cant get the sump plug out.
in all serious, this sucker is not moving at all.
the head was half rounded to begin with and after the vice grips it isnt much better.
so, why is it so damn tight?
my whole body weight wouldnt budge it (105kg), neither would a large hammer.
surely it has to be red tread locked or something?
ill let the mechanic deal with as ICBF with it but ill need a new sump plug anyway.
would autobarn and the like have them in stock or would i have to get it ordered from holden?
expensive or just $5?
Yes any Auto Shop Carries them..
I had the same problem on my wife's VX after service was done. After hour trying to get it off I got a little hot under the collar and hit it with the hammer tried again and it came off..
Think I just got lucky and hit it the right way..
By the way it was only a V6 But know how you feel..
Good luck with it..
Why is it called Alcoholics Anonymous when the first thing you do is stand up and say, 'My name is Ray, and I am an alcoholic'?
This may sound silly, but really really make sure that you are turning it the correct way to loosen it. Lefty (loosey), Righty (tighty). Spray some WD40, RP7 or equivalent on the bolt and let it soak in for 30 mins or so. When you have the vice grips attached tightly, give it a sharp rap in the undo direction rather than just putting even pressure on the bolt.
done all that except for the WD40.
no point since there is no thread showing.
hammer didnt work either.
think the only way is to weld a steel bar to it and try that.
Happened to me when I first tried to change the oil on my VT. Tried everything, socket wrenches, monkey wrenches, hammers, etc.
Took it to the local mechanic and said "can't get the sump bolt off" and he looked at me like I was retarded and shouldn't be allowed anywhere near a car, let alone the sump. Then it put it on the hoist and had a go and couldn't budge it, and I said "see what I mean?"
Eventually he cracked it though, and I got it home and fitted a new plug washer, and didn't get Sylvester Stalone to tighten it, after that was sweet.
Best part was the mech did it for free![]()
it is common, if that dosnt work use a hammer and chisel and dont hit your fingers
I know how you feel, had the same problem with my rodeo.
It amazes me how people tighten them as hard as they can, they only need to be firm really.
...or how many people THINK they are turning it the right way but fail to realise the bolt is upside down![]()
Going where no late model stato/caprice has gone before.... GAME ON!!
actually its not upside down, its on the side.
but yeah, i double checked with a ratchet, just to make sure i was undoing and not doing up and wasnt going stupid or something.
had another shot today and got it off.
cold chisel wouldnt budge it either so after enough stuffing around, out came the blow torch.
a lot of heat was the answer, came out nocely.
seems instead of replacing the rubber on the bolt, someone decided silicon would be the answer.
anyway, thanks for the help.
ahh that was the problem. silicon works but you let it dry on the bolt first then fit it.
...or just spend 50c on a washer?
yep mine was a little round with the corner mashed.
i hammerd a whitworth socket onto it and used a 4foot breaker bar on mine, i dunno how someone can tighten them so much, so pointless.
Research has shown that men usually sleep on the right side of the bed.
Even in our sleep we happen to be right.
Powered By Garrett
Is the engine hot or cold?
If its cold you might have a hard time gettin it off.
The mechanic will put an oxy to it if they have to. (without melting the housing ofcourse)
for anyone that is interested, the replacement bolt has a RRP of $18.70.
i managed to get it at trade price luckily but it was still $11.
hi have been having the same problems, just bought a VT II Berlina and wanted to do the oil change myself (have always done my own); jack the car up a bit, got under and couldn't undo the plug as the bolt is half-stripped. just went out to supercheap auto and picked up a replacement for $4.50, but just having dramas getting the old one off.
wanted to say thanks guys, will try some WD40 (or cooking oil? maybe?) when i get home, also tap it with a hammer etc and try to get the bastard thing off.