Well the gorilla that put the drain plug in the mini over torqued it and mutilated the head of the bolt so of course I now have to take it to someone to change my oil. I NEVER have soemone else touch my vehicle unless it is very important so that frustrates me!!!

So I go to the dealer to get a new plug and they dont have any and dont know when they will get any!?! WHAT!

OK so does anyone know an alternative, the local Advanced auto parts doesnt carry the drain bolt.

IF I know the treads and such I could go and get a replacement bolt no problem...

Please help........

How do you not have drain plugs especially in such a large dealership in Miami, BUT they do carry the aux input both manual plug and to control your Ipod on the wheel.....

By the way you know you are a NAM addict if you cant wait to get home to post your disgruntled feelings....

 

So are you saying YOU were the gorilla?


Can you just tighten it with vise-grips until the new plug comes in?

 

Those plugs with the captive piece of rubber on them tend to almost melt onto the oil pan. Even it it was not over-torqued, it could have just adhered to it and made it next to impossible to remove.

I had to get mine off with vise grips once and have since learned that I can help the situation if I go around it with an x-acto knife to loosen the rubber from the metal before turning it.

I am going to keep an extra one around the next time I do an oil change... .

 

I bought it used just a little over a month ago and this would be the first oil change done by me. Vise grip nor a small pipe werench could get it off. If it were on a lift and plenty of room to work it would be easierr to get off so to the shop it goes.

I just didnt have enough room to work with the car on jack stands

 

"Mutilated"? I need pics of this... I've changed the oil in the MINI a couple of times and have never found it to be anything my 1/2" dr breaker-bar can't loosen...

Well, if the plug isn't meant to be replaced, I doesn't surprise me they wouldn't have one. VW, oddly enough, recommends a new plug with each oil change... and the dealer makes you buy a new one with the filter (and it comes with the filter in aftermarket filter kits).

 

simply get one of those fram quick drains. it would make subsequent oil changes easier too!

 

I'm afraid of those quick drains. Even though I haven't heard of anyone having a failure, I'd hate to drop all of my oil out on the road. . . .

But I do love the idea of them. . . . .

 

Try the breaker bar.. if you can't lose the bolt.

 

not one like a valve

the Fram has a special fitting that takes place of the drain plug that you screw a hose onto. when you screw the special hose on, it opens up like a valve stem on a tire and drains.

about 30 bucks at autozone

 

You could always get one of these......with the hose attachment......



http://www.fumotovalve.com/

...Les

 

Yes by all means get the fumoto valve (106N has a nipple and allows you to attach an 8" section of heater hose at 3/8" ID making it a direct shot from the oil pan to your oil discarding tank). Great way to eliminate spilled oil and make fast changes.

 

Lemme guess who is your dealer... South Motors MINI? THEY SUCK!

Braman is even worse.


I only let Lauderdale MINI touch both of my MINIs.

 

Its just a bolt. If the head is rounded then someone used the wrong wrench or an open ended wrench. Always use a socket or box end wrench of at least Craftsman quality.


The drain plug should never be cranked down so tight that its a problem getting it out. Eventually you will strip out the pan.

 

So where can I get a replacement plug. Or does anyone know what the threads are the dimensions and such.

 

MGCMan has the right idea - I installed that exact valve on my Mini almost from day one (nearly three years now) since I also have a skid guard and it makes oil changes neat and fast. FYI, the valve can't open accidentially since the handles is spring loaded and pops into a securing notch when closed.

 

Call MINIS of Miami long time member, Luis Sanchez. He has owned 3 MINIs and he recently opened up a new shop for MINIs. He drives a CR/CR 2005 Cooper S highly modified.

Precision Autowerks
Luis Sanchez -Owner
7254 N.W. 25 Street
Miami, Florida 33122
305-591-7434

Luis has over 20 years experience as a seasoned auto technician. He is an expert in high performance modifications and a national Auto cross champion. He is a very nice guy to talk to and has always a wealth of information.

Give him a call. He can give you the info you need and even hook you up with a new plug replacement.

 

I bought one of those topside oil changers from Overtons and it's so nice. Just sucks the oil right out through the dip stick. No more getting under the car for me!

 

reply to C4

I have luis sanchez's card here in front of me but I just wanted to have the bolt in hand to make it easy.

And I appreciate all the alternatives but I just want the good old drain plug dont want to reinvent the wheel.