Posted on 08/20/2016 2:26:32 PM PDT by gaijin
96 Camry V6, 166k miles, engine = 1MZFE (I think)
Flushed engine, changed oil, got a low oil-pressure light, pulled over.
Dropped oil pan, cleared out a TON of oil boogers that were in the pan, YIKES..! Also swished the oil pick-up tube around in some flush solution, cleared the screen.
Drove around a week and it was FINE..! Then oil pressure light returned :(
Swapped out the oil pressure sender switch (don't have the oil pressure tester gauge but I ordered one) and the oil pressure light did come with the new switch.
Hoping it's more oil boogers in the pan not the engine bearings, I want to drop the pan again:
Turns out I overtightened one of the two nuts that secure the pan. The nut is in great condition and is flush to the pan surface but turns FOREVER without backing off the stud and it's in tight quarters.
"Get a screwdriver behind it and pry a bit while untightening with the socket..!"
Yeah, I tried that but when the stud got stripped the nut was RIGHT UP against the pan --I cannot get a screwdriver under there.
"Try a knife!" Yeah, I did that and it didn't work. That IS thinner, but there still isn't enough space. :(
"Put some freepin' vice-grips on that suckah and pull DOWN while going lefty-loosy..! You'll get it back on the threads, bro..!" Yeah, I tried that but that nut STILL won't back off the threads. Vice-grips pull off that slippery nut :(
I own a Dremel but it's not a cordless one and the car is parked across the street from this Starbucks from which I'm typing, and I can't access an outlet.
WHAT DO..? This sucks. :(
http://www.usatoolwarehouse.com/usatoolwarehouse/KDT-715D.html?gclid=Cj0KEQjw_9-9BRCqpZeZhLeOg68BEiQAOviWAt0N2luVv6UoyQs3aIsEhRrrfJe2nndVDcRUMXN4bIYaAoZA8P8HAQ
Some auto parts places sell nut-splitter tools, but you may not have enough clearance to slip one over the nut due to the oil pan. Do a web search for the tool and take a look.
Take the bolt into Advance Auto, explain the problem, then ask them if they would recommend a Heli-coil fix.
drill it and use an “easy-out”.
recut the threads and install a new screw.
I recommend an o-ring...just to make sure.
Get a hacksaw blade and go to work! Saw down one side then pry it loose with the screwdriver.
YOUTUBE
Also, a stack of thin washers cut “open” into a “C” shape might be tapped behind the nut. Stack them one at a time until the threads grab.
“Oil boogers”?
You need to see a doctor, man.
Machinist’s trick....get another 10mm nut that fits on the stud...run the new nut down to the old nut...tighten the two nuts against each other, locking both onto the stud...this will give you leverage on the nuts to back or pull the stud out.
Most likely the threads in the engine block, or on the stud, are stripped. Is the block aluminum? If so it’s those threads most likely stripped.
Studs don’t drill out very good. Best to grind the stud/nut off.
When you get the stud out of the block it will require a thread repair of some sort. Tap to larger size or a heli-coil repair.
Get a small (1/2 in or so) triangular file from HD. Lay it flat against the nut and file lightly around the bolt.
Then the nut will start out on the threads with your grips.
Watch alignment and you won’t hurt the bolt.
a triangular file is great for light repairs to threads.
I'm confused. What are the 'two' nuts for? If they don't hold up the pan what do they do?
Good luck.
If the nut and stud is stainless steel it’s probably galled. You need to use some sort of anti-seize on stainless.
Does the stud thread into the block...could tack weld nut to stud and essentially turn it into a bolt and back out.
If not, could you take off all other pan bolts and pry between the pan and block to put downward force on nut while you try to back it off.
$50 inverter for AC tools ... drill the sucker out and quit playin’ with it.
Tack weld the nut to the stud and if you do it right you can turn the whole stud out with a socket or wrench.
This is common practice.
Some times you can weld a spare bolt or nut to the end of the stud.
Helicoil or a nut-splitter.
Smart ass ... but best laugh I’ve had all day. Thanks!
I agree...Something to get between the pan and the block and force the pan to the bolt while you try to turn it...Have used that procedure on countless numbers of bolts...
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