MTFCA Forum

Attempting to get my dad’s 1916 Touring running again for the first time in five years or more to commemorate his memory on Fathers' Day. Unfortunately the oil drain plug was stuck and I stripped it trying to get it off. I can see a thread or two but it just spins either way, can’t get it off can’t tighten it back up. I thought of a couple things to try but figured I better ask real mechanics rather than make it worse if that is possible. Any tips or tricks to get it off?

Thanks!

If you have even a small gap, use 2 thin putty knives under the hex flange while turning.

Try clamping onto it with a vise-grip and pulling downwards as you turn. There is still the slim hope that only the drain plug theads are stripped. The pan threads may yet be salvaged.

I hate to recommend vice grips for a Model T task but, when used vertically, adjust for a very tight grip on that shallow hex head. Unscrew while pulling downward.

George House wrote: ↑

Thu Jun 12, 2025 2:56 pm

I hate to recommend vice grips for a Model T task but, when used vertically, adjust for a very tight grip on that shallow hex head. Unscrew while pulling downward.

George! What a great idea!

Gee Jerry…. great minds function simultaneously

Isn't there a guy in the classifieds that sells replacement drain plugs for just this application?

Any luck ? Here's a couple repair tools that Stevens Co. put out back in the day - both quite useful !

Yes, there are drain plug kits. I recently purchased 2 of them. But Bruce wants to get this car going for Father's Day. Since you can see a few threads, it's partially out. Try the putty knives or some thin pry bars simultaneously with unscrewing it. Good luck, Bruce

Thanks for the suggestions, I gave up on the Fathers Day thought as so much else going on. I will look into your ideas and suggestions and follow up when I have a positive result.

Sonny1916T wrote: ↑

Tue Jun 17, 2025 8:52 am

Thanks for the suggestions, I gave up on the Fathers Day thought as so much else going on. I will look into your ideas and suggestions and follow up when I have a positive result.

Good thinking. Personally, being under a deadline causes me to make hasty, regrettable choices.