I just recently bought a '94 Cherokee, and after replacing the broken water pump I decided to change the oil yesterday. But, the oil pan bolt will not come out no matter what I try. It spins in place but does not come out. I tried using vice grips to pull it out and twist at the same time hoping it would catch the threads, but no dice. Any ideas? Some help would be appreciated.

 

Bummer. You'll likely have to drop and replace the pan. It only takes a few times over-torquing to cook those threads. I wish I had better news.

 

Often times using the blade of a flat screw driver behind the bolt shoulder while turning with a wrench/ratchet will net better results(than the vise grips) in your predicament.

 

Drill it out

 

Thanks for the ideas. I'll try the flathead tomorrow and also I thought I might try and drive a putty knife between the bolt and the pan since there isn't much clearance. Then pull out and see if it will catch on the threads. If that doesn't work I'll just replace the pan.

 

I agree with a new oil pan...well not new one from a JY should be fine just check the plug before you pay for it, so take a wrench with you.

Even if you do get the old pan plug out you still have a problem.

 

Maybe ?http://www.mtsac.edu/~cliff/storage/...lug-Repair.pdf

 

Pry and turn (turn left)
If you get it out install a heli coil.

 

"oil pan bolt will not come out no matter what I try"
Are you discussing the oil drain plug or one of the fasteners holding the oil pan to the engine?
If it is the drain plug and if there was a nut that had been welded inside the pan you are done. Just drill a hole in the pan to drain the oil, then replace the pan. The torque specification for an oil pan drain plug is "slightly snug".

 

Do you mean to tell me that I'm not suppose to use a four foot cheater bar or a 3/4" impact wrench on the drain plug? I think you're mistaken.

 

Oil pan drain plug "tightenitupper"

 

Took me probably another hour, but using the flathead I got it out! The plug is missing over half the threads so it's clear what the problem was. Thanks for the help guys.

 

right on

 

Darn and Hooray! I was going to suggest that you get it out and see if it's just the plug stripped. Post was to start, "there is a snowballs chance......

(Long time no see Jeff!)

 

Question. I have a similar issue of eventually having to replace the pan. There is one of those 'fix-it' drain plugs with a smaller threaded bolt in it. Eventually have to replace the pan. Is it a big deal to replace the pan? A friend has a Blazer and he said he had to lift the whole engine to drop his pan. Looking at my Jeep, looks like can unbolt and replace. Is that right?