psam550

When loosening the drain plug and filter housing, use a "breaker bar" to break the plug/housing free. Thereafter, use the ratcheting wrench to complete the job.

A breaker bar is a long non-ratcheting bar that is used with socket wrench style sockets. Breaker bars are often used to free stuck bolts and nuts. The additional length of a breaker bar allows the same amount of applied force to generate significantly more torque than a standard length ratchet wrench. The additional force is very helpful folks like us working in a tight spot in their garage. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breaker_bar.) (I paid $18 for an 18 inch bar at Kragen.) Moreover, your nice ratcheting wrench may break if used to loosen a tight bolt.

Lastly, always use a torque wrench when re-inserting the plug/housing. (I suspect the dealers over tighten, which is why a breaker bar is necessary after they have done their work.) A simple beam type is fine. The small craftsman model is easy to read.

Rizbel

The oil drain plug is extremely tight. Avoid using the L-shape allen wrench, instead use an 8mm hex socket,
as in picture below.


I'll replace my drain plug with an aftermarket magnetic oil drain plug on the next oil change.