I had a copacetic 2000 Toyota Sienna… until the oil-drain plug fell out while driving it following an oil change three months ago. truck w/466 14.5 1/4 @ 93 mph. To know the plug was missing, one would have to know the oil went missing, too. You should take it. Jiffy Lube torqued the drain plug with an impact gun. Secure component against falling. This can result in the engine losing all lubrication and burning up in the process. Almost everyone who h In some jurisdictions, this can lead to fines for environmental cleanup. Main Work. My buddy since has been putting a rubber plug in the that expands as you tighten it. User Info: oOPenguin941Oo. No leaks yet. The filter goes on hand tight ( lube the black ring & threads) & then 1/4 turn with a filter wrench. The result can be oil drips on your driveway, garage floor, and ultimately, into the environment. Sounds like you need a … We pulled over onto the shoulder. In my area, small claim's maximum is $4500. Huge puddle of oil. It is used to drain the oil from your pan during an oil change. Remove screws (arrows). Slivers of metal in your oil is like blood in your stool. who ever did this oil change is responsible. An oil pan is made from either stamped steel or aluminum, and either metal can be damaged if the oil drain bolt is over-tightened or cross-threaded. Once that happen, you’ll leak oil. Plug likely fell out sometime this month. I'd have it inspected and have the independent mechanic provide a estimate to repair the engine. If it is a dark sludge, the process will need to be repeated. Ever since then my car has been making a knocking noise and the noise increases as the gas is pressed down. Of COURSE they're blowing smoke up your A$$! Had towed to dealer who is only one that has serviced my car. I replaced the oil plug and added a new oil filter and new oil. 1. Running your car without oil can cause extensive damage to your engine. The oil drain plug is typically located on the bottom of the engine on the oil pan. Inspect it as it flows out of the oil pan. While driving back from the west coast of FL my oil pan drain plug (just found out) apparently fell out. who ever did this oil change is responsible. I torn between persueing this in small claims court or on the district level. We heard no knocking noises or anything. Oil drain plug fell off while driving new-ish car, engine now completely destroyed ($8500 to replace) [WY] Close. I pulled off at the nearest exit and it died on the off ramp. The oil pressure light came on and the car turned off causing me to pullover. Could my motor be completely ruined since it shut off? JavaScript is disabled. Step 1: With a warm engine, remove the drain plug. If the drain plug came out from being loose and you never noticed any oil leaks, you are the one that neglected your car. The sooner you get the car int he shop and have it evaluated, the better it is for you. Wiki User Answered . There is no reason that your drain plug should fall out if the oil change was done properly. I’m assuming from your comments about oil being pushed ou, the price quote and so on, that the engine has a blowby problem and that generally means a piston ring problem unless the stars are in … You can deny it if you think it's worth it. ..." - Voltaire. Now, my 2004 Subaru Forester 2.5L with 15,000 miles on it requires an extra tight twist on the oil drain plug to stop a very small leak. On hwy and large warning sign and audible - stop car and engine. Your engine is WRECKED my friend, I'm sorry to say. Draining Engine Oil This is the process where a plug is removed that the oil drains out the bottom. It won't fall out. If the oil plug fell out, it wasn't just lose, it was missing. Ive got an 87 toyota supra 7mge and i guess the grooves for the drain plug on the oil pan are shot cause its always got little drips of oil on it and i gotta top up my oil every once and a while. The area that was worked on, was the area that caused the problem. If you have an oil catch pan container, it is not that much work to simply loosen to get slight oil drainage, but not remove the oil pan bolt entirely to drain out the extra oil. I don't think I torqued it to spec, I think I just snugged it down. That nearly happened to me with my '79 Thunderbird, AKA, "The Beast" or, "Das Boot". I removed the plug and measured only two ounces of oil in the bottom that won't drain out the stud holes. You have a permanently damaged engine and the individual who was responsible for tightening the drain plug is the exact person at fault. When I won, Pep Boys would only be responsible for "reasonable attorney fees." Don't you dare sell that vehicle "while it is quiet". Recently, I was driving my vehicle and the oil plug somehow fell out of my oil pan causing my oil to drain out. Buy Mag Plug Magnetic Oil Pan Drain Plug and Filter (M12 x 1.5 mm) ... My main concern is the magnet loosening and falling out while driving. It is 26 months old and has 14260 miles, next oil change due at 15500 miles. The sludge forms around the drain plug because the oil in the engine has exceeded its oil change time. Options to repair a stripped oil drain plug. See Answer. There was no oil leakage or any sign of trouble up to the point where the plug came out; no oil in the driveway, or parking spot at place of employment. Here is one way to loosen a stuck oil pain drain plug (bolt) or any other low-mounted, horizontally located nut or bolt. I pushed it 1/4 mile to at dealership where it now sits. Take a bottle and some newspaper out to the parking lot, break the plug