ClubCJ - The CJ Lancer Club

Hi,

Trying to change oil myself for first time. Access hatch off, but cannot move the drain plug at all, to the point that the head is beginning to round off. I am using a 17mm socket, on an extender to fit my 3/4 ratchet, trying to turn it counter-clockwise. I assume that this is correct as it's the same direction as the bolts holding the access cover. Engine is still warm from drive home 2 hrs ago.

Am I doing something wrong? Is there a technique I'm missing? Having gone to the trouble of buying the 17mm socket, the filter and the oil I really do not want to have to take it to a garage and pay them.

Any helpful advice gratefully received

Or if you don't have a single hex socket, use a ring spanner.

Sockets are notorious for rounding bolts if they are not single hex

DO NOT USE A SOCKET - I REPEAT, DO NOT USE A SOCKET.

Change to a ring spanner, 17mm. Failing all that, start using a shifter spanner (adjustable wrench).

Lzy_Eye is completely right, sockets are notorious for rounding off heads if they are double hex, single hex is better, but at a slight angle, they can round off heads too.

It should come off with a bit of strength, as the collapsible washer is only tightened so hard Once you break the seal, it will come off easily.

In order of use:

Ring spanner
Open end spanner
Shifter
Socket

I have a set of offset ring spanners, they make jobs like this so easy. You can pick up a set for about $20 at supercheap, and they are quite good quality for the occasional use.

If you have to use a shifter.... take it to a mechanic.

Oh and Marc, if the sump plug is starting to round off, go to Mitsu and buy a new one. Never reinstall rounded bolts if you can help it.

Also make sure you have a new sump plug washer. They are a special washer and crush as you tighten.

Wish I'd asked the question before I started with the socket - live n learn I suppose.

Re the ring spanner - I assume that this is the ring end of a combination spanner?

And good advice re getting a new sump plug screw & washer - will do today.

Final Q - anti-clockwise to remove?

Thank you to all for the advice, very much appreciated

Yep, standard thread so counter clockwise.

Yeah the ring end.

The offset spanners do make it easier, but a normal combination spanner will do the job fine.

Having had a cheap set from SuperCheap (which rounded bolts much more easily), I can say you are best to just spend $100-150 and get a decent set of metric JBS spanners from Blackwoods. The quality of them is much better and seeing as they will last a lifetime they will pay for themselves before long...

Well, after much cursing and effort the ring spanner did the job, and the plug finally loosened - thanks for the advice

On to the filter - OMG, tightened by Zeus, further tightened by me getting confused between clockwise and anit-clockwise whilst lying under the car

Two strenuous cramped hours with a slightly too large filter remover finally saw it come off - god I ache this morning

Thanks again to all for the advice that finally enabled me to do this

Haha, lefty loosey, righty tighty

Strap-on, sorry mean Snap-off, or something like that