I tried to change the oil on my 2000 Accord (4 cylinder) and was unable to get the oil pan drain plug loose. I bought the car from my parents this summer who had just had the car serviced at the dealership. So not only was the drain plug tight, but the filter too. I managed to loosen the filter, but didn't get anywhere with the drain plug.

In fact, I'm afraid that I may have damaged the drain plug by trying to loosen it. I was using an 11/16" wrench, which seemed like the right size. I tried 17mm but it seemed too large for the bolt.

Anyway, what is the recommended course of action to loosen the drain plug? Am I using the right size wrench? Should I just bring it in to a shop to get the oil change done, and do it myself next time? Will I be able to loosen the bolt with a longer handled wrench?

I'd appreciate any advice you guys might have for me.

Regards,

John

 

did you try a 16 on there? Was the socket slipping around the bolt? If a bolt is really tight I've often had luck using a wrench and put it on the bolt, then apply pressure and gently tap the end not on the bolt with a small hammer to generate a little vibration...

Also, if you have a longer handled wrench it may help, just be sure you are turning it the proper direction....

 

I didn't have a 16mm socket or wrench to try.

The socket/wrench did slip, but I think it was only due to to the angle from which I was turning combined with the force I was using.

The hammer idea is a good one. I may try that next. Thanks for the tip.

 

go to a pawn shop and buy a 16mm socket and a wrench, even if you don't need them (which I believe 16 is the correct size) it won't hurt to have them on hand

 

Maybe they changed the size but earlier models are all 17mm drain plugs. If he used an 11/16" the bolt head may be rounded. I would try to use a good vise grip to grab the bolt head and hammer on vise grip to loosen if necessary. Replace plug w/ new OEM plug and crush washer.

good luck

 

all honda oil pan drain plugs are 17mm head. are you sure your not tightening it on accident?

 

The 17mm socket and head that I used were loose. Perhaps I rounded the head, but I doubt I did that much damage to it.

 

Finda socket that fits snugly on the plug and use an impact wrench to loosenit. Make sure you're loosening and not tightening.

 

Make sure you use a 6pt socket rather than a 12pt socket to avoid damaging the plug further and to improve your chances of removing it.

-Also I thought the drain plugs were 17mm, mine is

 

Any oil change place the car was taken to could have lostthe originalplug,then installed one in there that fit the pan, butwas not a 17mm. If I were you, I would go buy a cheap socket set (Standard and metric) and try sockets until i found the right one. If you still can't get it, I would say take it to a shop, but then you risk the chance of them tightening it back down just as tight as it is now, requiring you to have to go back again....