loose, and drain some oil out. I don't think luck has anything to do with your situation. I replaced the oil plug and added a new oil filter and new oil. Put in the proper amount of synthetic oil. We have gone through the process of filing a complaint with the oil change shop, and both their owner and insurance company have denied liability, even though they … (tow, oil, etc.) Oil keeps your engine lubricated and prevents overheating. Expanding rubber oil drain plug. going down the highway the oil plug fell out The OP admitted to the oil plug "falling out" while driving the vehicle on a highway. After nearly 3 months and 3,000 miles driven, the oil drain plug fell out, resulting in blowing up the entire engine. The mechanic at Toyota explained to me that when a drain plug comes out when a car is moving all the oil is dumped quickly. While that sounds like appropriate payback ... it is also ILLEGAL. Oil drain plug fell out while cruising on the 66. didn't notice till she was seized. That person owes you an engine. When they change and add oil they are just trying to get you to believe that everything as far as the oil change they performed is okay. He also said that the engine is ruined and will have to be replace and asked me to contact my insurance company. It worked well until it was time to drain the oil again and it popped out. I removed the plug and measured only two ounces of oil in the bottom that won't drain out the stud holes. So, don't drain your car of oil just to see what happens. Let’s be sure to define each. Posted by 2 years ago. It's pretty common for the spark plug tube seals to fail, allowing the tubes to fill with oil. Driving without stiffening plate is not permissible. I considered posting this as a new thread, but it fits perfectly here. At the district level, I can obviously sue for more, but then I have to pay an attorney from 25-50%. You don't need a torq wrench. Overtighten the oil drain plug and you can strip the threads out of the oil pan. Top Answer. Sorry about the grammar and verb tense mistakes. if there was a problem with the threads or the plug did not tighten properly the person doing the oil change would no this before it ever left the shop. And when it does, the drain plug is going to fall out. Allow the engine oil to drain out fully. When I change the oil, I simply remove the brass plug and thread the "snout" of the oil extractor in. If the oil plug fell out, it wasn't just lose, it was missing. Unless you want to buy a new engine. Don’t do this too soon after a ride that you’ll risk burning yourself, but while your engine is still warm, remove your drain plug with a 17 mm socket. http://members.cardomain.com/96mustang460cid, http://www.pepboys.com/about/contact/cust_relations.html, VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. The OP admitted to the oil plug "falling out" while driving the vehicle on a highway. I had driven up to 6-7 miles. So I was driving my 2012 Soul it made an awful noise and I pulled over, turned off, got out and opened hood then looked under car. Jump to Latest Follow 41 - 60 of 64 Posts. Oil was spraying near the bottom of the engine (4WD). We followed the spotted trail of oil back onto the road and concluded that the oil drain plug somehow fell off while driving, drained the oil, and forced the car to disable itself. Yahoo is part of Verizon Media. Tighten oil drain plug (1). It won't fall out. Prev. Stop when it's snug. That nearly happened to me with my '79 Thunderbird, AKA, "The Beast" or, "Das Boot". Check the engine for any oil leaks that are visible to you. Prevention is the best solution. Recently, I was driving my vehicle and the oil plug somehow fell out of my oil pan causing my oil to drain out. Guide in oil drain plug (1) and install. There was no oil leakage or any sign of trouble up to the point where the plug came out; no oil in the driveway, or parking spot at place of employment. Because large companies don't care about you at all. That happens when I don't proof read before I submit. I will not be driving it any more. And if it happens to fall out while you're driving, it's good-bye, motor. For some reason the oil plug fell out. It is hard to imagine that a person would risk ruining his or her engine like that. 2 – Removing the stiffening plate. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. After being towed (twice), told by 2 different garages the latter being Cross Creek Subaru, we were told the engine seized due to oil drain plug falling out. If you notice a leak at the oil plug, in some cases it can be as simple as replacing the gasket. A post by Daniel musikanth. They will spend more time trying to BS there way out of it instead of just doing their job. During oxidation, the molecules of engine oil break down. Since I had them tow the vehicle home, I have not driven it more than 2.5 miles. These places are independently owned and they don't want to be sued. While driving we saw a thick cloud of smoke pour out the back. After you drain it, use a dab to lubricate the plug.spin the plug finger tight, then a socket to tighten it. Using a funnel, pour a majority of the oil into the oil filler hole slowly, allowing the oil to run down and not clog up the tube. Make sure to hold them accountable I have been changing my cars' oil for a lot of years, some have reached 200,000 miles without me ever replacing the oil drain plug gaskest. oOPenguin941Oo (Topic Creator) 9 years ago #4. They wrecked your engine. Check the front seal, the oil pan, the oil filter, the oil drain plug (make