Do you use an oil extractor instead of loosening the pan bolt?
 

Hi,

Just wondering. My oil pan bolt is not the original, has often leaked or doesn't tighten / seal, and so I started using one of those pump extractors. I don't want to mess around with the bolt anymore - haven't turned it in the last few years actually. Now that my tractor is going into a different repair shop - I am concerned about whether or not they will use the bolt to drain the oil if need be. I'd really prefer that they don't do anything with the bolt. It has not leaked since I don't use it - but if the mechanic there turns it out it just might not go back in and seal tightly. Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Keith

Those oil extractors are a wonderful invention and they do have their place in a well equiped shop.

Personally, I don't know if it makes all that much difference, especially since I use non detergent oil in any of my equipment that doesn't have an oil pump. But I like to believe that at least some of the contaminents are "washed" away from the bottom of my oil pans when I drain the oil out the bottom through the drain plug. I pretty-much guarantee that using an extractor will only suck a very small amount of debris from the bottom of an oil pan.

I may not know what I'm talking about though because, the only engines I have ever had the pans off of are newly aquired ones. I have never had to open up any of the engines that I have owned for any length of time, therefore I don't know what is left in the pan after an oil change.

Why not get a new plug for it?

If it were that easy I would get another plug. At this point, though, I believe I'd need a new pan. The hole has been tapped out to accommodate a larger, tapered plug. What I'm using now is not even a Cub part - it's much larger. That's why I don't touch it anymore. The guy who has been servicing my tractor suggested the extractor after I told him about the plug continuing to leak. I'm fine with the extractor - certainly takes longer and obviously isn't as thorough and complete a drainage as removing the bolt, but I have peace of mind that it won't leak!

My very first thought. I would sure find a better way. If it required removing and installing a new/use pan. That's what I would do, but that's just me. :popcorn:

Kenneth

LOL....guess that's why they make chocolate and vanilla. I have no interest in trying to figure out how to drop the oil pan. I'm good with the extractor - I get great satisfaction knowing that I don't have to mess with the bolt. I have no idea what will happen though when it goes in the shop next week.

Just a thought... Have you considered getting a good used oil pan and sending it along with your tractor when it goes into the shop, and telling them "While you're at it, go ahead and put this new pan on for me".