A better oil pan drain plug

[BigLee]

If you're wanting a better oil pan drain plug than the strip-prone stock plug, I found a great alternative.

Its GM part # 96041864, and it should be less than $10 at the dealership. It actually costs a couple of dollars less than the original plug does.They are also available on Ebay, ect.
It uses a T-45 Torx socket, and has the same 14X1.5mm threads as the stock plug.

If you have a junkyard nearby and want to get one really cheap, (or free) they can be found on the automatic transmission pans of GM models that use the 5-speed RWD (5L40/5L50-E) automatic transmissions 2004-2006 Cadillac CTS, SRX, STS, XLR, ect.

You should probably still be careful not to overtighten these either. The factory torque specs on the drain plug is only
10 ft-lbs (14NM).



Here it is installed on my wife's 17 Trax.

 

[gnonne]

Rockauto.com now lists this plug - looks like a 14 mm deep socket is required, or an adjustable wrench if the hex is stripped... $1.41

 

[6speedti]

If you use a 1/4" drive 6 point socket and properly torque it as specified by the manufacturer you will NEVER strip or snap the OEM plug. Just a hint of information.

 

[BigLee]

Rockauto.com now lists this plug - looks like a 14 mm deep socket is required, or an adjustable wrench if the hex is stripped... $1.41

There are several suitable alternatives, but make sure they use a semi-recessed O-ring for best durability.
Many styles use sealing rings that require frequent replacement or even replacement at every oil change.

Dorman also offers a replacement for the one I showed above for usually less money.
Part # 090-162.

 

[BigLee]

If you use a 1/4" drive 6 point socket and properly torque it as specified by the manufacturer you will NEVER strip or snap the OEM plug. Just a hint of information.

Probably.
But how many people put an inch-pound torque wrench on their drain plug every time? How many have done it even once? Do you?
How many even own an inch-pound torque wrench, which at such a low value, is almost required???
I do own one, but I haven't used it on my drain plug.
How many have always changed their own oil every time, meaning they or their significant other have never taken their vehicle in for a change at a drive-through strip joint?

This is a common occurrence with the original plug, and has been discussed here before, and I'd say that the vast majority of these plugs are installed over spec.
I just wanted to provide a better replacement option for those who may want or need it.

 

[Tormach]

Possibly.
But how many people put an inch-pound torque wrench on their drain plug every time? How many have done it even once?
How many even own an inch-pound torque wrench, which at such a low value, is almost required???
How many have always changed their own oil every time, meaning they or their significant other have never taken their vehicle in for a change at a drive-through strip joint?

This is a common occurrence with the original plug, and has been discussed here before.
I just wanted to provide a better replacement option for those who may want or need it.

Ummm..

Yes to the first, second and third (I kind of go full retard when I do my car and hers [emoji28]), but most ppl don't have the time/tools/and really don't want to be bothered (or can't) do any of them and just take it in for a change.

I have experienced once when the dealership I got my car at did totally round the drain plug (was very first oil change they did but was also the last one).

I agree that having additional option is good.

Sent from my moto z3 using Tapatalk

 

[BigLee]

Well it's good that you do that.
I should make better use of my torque wrench as well.
I think what did my plug in was that once I was working
too much to have time to change her oil, so she took it to a quicky lube to have it changed.
She agreed that was the last time she'd ever do that again...
The plug was a bit rounded after that, and I ended up having to notch and chisel it loose...
I actually came across that plug while I was at the Pick-A-Part, and once i verified the thread size, i grabbed a few of them from there...

 

[imahog317]

Quick change

I changed my drain plug to a Fumoto drain plug. Now I don't need a wrench at all. I just flip the lever and go in and eat dinner while it drains. Come back out and close the lever, change the filter and refill the oil and done. Maybe 2
(5 min) trips under the car after I jack it up! Check out Fumoto® USA | Quick and Easy Engine Oil Drain Valves
They are also available thru amazon and ebay. Good luck.

 

[6speedti]

I changed my drain plug to a Fumoto drain plug. Now I don't need a wrench at all. I just flip the lever and go in and eat dinner while it drains. Come back out and close the lever, change the filter and refill the oil and done. Maybe 2
(5 min) trips under the car after I jack it up! Check out Fumoto® USA | Quick and Easy Engine Oil Drain Valves
They are also available thru amazon and ebay. Good luck.

