I installed the ECS magnetic oil plug about a year ago. I did about 3 oil changes since then.The last time I did the oil change the drain plug felt like it was very soft and was slipping a bit.. Didn't pay too much attention to it, torqued it back in like I always do and went my way..

Well today I was going to do the oil change before putting the car away for the winter.
The plug is so soft it stripped right a way!
Tried everything to get it out- no luck. Even tried grinding a notch, improvised a 13/16" "flat screwdriver" tool with a 1/4 driver for the cordless impact-no way.

Called ECS and asked for advice- they are clueless.
I have changed the oil on all my P cars for the last 20 years. Never had a problem. The aluminum ECS use is simply just too soft for this application.

Now what? Drop the pan? Drill the plug out?

Anyone had a similar issue? Plz help!

Thanks!!

 

my only similar experience was with my prior sports car -- lotus esprit. Went to a mechanic who was very confident he could drill a hole in the center of the plug w/out any damage; he did, no problem. It was not a dry sump engine, so poured a couple of quarts of oil through just to make sure no debris was in the pan.


If you can find a good, foreign car indy who is confident .....

 

Yeah, the ECS drain plugs are good for only 2-3 oil changes and they know this. The same thing happened to mine and I was able to grind a notch for a large flat blade screwdriver. Another option is grind or file the round edges flat on 2 sides so you can get a wrench on the outside of the drain plug. ECS should stop marketing this plug as the end all of magnetic plugs as well its not a very good drain plug alternative at all.

 

I tried again with a notch and an impact driver. NOT a chance.

I am LIVID! What a POS product!
I will try tomorrow with an Easyout.
Last resort-I have to take the pan off. Now that's going to fun with 8.5 quarts of oil dripping all over. GRRRRR!!

 

I think that is your best shot at getting it out. just drill it deep enough to get a good bite. G/L

 

I had a similar problem but don't remember if it was an ECS Tuning version or someone else's. If you have a bit of a lip around the head, use a plumber's monkey wrench. Worked for me: https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...-internet.html

By the way, the OEM plug torque spec is much higher than the aftermarket magnetic ones. Probably why it was stripped.

 

Wow talk about good timing, I was just going ask same question...this happened to me last night. Frustrating for sure. I will have to try cutting a flat notch to see if I can some good torque on it to get it off.

 

Yup, as stated, a small plumbers wrench should bite on the overhang. Maybe even a small vice grip on edge. they should bite into that soft metal.

 

I believe I saw a tech once with a socket that will bite in that hole. Made for that situation.

 

plus 1 on the vice grip. You might want to heat it with a small torch first to loosen it up a little. Patience is your friend.

 

1. I was just about to order a oil-service set that included this plug, and am so glad I saw this post first!!

2. You need a reverse-thread extractor that you can get at almost any local hardware.

3. If the threads are internally stripped, you will need a "tap and dye" set to repair the threads, which is also readily available and a great addition to the garage.

4. If there is any internal thread damage, ENSURE that all shavings have been removed. Tip: grab a few quarts of cheap 'dyno' oil to help flush through so you don't waste any of your liquid gold premium.

5. Buy a digital torque wrench and use it religiously.


Disclaimer - the usual, no responsibility for any mistakes you make in your own garage

 

Vladm, It's not clear to me if you are saying the allen head stripped like MillerTime shows or whether the threads that mesh with the oil pan stripped. It may help to clarify.

 

A very high temperature flame from a torch that's going to have direct contact around an area that may have oil residues or possible fuel vapors???

Sounds like you just might be creating a situation a lot more serious than just a problematic oil drain plug.

 

using a dremel with small cutting disk and make a cut in the center, then use a chisel like you would use a flat head screw driver

Also you can weld a small socket to the plug itself

 

The F****r is out!

Tried Easyout- no luck.

used dremel to make a deeper notch and fabricated a wide "screwdriver" by grinding the hole bit. Locked vice grip and turned it as a lever. Bingo!

Stay the hell away from these plugs!!!!