dhowdy

Kind of a stupid question, but I want to be sure before putting everything back together.

A couple months back my dad took my car without my knowledge/permission to a shop to get the oil changed because he was "trying to help me out." I don't like other people touching my car, but I got over it.

Well I just went to change the oil and the plug bolt was torqued on there tight!! I don't know what they were thinking, but I couldn't get it to budge. Eventually got it off with some vice grips, but not before rounding off the plug with wrenches/breaker bar/hammer. I know for sure that I will need a new plug.

The question: How do I ensure there's no damage to the drain pan side wall or plug hole threads?

3sACROWD

Look at the threads on the plug. Are they damaged or have metal galled into the threads? If not, then the hole is ok. The next question is if there was any damage from you banging on the tools with a hammer. If you didn't beat on the pan itself, you're probably fine.

The only thing to do now is replace the plug and torque it properly then monitor for leaks.

4DRUSH

If you wanta get crazy, drill a little hole through the bolt head & cradle & safety wire it.

Ok, I'll admit I did that

dhowdy

Looks like everything is good to go. It appears that GM (or someone else?) put a steel helicoil in the drain hole to idiot proof it. That was the most miserable oil change of my life. All is well now though

jgump

My 98 has the helicoil