Got the oil filter off and replaced it.

Got back under the truck, and went to put in the Autozone oil plug replacement. It's the wrong size. Way too small.

I triple checked...their computer at the shop and their website both give the same part number for my motor:

pn 65267

http://www.autozone.com/R,1167840/ve...ductDetail.htm

Looks like I have to put the stripped one back on, but not so tight I can't get it off again, in order to to get to work, so I can then drive to Autozone and return the bad one.

At the very least, they owe me a proper size plug. I'm thinking they owe me three gallons of oil, too, when I finally get the right size plug and have to let that oil back out to replace it.

Sure hope I get the effed up one back off...

 

Do you have a big pair of channel lock pliers? The bigger parts stores sell a pliers type filter wrench that works good. Be sure to put a coating of oil on the rubber gasket when you re-install the filter and when the filter touches the gasket on re-installment I tighten mine 3/4 of a turn.

 

I have a whole assortment of tools including large channel locks. The filter was no big deal, it was just stuck on there really hard, like it hadn't been changed in a while. That oil was sludge !

I think I can get the drain plug back off again. The "Irwin" brand "Bolt Out" socket, size 11/16 did the trick the first time around.

I just screwed the chewed up one back in with vise grips so I can drive my truck around, but not too terribly tight, so I can get it back out when I get the proper plug.

My problem is now finding that correct drain plug. Autozone provided the wrong one, and I triple checked. The part number that came up through them is 65267.

There is always the internet, but it sure would be nice to find one local.

For example, this place carries what looks like the right one, part # M4778578, but they are out of stock and can get them in about 1-3 weeks:

http://www.automotiveconcepts.net/st...medium=organic

Other internet sources say basically the same thing. I'm guessing that what Autozone provided me with is the 1994 and up version.

There is a Cummins location down on Swan Island Industrial Park here in Portland. Maybe someone at the night parts desk will have a line on one in a more timely fashion...

 

You could use just a bolt for short term if you need to. 18mm x 1.5 pitch. Someone will correct me, but isn't the OEM plug a 1/2" square drive insert? I've had so many wrong-part experiences at Autozone that I just don't go anymore...at least only last-ditch parts acquisition. Try a Napa autoparts. Part number 7041069.

Edit: Well the square drive is probably the 94 and ups. I always get confused when I climb under there to change oil which wrench to grab. Anyway, I suspect the Autozone gave plug for a gasser because the 2nd gens are bigger than ours...22mm. And yes, their website IS wrong

 

The oil is gonna be black, that's perfectly normal on a diesel.

I'd leave the chewed up plug until you are due for your next oil change, that will give you plenty of time to get the right one.

 

I have seen a half dozen different plugs in pans. Some bigger, some smaller. It is not the parts counter fault that there are several. You need the one that fits your pan. I have probably thrown a half dozen away over the last few years.

 

CarQuest (formerly Thrifty), the only late-night parts place in my town, yielded a plug that looks like the same one.

Part Number 65220.

Size: M18-1,50.

Tomorrow night will tell whether or not it fits, I guess.

 

Why are you going to drop 3 gallons of perfectly good oil to replace the drain plug?

 

if the plug was that tight then the filter is probably tight as well (assuming same guy overtightened both.)

instead of getting a regular drain plug, get the fumoto or ez-drain. i have the fumoto and it is wonderful. makes oil changes nice and easy and clean.

to get the filter off, grap a screwdriver and punch it into the side of the filter, then use it as leverage to turn the filter off. you will turn clockwise when viewing from the top, counterclockwise when viewed from underneath.

 

another option for the filter (if a convential filter wrench doesn't work) - is to try a strap style or jaw style wrenches. both work very well.

hth

 

Always remember to oil the gasket on the oil filter before ya put the filter back on it has always seem to work for me might be urban legend but what the heck

 

Because that drain plug was nearly impossible to get off the first time. I got it back on there when it turned out I had been sold the wrong one, so I could use the truck to get to work, but didn't tighten it as fully as I should have, for fear of not being able to get it back off again.

I just want a good one on there that I can tighten all the way. Believe me, I have every intention of saving that oil somehow. $13+ a gallon.

The old filter was just overtightened. I always lube the filter gasket, it really does seem to help.

As a side note, the guy at the last parts place had a good idea. The old drain plug is magnetic, the new one is not. He said he wraps a piece of flexible magnetic material around his oil filter to help trap any metal shavings in the oil. Never heard of that trick before...