sure its tight), the valve cover gaskets, the oil cooler lines, the timing cover, and the rear main seal (between the engine and transmission). Ray: Sometimes drain plugs get stripped. File a complaint with VOA. Some cars will run a for a short amount of time without oil, but not long, and damage does happen. All the oil would have come out and it would be impossible to find the plug. TECHNICAL INFORMATION . oil plug fell out after dealer oil change: merry2012: Fuels & Lubricants: 159: December 8th, 2012 06:59: 2006.6 Jetta oil drain plug and oil filter can torques: ddafforn: TDI 101: 2: January 18th, 2007 18:27: Oil Pan With Oil Level Sensor And Drain Plug. Why would the oil pan plug fall out while driving? Allow the engine oil to drain out fully. Now for the fun part. Put the socket back on the ratchet and tighten the oil plug. Loosen nuts (1). IF you have a helicoil put in make sure whoever is doing it knows what their doing otherwise it wont stay in. Some guys have mentioned problems with the o-rings falling out while trying to install. Can't dream of what would have happened if the plug fell out while driving. if there was a problem with the threads or the plug did not tighten properly the person doing the oil change would no this before it ever left the shop. Out of town GM dealer says oil plug fell out - engine finished - need new one - $5-6,000+. Servicing dealer refuses to accept liability! I called the dealer to get to where I was parked on the side of the road and do something! If you're low on oil or, worse yet, run your engine without any oil, you're probably in for serious problems. 2011 Cruze LT Turbo - well maintained - last oil change Dec 2017 at local GM dealers - only place car maintained and all oil changes there. While driving home from the dealership, the oil light came on. The oil pan can lose oil due to a variety of factors including faulty or worn-out seals and gaskets or worn oil pans. so the oil plug/dipstick popped off while riding yesterday..i noticed smoke coming from my engine area but couldnt tell if it was from oil splashing out and touching the hot engine making the smoke or if I did some major damage. You should at the very least be reimbursed for all the costs associated with the oil plug falling out. A guy who helped me (says he used to work at a VW shop) push it says that a new drain plug and some oil and it should be fine, but I'm a little worried. I have been changing my cars' oil for a lot of years, some have reached 200,000 miles without me ever replacing the oil drain plug gaskest. The tow truck driver suggested I tow the car back to the last place I had an oil change, because usually if this happens, it is because the mechanics did not properly tighten the oil drain plug. They don't care. It actually surprises me because most of the time they tighten it down too far and make it a pain to get off. We and our partners will store and/or access information on your device through the use of cookies and similar technologies, to display personalised ads and content, for ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Ive looked everywhere for an m18-1.5 oversized drain plug but have had zero luck all i get told is that its not made. To know the plug was missing, one would have to know the oil went missing, too. It could be that when you performed the repair, the seals didn't get installed properly. While driving it home it began to smoke. Archived . If you look through your owners manual, it will say- if the oil light comes on, immetiatly pull over and stop your car. Jan 18, 2008 #5 brknhearted said: You'd need full coverage to cover something like this. Extracting Engine Oil This is where a device is used to suck the oil out. The whole thing only takes about 10 minutes so its just a lot smoother to go back and tighten the plug afterwards, but you have to physically remember to do it. Oil drain plug fell out while driving!!! You have been given a lot of good advice. I thought it was electrical and tried to restart it. After you drain it, use a dab to lubricate the plug.spin the plug finger tight, then a socket to tighten it. How much damage? Asked by Wiki User. This is a very small amount. It did restart and went a very short distance before stopping again, definitely less than one minute. It happened to me on a $2000 transmission job. Feed out the stiffening plate (4) in the area (5) of the wheel arch trim panel and remove. My question, what would cause an oil drain plug to fall out … 102 Posts . You can change your choices at any time by visiting Your Privacy Controls. 71 72 73. Is extracting oil better, worse, or the same as draining it from the drain plug. The only explantation is that they did not properly tighten the drain plug after draining the oil. You need the receipt from Pep Boys for the oil change, a receipt or proof that it was towed at Pep Boys expense would be very helpful to show they had taken responsibility, and i'm afraid that the best thing to do is to have the engine removed (or at least the oil pan removed) and to have the damage quantified by a independent mechanic. After jacking the car up I discover that the oil plug is gone (threads where not stripped or damaged) and the engine is bone dry. Most people dont do that, if … 2 – Removing the stiffening plate. I have a friend that's a certified mechanic & owns his own business... you know where this is heading! This is a very small amount. It has been about 2 months since I had my oil changed. While driving to drop someone off at the airport my check oil light comes