While on a recent trip---I drove more miles than expected and pulled into service center for an oil change. The attendant returned after twenty minutes and said they had tried to remove the oil drain plug but it was rounded off. They did not have one in stock and it would require drilling out and replacing with new one. I have no idea--if my local service center did this or if the guy just made a mistake and is shifting the blame to someone else. My car is serviced every 3000 miles and was not touched by anyone but the local center. Question---what is involved in the removal of rounded drain plug---and anticipated cost of repair and replacement.

[This message has been edited by Ammadeus (edited 07-16-1999).]

I had the same problem with my C220. The shop had to use an air chisel to get the plug out. The shop charged me 20 bucks to take it off and put the new drain plug in. As for the price of the drain plug, I have no idea, my local dealer gave it to me for free.

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Darko Vusir
1994 C220

Same thing happened to me. I now keep several oil plug washers on hand and make sure the service people put a new washer on when replacing the oil pan bolt. Problem is the washer can only be used once and if you try to reuse it it will leak. Most oil change places dont keep MB washers around and the result is some dummie with a big wrench trying to stop an oil leak with a used washer. I think my dealer charged me $.45 each for washers.

[This message has been edited by Katttfishh (edited 07-19-1999).]

The engine drain plug should be TORQUED w/torque wrench. Whoever has been changing the oil needs to learn the proper way to tighten bolts. Almost all bolts have a exact tighting torque, but most techs don't take time to do this because they think they can feel the correct torque. I've removed 100+ overtightened drain plugs & bolts, The same thing for overtightened oil filters.

Moral of this story: Have the oil changed at the dealer or an independent shop that knows the proper procedure.
The place that replaced my drain plug didn't replace the washer because the guy said that the washer was for the filter. To impress me even further, he was going to use a big pair of channelock adjustable pliers to remove the filter cap! At that point I told him to put in the oil and that I would replace the filter later at home.

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Darko Vusir
1994 C220

I solved this problem by doing it myself and using a Topsider to drain the oil out the dipstick via suction. Very easy and clean.

Many quick lube places do that to the people around us too. They use a 1/2 in wrench that is a 12 pt style instead of the 13mm 6pt style needed. I have taken out no less than 20 in the last 2 years.

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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

Thanks for the replies----your opinions are greatly appreciated.