I have this friend who can't for the life of him get the bolt out of the oil pan. I err he might be the weakest human being known to man or atleast feels that way. Thought for sure it was stuck on there but took it to MINI and they said no problem at all getting it off. Then last night he tries to change the oil in wifes Odyssesy and couldn't budge that one either. The poor guy was hammering on the wrench and just strips the bolts. I've done some decent size repairs on the car and never came across this before. Anyone know how what the heck is wrong with me err him? Any helpful suggestions? Granted he lays under the car to try and get the bolts off but with a hammer it should budge right??? Thank you, I'll pass on any words of support suggestions!!!

 

so embarrassing

 

First thing is to make sure he is turning the correct direction. When under a car laying on your back you can get directions wrong. Lefty loosey, righty tighty. Set the socket wrench before going under the car.

Second, make sure he has the correct tools. If a shop has done the latest oil change you may need a 1/2 in drive just to get enough leverage. I have had to use an impact gun on some drain plugs.

Last, if he still has problems, start taking it to a shop for oil changes.

Remember, we can't all be good at everything.
I'm sure your friend has other great qualities.

 

FWIW, I've found that the MINI oil drain plugs with their built-in rubber seals tend to be real bears to remove, even when installed with the proper torque value. I suggest using a 6 point, not 12 point socket, and using a cheater bar or a torque wrench for added leverage. Do this on the first try and you'll have less of a chance that the bolt flats will be rounded. When re-installing, I always put a dab of wheel bearing grease on the threads as a drip-barrier and to aid in removing the next time.

 

on the GEN1 MINI I agree the problem is partially that integrated seal - the plug becomes glued down as well as just tight. AND fit of the tool is critical, especially since the recommend size is actually wrong . . . it will work but it is not the best fit.

This is a picture of a GEN1 MINI oil drain plug . . .



that's a 1/2 inch wrench which is a tad smaller than the recommended metric. Note that the wrench fits with NO slop. A 6 point is better - this wrench is just a good open box used here for the size reference.

I recently had a similar issue trying to DIY an oil change on a Kia Soul .. no socket seemed to fit right. Everything that fit on, was sloppy and I did not want to screw up the bung. Finally I got the size wrench that seemed the right metric in a 6 point box, placed it over the nut and tapped it down with a hammer ... just hard enuf to get it down and tight. Seems the paint on the darn thing was enuf to mess up the fit. Bung came off once I was able to apply enuf force now that the wrench didn't slip and screw up the bung head.

I've become a real fan of the Fumoto valve for these very reasons. On my cars, if they'll work, I use 'em. Saves me time and grief every oil change once they go on.