Oil pan bolt spins (I did a stupid)
Adodero
Jeeper
Well, I did something dumb. I am directionally challenged and turned the drain bolt the wrong way, stripping it.
It didn't take much effort, so I guess it was failing anyway, but I certainly didn't help it. This is why I usually keep a spare bolt/nut in my pocket when I'm working on the car or boat, so I can orient myself and know which way to turn it, but I failed this time.
The bolt basically spins in place. I tried gripping it with vice grips and pulling out while turning, but it didn't go anywhere. The bolt has no clearance behind it, so I can't get a screwdriver behind it for tension. It's still tight, which makes me scared it broke the bolt inside the pan free of the pan. Any other advice aside from replacing the oil pan?
I have a new oil pan and gasket, but I'd like to avoid having to install it if possible.
It didn't take much effort, so I guess it was failing anyway, but I certainly didn't help it. This is why I usually keep a spare bolt/nut in my pocket when I'm working on the car or boat, so I can orient myself and know which way to turn it, but I failed this time.
The bolt basically spins in place. I tried gripping it with vice grips and pulling out while turning, but it didn't go anywhere. The bolt has no clearance behind it, so I can't get a screwdriver behind it for tension. It's still tight, which makes me scared it broke the bolt inside the pan free of the pan. Any other advice aside from replacing the oil pan?
I have a new oil pan and gasket, but I'd like to avoid having to install it if possible.