Drain plug is trash

[BoostN]

I'll be the first to admit, I don't change the oil myself on this truck. I simply buy the oil and filter from Rock Auto and take it to my local lube shop. I give them 30 bucks and call it a day.

I went a few days ago and he told me the plug was rounded off and needed a new one. That's funny because they are the ones that change it... anyways, they put a new one on it and all is well. Anyone else noticed the plug threads being soft?

 

[gemarsh]

When you say "rounded off" are you meaning the head of the plug rounded off or the threads stripped?

If'n the threads stripped, that is good. Better than the pan threads stripping.

You are having it serviced by a gorilla. 15 foot/pounds is the torque.

 

[asimpson997]

The real issue is the height of socket part of the plug, it is very short. I had mine replaced once with another OEM plug but now have an aftermarket plug with a taller socket on the plug.

 

[BabyMax]

Parts guy at the stealer revealed that the drain plug part number is the same for a transmission drain plug on another application. The shallow hex height would corroborate that. (GM bean counters at work)
Also of note, the oil pan on the 3.0 is aluminum, and designated ONE use only. e.g.--if your pan has to come off, a new one will be required.
My drain plug had the same gorilla tightened, to the point where my bolt extractor socket on a long handled 1/2" ratchet would distort the pan before the drain plug gave way.
Why did I take it to the dealer for an oil change you ask? I got a $40 coupon from GM which made the cost about a wash between them or myself doing it.
To make a long story even longer, I had a conversation with the service manager to agree to install the new PPE pan I have on order for $0 labor cost. Weren't no way I was putting a stock one back on, and he concurred.

 

[gemarsh]

Parts guy at the stealer revealed that the drain plug part number is the same for a transmission drain plug on another application. The shallow hex height would corroborate that. (GM bean counters at work)
Also of note, the oil pan on the 3.0 is aluminum, and designated ONE use only. e.g.--if your pan has to come off, a new one will be required.
My drain plug had the same gorilla tightened, to the point where my bolt extractor socket on a long handled 1/2" ratchet would distort the pan before the drain plug gave way.
Why did I take it to the dealer for an oil change you ask? I got a $40 coupon from GM which made the cost about a wash between them or myself doing it.
To make a long story even longer, I had a conversation with the service manager to agree to install the new PPE pan I have on order for $0 labor cost. Weren't no way I was putting a stock one back on, and he concurred.

Good deal. That plug is a weak spot. I went to a Stahlbus drain valve after the first drain.