I finally got some time to change the oil on the relatively new-to-me BMW. The sump plug bolt came loose without too much force (despite whoever changed the oil last not using a washer), and I began to thread it out by hand. However, about 2/3 of the way out it gets stuck tight. I don't want to force it and risk damaging the thread. Any ideas?
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April 6, 2010 2:17 a.m. Luke SuperDork
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April 6, 2010 5:13 a.m. ZOO Dork
Little bit of heat from a hair dryer?
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April 6, 2010 6:54 a.m. DrBoost Dork
I'd just back it out and be prepared to repair the pan threads.
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April 6, 2010 7:52 a.m. 914Driver SuperDork
NAPA sells a repair kit for that. Even I can use it well.
Dan
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April 6, 2010 8:39 a.m. carzan Reader
Is it half-stuck? Or is it half-loose?
I'm thinking you have little choice but to go ahead and remove it. If it is very difficult to remove, I would imagine the threads are already damaged. Just have the repair kit on standby.
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April 6, 2010 10:46 a.m. gjz30075 Reader
Being stuck tight by hand removal isn't a big deal. Try a socket and you'll probably find it's a fairly normal 'tension' upon removal.
As Carzan indicated, you have no choice now but to continue. I think you'll find the threads fine. Perhaps the PO used some locktite or rtv because he lost the washer.
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April 6, 2010 10:37 p.m. Luke SuperDork
Quick update for those of you losing sleep over my sump-bolt predicament
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All is fine, the bolt came out okay etc. Thanks
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April 6, 2010 10:56 p.m. DaveEstey New Reader
phew no I can finally rest
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April 7, 2010 2:15 a.m. BobOfTheFuture Reader
okay! goin to bed...
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April 7, 2010 2:38 a.m. RedS13Coupe Reader
gjz30075 wrote:
Being stuck tight by hand removal isn't a big deal. Try a socket and you'll probably find it's a fairly normal 'tension' upon removal.
As Carzan indicated, you have no choice now but to continue. I think you'll find the threads fine. Perhaps the PO used some locktite or rtv because he lost the washer.
Yup. Just takes a little bit of grit in the threads to make it not hand tight (lose?) anymore... Clean threads are better, but unless it feels stuck to your wrench too is likely not a big deal.
