Oil Pan Plug---Please Help!

[rothjer]

Hey everyone, im having a little issue with my oil pan ,just wondering if anyone could help out. I had serviced my car (2004 1.8s Sentra) with Mr Lube 3 times for a regular oil change, last time i had went to another place first, and they refused to service saying my plug was loose or the threads were worn out, and that i should first visit my last place that i did an oil change for them to account for it. Mr.Luebe said that nothing was wronge with the plug, but put in a universal one anyhow, today i yet again went to my mechanic for an oil change, and he again told me something was not right with the plug or threads but refused to change the oil. Mr.Lube , who i fought with for the past 2 hours, still is trying to tell me that the plug is a "good fix" but says the work or part isnt warrantied, even though at the same time another worker told me that the plug is simply temporary and that i should have taken to my dealership to be looked at. Needless to say, Mr LUbe was looking to make a quick 40 bucks off of me, i of course refused service, and now am puzzled what to do, doesnt Mr.Lube have to obligation to tell me something is wrong with my plug the second they see something is wrong!?!?!? Anyhow , just looking for some advice, should i keep the plug and keep going to Craapy Lube, or should i go get an expert opinion

[B0000rt]

Go to the dealer and get the new proper plug, bring it back to whoever and tell them to change the oil but use the new plug, if they refuse, then I don't know what to say, other than you'd probably need a new oil pan.

[DragonZealot]

It looks like the threads are crossed or stripped so Mr Lube put in a temporary fix(a plastic plug?). This means not just the thread on the plug is stripped also the thread on the oil pan side is also screwed.

Some shop may be able to re-tap the thread on the oil pan side and use an oversized plug. Otherwise you are looking at replacing both the oil pan and the plug.

Get this fixed properly ASAP the univeral plug is a temp solution it may fall out anytime causing complete loss of engine oil which will cause engine damage.

Never go back to Quick Lube or Crappy Lube or any 10 minute lube place. Go to a trustworthy shop or do it yourself.

[Menace]

I had this problem about 2 years ago after being lazy for not doing my own oil change. The threads are stripped from those quick lube places. I couldn't nail who stripped threads. Costco? Cappy Tire? I took it to my trusty mechanic, he said he can fix it by using a bigger plug. I didn't like his solution and I ended up having the oil pan replaced at the dealer. It wasn't a cheap fix but at least I feel comfortable.

I have been back to doing my own oil change ever since.

It looks like the threads are crossed or stripped so Mr Lube put in a temporary fix(a plastic plug?).

[TrevorK]

Places such as Mr Lube will carry insurance for incidents such as these. Start at the store level, explain that a licensed mechanic has stated that your oil plug is faulty (And I assume he wanted to replace the pan for you?). If no results, go up the corporate ladder. Still no results, take them to small claims where you will succeed.


Don't fool yourself, replacing an oil pan will be costly. I'm sure a new one costs 100-150 at a dealer (And since your car is fairly new you should buy a used one that's potentially warped/damaged). There is at least one hour of labour involved (Some cars have more, because cross members need to be removed, etc...), along with other small parts (Oil, filter, oil pan gasket).

[squireglig]

the dealer will probably charge a pretty penny for the drain plug, so maybe it's time for an upgrade like this (so long as the threads aren't stripped... but i guess it sounds like they are..)? http://www.fumotousa.com/

I've had one of these installed, and it's great. Makes it really easy to change my own oil.

[dealhunting]

The rubber "butt plug" they installed is VERY temporary. No self respecting mechanic would ever install such a micky mouse fix. It would be using your finger to plug a hole in a dam.

mr lube should be covering all expenses for a proper repair by a licensed shop of your choice. as someone has said they have a shop policy that covers such things. be firm, take lots of pictures and mention your layer may become involved. also make sure your speak to the owner/manager not some lacky. you may also wish to elevate your complaint to the corporate level.

if you end up having to pay your self......you can have the oil pan removed and a nut welded to the inside of the pan to match the proper drain plug tread pitch (stamped steel pans only!!!! if your pan is aluminumn, you must replace the whole thing).

[Menace]

Mine is aluminumn. It costed me $$ to have it replaced.

if your pan is aluminumn, you must replace the whole thing).

[enko]

I would check the consumer protection act and read it carefully. There is a section on warranties, etc specifically for cars, and I believe you HAVE to warranty anything done to a car for at least 30 days. Read up for yourself and find out exactly.

[bunga]

ah when will people learn...

stripped drain bolt threads are an inevitable part of the business. Depending on the company you're dealing with they may be willing to help you out to varying degrees. Mr. Lube obviously has very shaky business practices (see previous posts) so it doesn't surprise me at all that they're not willing to help you out. Not to mention that the kids that they have changing oil at the quick lube places are very inexperienced and often don't have a qualified mechanic showing them the ropes. At a dealer, it's likely going to be a different story, there's a good chance they won't bugger up the oil pan in the first place

the best was this guy who brought his car in once at 58k km, because Mr. Lube told him his oil pan was stripped and he should go to the dealer for a warranty repair. Checked the history, and surprise surprise, he never did a single oil change there. Guess who paid for the oil pan? Beats me, the manufacturer didn't

[dealhunting]

ah when will people learn...

stripped drain bolt threads are an inevitable part of the business.

Not if you have good capable people working on your car....ie: not high school drops outs that are employed at mr lube. Next time you drive into mr lube, ask what kind of formal training their lube guys go through??

I said earlier that an amuminum pan would have to be replaced, but you may be able to save it by removing it and heli-coiling it......