Oil Drain Plug - Proper Tool Size

[bcrdukes]

Hi Folks,

I am curious what is the proper tool or size required for the factory oil drain plug? I've read that it's 8mm but I either don't have the right tool or I am missing something altogether. I want to ensure I have the correct tool for future oil changes at home. Thanks!

[BrantyB]

There all 8mm

[steved0x]

Both of mine have the LNEngineering magnetic drain plug, so I don't have an OEM plug to verify, but a set like this will have what you need:

3/8 In. Drive Metric Hex Socket Set, 6 Pc.
https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-metric-hex-socket-set-6-pc-69546.html?_br_psugg_q=hex+socket+set

[bcrdukes]

Originally Posted by BrantyB

There all 8mm

I can confirm that an 8mm hex does not fit this. Too small. I know that a 5/16 hex "works" but it's not a perfect fit and has a chance to strip the edges if not fully inserted and this is where I learned my mistake.

[Frodo]

You ever get this figured out?
I agree with the others—8 mm is right. That's what I've always used.

And you say 8 mm is too small, but 5/16" works. But that doesn't make sense: 5/16" is SMALLER than 8 mm. Or when you say "too small" are you talking about the drain plug opening?

[bcrdukes]

Unfortunately, no. But is the correct tool an M8 triple square bit?

https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/GRY1108S.htm?pn=TOL-GRY-1108S&bt=Y&fs=0&SVSVSI=1048

[Frodo]

No, you want a plain ol' hexagonal Allen wrench, 8 mm.

[BrantyB]

FWIW the oil plug in your picture looks odd. it only has very small indentations for a hex. I'm pretty confident that is not OEM or even a common aftermarket.

Here's one of the several drain plugs I have and all have more defined hex openings than the one you show.

[Quadcammer]

Or its already stripped. Hard to tell from pic

[JFP in PA]

Seen this a thousand times, it is the factory plug after some moron repeatedly used the wrong size tool to undo it. Throw it away and get a new plug, and the correct tool.

[bcrdukes]

Sorry folks, I should have mentioned this in my original post but the oil drain plug I posted in my photo was literally purchased from the dealership and I took the photo at the dealership. Unless the dealership is scamming me (it is a corporate owned store) then I need to find a new dealership to buy parts from.

[ike84]

That looks to me like a torx socket, maybe a t40?

Porsche does dumb **************** with some of these plugs, like the triple square"anti theft" 5 speed transmission plug.

Id love to know the story behind this. A Porsche exec's mistress' husband finds out about the affair, and to seek revenge the husband uses an 8mm Alan key to drain the guys oil in the middle of the night, destroying the engine when the cheating bastard tried to go to work the next morning. He cabs it to work and the first order of business is to change all oil plug specs!

Sorry, it's late, I found that amusing...

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