How To Remove An Over Tightened Oil Plug? [Causes and Solutions]

To know how to remove a stuck oil plug, you should know what causes there are. There are two main reasons an oil plug gets stuck, one of them being over-tightening.

Loosening the Oil Plug

To remove an over-tightened oil plug, you should try warming up the vehicle first. It may make the knots a little loose. 

If it doesn’t work, try applying lubricant around the plug and letting it sit for a few minutes. After sitting, try using a socket wrench to remove the oil plug. 

Another option you could do if it still doesn’t work is to tap the oil plug with a hammer gently. It may loosen it enough to be at least able to get it out using the socket wrench. 

Make sure to tap gently to avoid damaging the plug’s grooves or the threading in the socket. 

The last resort is to bring it to the shop and have professional mechanics remove it for you. This won’t cost much and can be an extra service when you get your vehicle serviced.

Sludge Buildup

Usually, a stuck oil plug is a combination of over-tightening and some buildup of sludge around the plug. This makes it extra hard to remove, especially if it is left for a long period.

You can purchase some rust remover alongside your lubricant and apply it to the plug as well. Doing this while the car is warm can help it penetrate the plug’s inside more and increase its effectiveness. 

This sludge is caused by the oil being exposed to water, carbon, fuel, and other factors at high temperatures. Making sure your oil plug is always clean can prevent too much dirt from building up and getting the plug stuck. 

What is an oil plug?

The name is pretty self-explanatory. An oil plug is what keeps the oil in the oil pan from draining. 

Generally, the oil pan is what is responsible for storing the oil needed to lubricate different parts of the vehicle. You need to know the process of draining an oil pan because a vehicle’s oil needs to be replaced routinely. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I drain my oil pan?

You should drain it every time you get your oil changed. This is a routine maintenance step to improve the longevity of your vehicle. 

The owner should have their engine oil changed every 6 to 8 months or every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. This should be scheduled properly to prevent any long-term damage from happening.

Oil lubricates the working parts of your vehicle’s engine. Over time, it gets thick and contaminated with other substances that make the oil thick, dark, and sludgy.

If you continue to run the vehicle without changing the oil, there will be damage to the engine. Parts can be clogged, foreign substances can enter the engine, and your vehicle won’t achieve peak performance. 

It can cost around $70 to $130 to have your oil changed by a local mechanic. A small price to improve your vehicle’s health.

How much oil should I use for my Vehicle?

It depends on the kind of engine that your vehicle has. Most engines can carry up to 5 or 6 quarts of oil. 

For smaller vehicles, it may have a small four-cylinder engine. These could carry around four quarts only. 

Are there different types of oil?

There are four main types of oil that you can purchase for your vehicle. In fact, there are high-mileage oil, synthetic oil, conventional oil, and synthetic blends. 

Knowing what oil type to put in your vehicle depends on the viscosity rating of your oil. It is a rating used to measure the thickness of the oil at high and low temperatures.

You can use any oil type you prefer. The only thing you need to follow is the viscosity rating which is stated in the vehicle’s owner’s manual.