Lazy Daze Owners' Group

Team,

It was supposed to be a routine 15-20 minute maintenance job of changing generator oil and I managed to get the oil drainage plug jammed. Could not take it out no matter what I do ..... then I remember reading some info here after screw extraction ....

First phase was to drill a hole in the screw and murphy's law, drill broke inside the screw. Last thing I want to do is to use another drill and create a spark. Any ideas? We have three weeks and a long list of thing before we can leave and was not counting on getting stuck on this item.

1) drainage plug, is this the right item Amazon.com: YOUHO 1/4 Npt Adapter for Pipe Fittings, Brass Pipe Fitting 1/4"... to replace the plug.

2) for extraction I would be happy to get this kit https://www.amaz on.com/gp/product/B0883575ZJ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A1K5O96FUUQP43&th=1 but remember I have a broken bit in the screw/plug. Is there anything better I can order?

Hope to hear from experts soon. If you suggest anything from Walmart their delivery is quicker and if I can go to Home depot or Lowes to get parts it will be even better.

Regards,

Rich,
You are right ... I tried to recruit the help (from neighbor) which made the situation pretty worse. I always see him working on his truck all the time and thought he knew the stuff ... oh well, lesson learned.

As for going to mechanic, I am still struggling to get the safety recall fixed. Place where I am it is not easy to get the help (will be making some calls tomorrow to see if I can find some professional help). Yesterday I spent 1+ hour with Ford to find someplace who can help me with safety recall and I finally got an appointment just two days before our departure and too close to my comfort but do not much option ... Motorhome was inspected during oil change and safety recall will need some work on the motorhome. With steering and break I do not want to take any chance.

In current condition of generator, in the worst case we will not be able to use microwave which is not a showstopper, we will be passing from the center of RV building mecca and hope to find some one there (if not fixed by then) to get this bolt out. In the mean time I found this product from Amazon which will come next Sunday and  I cannot wait to put my hand on it .... trying number of things in parallel.YESKING 50-Piece Screw Extractor and Drill Bit Set, Multi-Spline Extractors,...

Regards,

Honestly, at this point my strategy would be to drive (since it's the generator oil and not the engine oil, I think) to a mechanic who can help you out. 

If the plug is threaded correctly but just in too tight, that's one issue.

If the plug is jammed b/c it's cross threaded or something, it's going to be a more complicated fix needing different tools.

It shouldn't be a big deal for an experienced mechanic, but it sounds like you might be beyond what you are comfortable handling at home? 

Story time - many oil changes ago when I was first learning, I decided to wrench on a stuck oil plug until it moved.  I pulled, and added leverage, and pulled again.  Finally got it to spin...and spin...and spin...  It never came out because I was turning it in the wrong direction. I then learned how to replace an oil pan.

We all screw up and there is no shame in calling for reinforcements.  An experienced mechanic can fix things and you will have time to complete other items on the prep list. 

If you want advice on tackling it yourself, a picture might help.  I'm not sure why you would drill into a plug of this type, but I'm probably not understanding the situation correctly. 

Rich

As for going to mechanic, I am still struggling to get the safety recall fixed. Place where I am it is not easy to get the help (will be making some calls tomorrow to see if I can find some professional help). Yesterday I spent 1+ hour with Ford to find someplace who can help me with safety recall and I finally got an appointment just two days before our departure and too close to my comfort but do not much option ...

You might try a mobile mechanic that will come to you, if you have those in your area.  Way better (in my book) than having to drive somewhere.  I understand it might be hard to find anyone who isn't really busy these days.  You might be able to find a mobile mechanic at a campground as you travel.  Campground offices sometimes keep some names handy. 

I don't think this is a hard or complicated thing for a pro.  In my area, I would be looking for an oldtimer in an independent shop and not a dealership type place. 

Good luck,
Rich

I'm assuming you are dealing with the drain plug. One word of caution, a broken drill bit is one thing but a broken easy out is a totally different deal. Use caution with the easy out..

Jon