse to get a skid plate system

I haven't measured it, but my oil drain plug is at least 2" above my oil pan skid, so it should be pretty clear for this sort of valve system, and shouldn't get hit by anything unless I get a really unfortunate pointy rock bullseyed right through the oil drain hole in the skid.

Without a skid, I'd certainly be hesitant to use this valve though.

 

[driventoadventure]

That's just a good excuse to get a skid plate system

I haven't measured it, but my oil drain plug is at least 2" above my oil pan skid, so it should be pretty clear for this sort of valve system, and shouldn't get hit by anything unless I get a really unfortunate pointy rock bullseyed right through the oil drain hole in the skid.

Without a skid, I'd certainly be hesitant to use this valve though.

LOL That's my kind of thinking - just an excuse to get a skid plate!

 

[BetOnBlack]

Every time I see this, I can't help but think it's a bad idea because of how far it would hang down. You're better off going with something like https://nospillsystems.com/ since then it's no worse a clearance/rock catching issue than a normal drain plug.

The valve is maybe half to 3/4" longer than a standard drain plug. The hose nipple screws off if you are worried about that hitting something.
If you have something that taking that valve out, you have way bigger problems to deal with as your jeep is probably impaled on a tree.

 

[rcadden]

+1 vote for the Fumoto. So easy. Can't believe how many times I've changed oil on various vehicles without it. Never again.

 

[Jeepless]

i installed the valvomax drain plug and just keep the tool in two zip lock bags in the engine compartment tucked by the fuse box! It is super sturdy, makes oils changes 5 times easier and less messy! It doesn’t hang down like fumoto but it does require a “tool” / additional piece.

 

[Sidewalk]

If something is too tight, hit the wrench with a hammer. There is a reason an impact gun is so effective.

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