And they stick out lower to the ground. Hit that puppy and you'll be doing an oil change while your driving down the road. I've owned many vehicles and the 1.4 liter is the easiest oil change to do with stock drain plug. Problem is many DIYers do not use a torque wrench and end up stripping the plug. Some switch to the hex plug which gives you more leverage to almost guarantee a stripped out plug if you dont pay attention to what your doing. I like quick drain plugs but they have to be installed in a way where they do not stick out lower in the air stream.

 

[BigLee]

I agree.
A plug that sticks downward like that on a car with
limited ground clearance is at risk from road/debris strikes.
That's another thing I like about the plug I used.
It's about as low profile as you can get..

 

[6speedti]

I agree.
A plug that sticks downward like that on a car with
limited ground clearance is at risk from road/debris strikes.
That's another thing I like about the plug I used.
It's about as low profile as you can get..

I would switch over to your low profile oil drain plug but I purchased a OEM style magnetic oil drain plug from American Car Acces. - Part MNGM14 - M14 Magnetic Drain for Sonic®, Trax®, Cruze® and Encore®

Replacement orings are the same as OEM drain plugs.

 

[imahog317]

The Fumoto drain might stick out a little farther than the original drain plug, but if you are worried about ground clearance then IMHO you have bought the wrong vehicle. Maybe you should be driving a 4 x 4 truck or something similar. I have 392,000 miles on my Sonic and that is the reason I changed to the Fumoto. A lot of miles means a lot of oil changes. I deliver auto parts to area shops. Some of them are like driving in thru a junkyard. Lots of chuck holes and ruts. I personally have not had any problems with ground clearance. If you are tired of looking for the right size wrench, or are concerned about stripping out the threads on your oil pan then I would suggest giving Fumoto or another quick change alternative a try. If you only change your oil once or twice a year I would not change anything from the factory setup! Personally I was tired of trying to find my drain plug in the bottom of my drain pan where I dropped it due to hot oil when I changed my oil. In my case I needed something to facilitate a quick oil change and the Fumoto is what I tried and it has worked fine without any problems. I have done approximately 70 plus oil changes on this car alone and I probably would have stripped my threads or cross threaded my drain plug by now IF I had left it stock. Maybe I am lucky maybe not, all I can say is I have not had any problems. I am a totally satisfied user of Fumoto and Amsoil.

 

[6speedti]

The Fumoto drain might stick out a little farther than the original drain plug, but if you are worried about ground clearance then IMHO you have bought the wrong vehicle. Maybe you should be driving a 4 x 4 truck or something similar. I have 392,000 miles on my Sonic and that is the reason I changed to the Fumoto. A lot of miles means a lot of oil changes. I deliver auto parts to area shops. Some of them are like driving in thru a junkyard. Lots of chuck holes and ruts. I personally have not had any problems with ground clearance. If you are tired of looking for the right size wrench, or are concerned about stripping out the threads on your oil pan then I would suggest giving Fumoto or another quick change alternative a try. If you only change your oil once or twice a year I would not change anything from the factory setup! Personally I was tired of trying to find my drain plug in the bottom of my drain pan where I dropped it due to hot oil when I changed my oil. In my case I needed something to facilitate a quick oil change and the Fumoto is what I tried and it has worked fine without any problems. I have done approximately 70 plus oil changes on this car alone and I probably would have stripped my threads or cross threaded my drain plug by now IF I had left it stock. Maybe I am lucky maybe not, all I can say is I have not had any problems. I am a totally satisfied user of Fumoto and Amsoil.

My, my, my I see I ruffled a few feathers.
A good technician will always have the right tools for the right job. The problem is guys use the wrong wrench and overtighten. I've done a few oil changes on my Sonic and other vehicles over the years. Like I said the 1.4 liter is the easiest oil change I've done. It doesnt get any easier than this engine installed on this vehicle. No jacking necessary and a low profile pan works good and no mess. Sorry to hear you keep dropping your drain plug in the bucket. I hope you never drive over road debris from an accident or tread separation from an 18 wheeler on the highway. The lowest components of your undercarriage will have the highest percentage of getting hit. I'm glad you've had great success with your Sonic. That makes me feel good that this engine can go over 300,000 miles.
Happy travels.