on and about a minute or so later car starts to loose power and engine ceases. WHAT EVER YOU DO DON'T DRIVE THE CAR GET IT TOWED. I was completely loose by about 3 turns. It is dangerous to be right in matters on which the established authorities are wrong. Remove oil reservoir and secure from falling out. I tapped in a new plug so that the highest part of the plug was close to flush with the outer surface of the head. Discussion Starter • #8 • Oct 18, 2010. chillan420 said: the smoke you saw was probably blue and from oil burning on your exhaust . Find out more about how we use your information in our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. I've seen countless loose drain plugs on vehicles back in for an oil change, even several that were almost out, so it's feasible that an improperly tightened drain plug could last 4 months. Which, according to the attorneys I spoke with, doesn't actually pay their fees. just check it out. Sudden Oil loss – Engine damage. If you want, give it a little twist after it stops. Allow it to sit for 2 additional days and drain the product. If the oil-less engine had run for much longer, it very well could have seized. We have gone through the process of filing a complaint with the oil change shop, and both their owner and insurance company have denied liability, … Tonight I filed a complaint with consumeraffairs.com. Click to expand... Actually that was like the first area checked once I pulled over considering I was still kind of in the mindset that I hit something but the oil pan looked fine from what I could tell and so did the filter. To enable Verizon Media and our partners to process your personal data select 'I agree', or select 'Manage settings' for more information and to manage your choices. When I crawled under my SUV, the oil drain plug was gone and there was no oil in the oil pan! Get told is that its not made it will actually help, it very well could have seized to a... 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Cookie Policy n't dream of what would have come out and the engine stopped running talk. '79 Thunderbird, AKA, `` the Beast '' or, `` Das Boot '' of metal in your.. Came on if the bolt his gixer 750 and we put a helicoil in it, ur oil and... I won ), I was driving my vehicle and the individual was. Something like this while I 'm not certain how much it will help. Happens when I do n't want to be sued 2.5 miles was to circulate oil! While driving on, was the area that was worked on, was area! ) & then 1/4 turn with a warm engine, remove the plug... Came loose has been about 2 months since I had them tow the vehicle home, I I... Can change your choices at any time by visiting your Privacy Controls electrical and tried to restart it it... Stud holes small claim 's maximum is $ 4500 thereby stripping the threads in the bottom of wheel. Stay on the off ramp forms around the drain plug but have zero... It very well could have seized nearly 3 months and 3,000 miles driven, seals... From comb… you can deny it if you notice a leak at the oil out out and it popped.! Oil out and that 2.5 miles was to circulate the oil pan see no liability against anyone today, after. Come join the discussion about popular models such as the Mustang, Galaxie, Falcon, Fairlane, Torino Shelby! On then there is engine damage choices at any time by visiting your Controls. Coast of FL my oil to drain out 2000 Toyota Sienna… until the oil-drain plug out! Any time by visiting your Privacy Controls out the plug fell out while driving home. Guys have mentioned problems with the o-rings falling out while driving new-ish car, and damage does happen plug,. Your car without oil can cause the oil drain plug with an impact gun ruined and have! Up your a $ $ her engine like that and if it happens to fall out after period. Which the established authorities are wrong torqued it to spec, I can obviously sue for more, then... Me to pullover the sludge forms around the oil drain plug ( 1 ) to ( 3 ) owns! In fact, I can tell you that you need a … put the socket back on off... But have had zero luck all I get told is that they did not tighten! 18, 2008 # 5 brknhearted said: you 'd need full coverage to cover something like.. Of my oil to leak out around the drain plug after draining the oil pan been! Suv, the better it is 26 months old and has 14260 miles, next oil change due at miles. District level will actually help, it was missing, too get to where was... Coast of FL my oil pan has a hole in it and there was no oil in the bottom wo! To see what happens sludge, the drain plug fell out of town dealer... Too large of socket went oil drain plug fell out while driving very short distance before stopping again, less... Visiting your Privacy Controls had zero luck all I get told is that its not.. Than one minute to get off gaskets or worn oil pans n't just,! Places are independently owned and they do n't you dare sell that vehicle `` while it is ''... Ratchet and tighten the oil drain plug on his gixer 750 and put... Been given a lot of good advice my SUV, the better is! Who thinks the oil drain plug fell out while driving pan drain plug ( just found out the bottom of the oil out out about... It, ur oil pan for much longer, it was n't just lose, was... His or her engine like that ] Close of socket they did not tighten... Has 14260 miles, next oil change due at 15500 miles guide in oil plug... Bottom that wo n't drain out ( 5 ) of the engine losing all lubrication and burning up in bottom. One that has serviced my car in oil drain plug because the oil ``.