Oil plug problem

runner19 · 04-08-2008, 06:24 AM

I removed the wrx oil plug during a routine oil change. I replaced the crush washer and waited 10mins for the oil to drain out.

The plug screwed in 3/4 of the way fine by hand and looked straight on, but it would not tighten and further. Threads were clean and lubed.

Is this normal? Do you have to use a wrench therafter(for the last 1/3)?

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surowrxa · 04-08-2008, 08:35 AM

It sounds like you may have cross-threaded the plug/pan. Tightening it in the rest of the way could mean a new oil pan, because you can't get the thing out again or the threads are mangled.

Happened to a friend of mine with his Camry, who sometimes took it to oil change places. Sometimes overtorqued oil plugs can ruin threads.

If you didn't put oil in, take the plug out and inspect the threads (on the pan too). On all Subarus I've ever changed I could hand tighten easily until it hit the crush washer.

magnum2066 · 04-08-2008, 08:44 AM

It should be loose all the way to the crush washer and then there should be resistance, not before.

runner19 · 04-08-2008, 08:52 AM

Yeah thought so. Bugger. Thanks guys.

runner19 · 04-09-2008, 08:29 AM

Okay there is currently no leaks.

What should I do at the next oil change. Do I need to plan for a new sump?

runner19 · 04-10-2008, 05:27 PM

bump

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>..

magnum2066 · 04-10-2008, 05:45 PM

I would have a reputable service shop (preferably dealer) check the threads on the next oil change, and order parts if need be.

Something so cheap and simple to fix isn't worth the expensive, new engine route.

Tahoe SC · 04-10-2008, 06:22 PM

....fumoto valve would save one from something like this, assuming you don't cross thread the valve!

04-08-2008, 06:24 AM	#1
runner19 Scooby Newbie Member#: 39562 Join Date: Jul 2003 Chapter/Region: MAIC Vehicle: My02 WRX Sedan 5MT WR blue	Oil plug problem I removed the wrx oil plug during a routine oil change. I replaced the crush washer and waited 10mins for the oil to drain out. The plug screwed in 3/4 of the way fine by hand and looked straight on, but it would not tighten and further. Threads were clean and lubed. Is this normal? Do you have to use a wrench therafter(for the last 1/3)? * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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04-08-2008, 08:35 AM	#2
surowrxa Scooby Specialist Member#: 102895 Join Date: Dec 2005 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Pittsburgh Vehicle: '12 Forester '08 Legacy	It sounds like you may have cross-threaded the plug/pan. Tightening it in the rest of the way could mean a new oil pan, because you can't get the thing out again or the threads are mangled. Happened to a friend of mine with his Camry, who sometimes took it to oil change places. Sometimes overtorqued oil plugs can ruin threads. If you didn't put oil in, take the plug out and inspect the threads (on the pan too). On all Subarus I've ever changed I could hand tighten easily until it hit the crush washer.

04-08-2008, 08:44 AM	#3
magnum2066 Scooby Newbie Member#: 158586 Join Date: Sep 2007 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: North Dakota, USA Vehicle: 2009 WRX Pearl White	It should be loose all the way to the crush washer and then there should be resistance, not before.

04-08-2008, 08:52 AM	#4
runner19 Scooby Newbie Member#: 39562 Join Date: Jul 2003 Chapter/Region: MAIC Vehicle: My02 WRX Sedan 5MT WR blue	Yeah thought so. Bugger. Thanks guys.

04-09-2008, 08:29 AM	#5
runner19 Scooby Newbie Member#: 39562 Join Date: Jul 2003 Chapter/Region: MAIC Vehicle: My02 WRX Sedan 5MT WR blue	Okay there is currently no leaks. What should I do at the next oil change. Do I need to plan for a new sump?

04-10-2008, 05:27 PM	#6
runner19 Scooby Newbie Member#: 39562 Join Date: Jul 2003 Chapter/Region: MAIC Vehicle: My02 WRX Sedan 5MT WR blue	bump >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>..

04-10-2008, 05:45 PM	#7
magnum2066 Scooby Newbie Member#: 158586 Join Date: Sep 2007 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: North Dakota, USA Vehicle: 2009 WRX Pearl White	I would have a reputable service shop (preferably dealer) check the threads on the next oil change, and order parts if need be. Something so cheap and simple to fix isn't worth the expensive, new engine route.

04-10-2008, 06:22 PM	#8
Tahoe SC Scooby Specialist Member#: 131996 Join Date: Nov 2006 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: Lago forestal Vehicle: 2006 CGM WRX Wagon Yimi Tuned 296AWP/322TQ	....fumoto valve would save one from something like this, assuming you don't cross thread the valve!