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Help please, Whats the oil drain plug size?

70K views 40 replies 19 participants last post by  Django  
#1 ·
Time for a oil change so got some 5w-20 full synthetic and oil filter and went under to see what it was all about since this would be the first time we did a oil change to our 2008 patriot 2.0L cvt. I heard the drain plug was like 13mm but when we were trying to turn, it was jumping so thought lets try 12mm and its a bit too small. We also tried standard sizes but no luck! Is there something we are missing? Hope you dont need some special wrench just to do a oil change. Sometimes it makes me wonder what they do for you to get it done at the dealership......
 
#4 · (Edited)
I can't remember either but I do remember that if I can't find the right size tool in my toolbox to fit , I remember to grab an adjustable wrench if it'll fit in a tight spot. That much I do remember. Next time I change the Oil on my Patriot, I'll just keep trying Sockets til I find one that fits the Drain Plug on the Oil Pan. If I can't find a Socket to fit the Oil Plug I will remember to grab an adjustable Wrench, that much I do remember, I think if I remember correctly:confused:
 
#5 ·
The drain plug is 14mmX1.5. I have a Fumoto oil drain plug installed, so I don't wear out the threads like I did on my old Liberty. Had to tap that one out to 17mm.
 
#6 ·
I could have sworn it was a 13mm hex head on the drain bolt.
 
#8 ·
12mm too small, 13mm just right but when we try to turn the wrench starts skipping. I bet the dealership stripped the crap out of it by using a impact wrench or something stupid like that to strip it. Tried a adjustable wrench and it still skips. Gona take it back to the dealership since they were the only ones under there for all my oil changes.
 
#12 · (Edited)
Buy a Fumoto oil drain valve, number F-106. Install that, and you won't have to screw around with wrenches any more.

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#11 ·
Well, I had to remove my skid plate to get vise grips on the bolt. But not too tough once the skid plate was off. Be sure the new bolt has the gasket, mine didn't come with the gasket, so had to add that.
 
#17 ·
Compare it to the price of having a stripped plug removed and tapped out oversized, including the oil they will use to flush the chips out of the pan. (and hope they get them all)
 
#14 ·
Duramax, ever thought about using a suction pump to remove the oil from the sump. Mercedes Benz dealers and VW dealers and other, use pumps in the UK as a matter of course.
There seem to be no detrimental effects. I have heard of "sludge" being left in the bottom of the sump, but surely, if there is sludge in the sump the engine is already on the way to the scrap heap in the sky.
The Smart car made by Mercedes has no drain plug in the sump and MUST use a vacuum pump to remove used oil.
Its a thought!
 
#18 ·
The Smart car is a glorified motorcycle, and I use my Pela to change my cycle oil. I also used it to change the oil in my 2K1 diesel Beetle, once I figured out where the baffles were in the pan. I recommend finding a picture of the inside of the oil pan for anything you're going to change with an extractor (a boat, for example). See if it is feasible to get all of the oil out. It usually is, because the dipstick is at the lowest point.
 
#19 ·
Oh, had to use the extractor on the Liberty rear end, too.
 
#20 ·
Damn, they are making cars where you cant service them yourself anymore. Anyways, got the plastic skid plate off with the sacrifice of some broken plastic rivets and used a adjustable plumbers wrench to take off the drain plug. It was quite messed up. Ran to the advance auto parts store and picked up a new drain plug, seems like its better quality for $5. Installed the new drain plug, put the new oil filter on and put some full synthetic oil. Also replaced the air filter. was a pita to put the covers back on but finally got it. I calculated my mpg and got 26.9 mpg using a fuel treatment which ive been doing about every fill up. seems to work alright. Not badthough, I had to press the gas pedal a couple of times this week.

Anyone know where I can get replacements for those plastic rivets that hold the plastic skid plate down? They are the ones that goes on the side.
 
#25 ·
Ah, ok.

Now to everyone else. The drain plug is 1/2 inch, not 12mm or 13 mm but 1/2 inch! If you use a 13 mm on it you run the risk of rounding it off as 13mm is bigger than 1/2 inch.

Most pan bolts are damaged by the 13 mm socket and trying to remove the bolt by turning it the wrong way. Most people reach under from the front of the car and in this position, due to the location of the bolt, often it get tighened rather than loosened.
I always check twice to be sure I'm not doing it wrong.
Buy a rachet that has labels for ON and OFF, or before you go under the car, set the ratchet the right way, doing it under the car = stripped bolt.

Using the right socket (1/2 inch) and turning it the right way means you will NEVER EVER strip the drain plug. EVER!!

Problem is even experianced people can make this mistake. And places like Jiffy lube, well the staff there is just above moron! But if your a do it yourselfer, the pan bolt should last the life of the car.
In 30 years of changing oil I have never rounded off a drain plug.
 
#24 ·
Oil and filter change on the Riot is the easiest ever! High enough for me that I don't even need to jack it up. Filter and drain plug is easily accessible from below.

1/2" socket and 15 ft/lbs. torque wrench.
 
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#32 ·
This was posted way back in January 2010, hope it helps resolve...............

"some tips--wrench size is 13 mm, torque to 30 ft. lbs., make sure you remove old "o" ring that some times sticks to oil filter seal surface up on the engine...also car takes closer to 4.5 US qts"