Unscrewing is what I want, maybe I have no muscles but I can't move it! Do you unscrew counterclockwise? thats what I'm doing but it wont budge...

Looking at the bolt, counterclockwise unscrews it. Maybe you need a longer wrench for more torque.

I like 3/8" socket drivers myself, they can be had in a variety of lengths, some with joints.

It sounds like you're doing the first oil change for your WRX. The oil drain plug is torqued at the factory unbelievably high, much higher than the 33 ft-lb torque recommended in the manual. You'll want to use a 6pt 17mm socket with a breaker bar and the plug unscrews in the normal fashion, counter-clockwise. Given that you've already tried with all your might to remove it, you might be interested in the replacement part if you've managed to round the faces of the plug. It's 807020070 - (PLUG-20X14).

You'll also find that the oil filter was also installed at the factory with excessive torque and you'll need to use a filter wrench with that breaker bar (or a screwdriver punched through the filter) to get it off.

Tanks guys, I held back before I stripped it too much so the 3/8" socket did it (And a bigger ratchet) and I bought a filter wrench, got a cut or two but finally managed to work it off.

Put a fujitomo valve but Im getting a little leaking so I dont know about that one :/

How do you do 33 ft-lb torque, guesstimate?



Thanks again!

Put a fujitomo valve but Im getting a little leaking so I dont know about that one :/ If the fujitomo valve didn't come with a crush washer and you didn't get a new crush washer from Subaru then this could be why it's leaking. Subaru recommends replacing the crush washer on each oil change (when using the OEM drain plug).

Hal

Thanks Hal, it did come with the washer and I did use it. are you guys tightening it by hand?

When you said "fujitomo", did you mean "fumoto" oil drain valve? Just use the blue washer that came with the valve. Torque the valve down by hand, then use a 19-mm open wrench and nudge it down around 1/4 to 1/2 turn. It should not leak.

--
Richard
http://www.whitetyphoon.com/impreza/

:D heh thank you Richard I had a brain fart. Fujitomo is a bank I used to make deposits at.

Thanks for the info, I will do as you say.

I've installed 2 drain valves. One with the blue fiber washer supplied and the other with a new crush washer. Neither leaked. Details and pics here:

http://www.scoobymods.com/mods/impreza/oildrainvalve.php

Doh! I cant find the crush washer so I am going to assume it was stuck to the oil pan when I put the valve on! (just as I assumed it was on the bolt) what is the crush washer made of? is it felt like the valves? if so maybe I can unscrew the valve a little and cut it off with an x-acto knife. I'd hate to waste the whole oil change.

Damn and I was so proud of doing the first oil change... :/ :rolleyes:

I bet it's on the nut and not the oil pan. It looks like one of those washers that go on spark plugs (but flatter now) , but the first one on the car is painted black.

Not on the nut thats why I started looking for it.

Well if it dosen't leak I say leave it alone.


If it ain't broke fix it till it is I say :)

:confused:

bump!

bump!

Why?

']It sounds like you're doing the first oil change for your WRX. The oil drain plug is torqued at the factory unbelievably high, much higher than the 33 ft-lb torque recommended in the manual. You'll want to use a 6pt 17mm socket with a breaker bar and the plug unscrews in the normal fashion, counter-clockwise. Given that you've already tried with all your might to remove it, you might be interested in the replacement part if you've managed to round the faces of the plug. It's 807020070 - (PLUG-20X14).

You'll also find that the oil filter was also installed at the factory with excessive torque and you'll need to use a filter wrench with that breaker bar (or a screwdriver punched through the filter) to get it off.


Jon,

It's not that its overtorqued, its the fact that its torqued down then painted over.

I think he's probably figured it out by now, this was originally posted in '01. ;)

breaker bar and pb blaster worked for my first time

I think he's probably figured it out by now, this was originally posted in '01. ;)

hit the n00b with a tool warning point. :devil:

bumping a three year old thread........priceless......:huh: