Hey everyone! I'm just starting out as a first-year automotive technician and I made a little mistake during an oil change. I was using my 3/8 M18 impact wrench on the oil drain plug and accidentally got some oil in the cooling slots. I removed the battery and cleaned it out with brake cleaner. Should I be concerned about this, or do you think everything will be okay?
2 Answers
Honestly, you shouldn't really be using impacts on drain plugs at all. For future oil changes, invest in a standard M12 3/8 ratchet; it's much safer and should make your life easier in the long run! If you already have the impact tool, the batteries will fit that ratchet, and it won't break the bank to get it separately!
First off, using an impact wrench on drain plugs is a rookie mistake. That’s something you might want to avoid! For getting those plugs loose, a regular ratchet with an extension is usually a better bet. As for the brake cleaner, it might be okay, but be cautious because some types can be harsh on plastics. If it starts acting weird, you might want to check with some electric motor cleaner instead.
Thanks for the heads up! I guess I need to switch my approach for the next oil change.
Great suggestion! I’ll definitely check out that ratchet. Thanks!