[Ted]

It looks like you might be able to put a small (6") pipe wrench on the OD of the plug. Works better than vise grip because the grip tightens as you apply force. A length of pipe slipped over the handle for leverage. Turn counterclockwise to remove.

 

[Ted]

If you can't get a grip with some kind of wrench, one of these will grab it, and extend out beyond the collar to put a box wrench on the extractor, or just use with an impact wrench turning counterclockwise. Extractor set

 

[Ted]

I keep looking at the pics, trying to figure out what I'm looking at.....in the overall context.

It looks like the ratchet was either not fully inserted, or slipped out halfway, because the part of the plug that's deformed is only about half the depth.

Perhaps more importantly, it looks like the wrong crush washer was used. Too big (diameter), and with the narrow opening, the bolt deformed it downward into a cone shape. The installer was determined enough to apply enough torque to reshape the washer and crush part of it to provide the seal, but also to create a jammed in interference fit of the washer.

I do not believe that the correct crush washer extends beyond the shoulder of the drain plug, certainly not more than a mm.

 

[Ted]

Pumping iron, getting ready to break that sucker loose!

 

[Ted]

So, you are saying the old bolt just had really wide shoulder, not a separate gasket. Interesting.

Congrats on staying with it!

 

[Ted]

The pricing of the drain bolt crush washers is crazy and erratic, with Majestic indicating that Honda's MSRP is US$3.33 for the ATF washer, and US$0.53 for the essentially similar (though slightly smaller) engine oil drain bolt crush washer.

Then you get into dealer pricing/profit strategy. Many business management advisors point out that the parts staff labor cost (ordering, stocking, fetching, invoicing, etc) is the same for a 30 cent washer as for a 500 dollar alternator, with inexpensive parts essentially being sold at a loss. So, they recommend a minimum markup on any part, or several tiers of minimums. Is that greed, or simply a realistic business decision? I'll leave the judging to others, and buy from sellers who do not apply the fixed dollar minimum markup strategy.

 

[Ted]

Why don't they just provide a couple dozen washers with every new car? Costs them nothing. Better yet, provide a "spare parts" kit with every new car.

Nothing costs nothing. Haven't you learned from the millions of commercials that advertise "Second one free, just pay a separate fee!" 🤑

 

[Ted]

So . . . . you didn't like my idea of providing free ATF plug washers with every new car? I thought I was on to something. lol

Didn't say I don't like it. I was just trying to avoid an economics lecture from one of the trolls around here. But unless the total price of all related required purchases is zero, it ain't free.

On a more serious level, what % of people would actually use such DIY items? Under or over 5%? I say under. Like the % of people who crack open the OM. Why some manufacturers have stopped included printed manuals.

 

[Ted]

Before you know it, printed manuals will become a "dealer-installed option"

I'll stand corrected, but I think a friend's '17 CRV came without a printed manual. First owner had 6 months or so to contact Honda and request printed copy. Otherwise, read online or download and print it yourself. Maybe one could purchase a copy for $40. But I guess so few people miss 'em it makes $$ sense to only provide on request.

 

[Ted]

Nobody understands why I hate the lack of a transmission dipstick or why I don't like direct injection.

I've become more accepting of the disappeared dipstick after reading that one of the reasons to delete it is to reduce availability of oxygen within the tranny so as to reduce oxidation of the ATF. In support of the mostly fiction claim of "lifetime" fluid. Yes, the fuid will last the life of the tranny, because the tranny will die when the fluid no longer does its job.

 

[Ted]

i would not mind download option only. Printed ones just take up room in my glove compartment.

PDFs are great. Gotta' love Ctrl f. But for for those of us who like to READ it to learn (as opposed to searching to problem solve), printed works better. And you can readily solve the GB room issue. The trees are already dead, you're not killing them by tossing the printed manual.

 

[Ted]

I look forward to my dental visits more than going to a dealership service department, and I haven't actually paid for any dealer services in over a decade. But recalls, warranty repairs and 25 k of "free" scheduled maintenance have drawn or forced me in.

Some people think they get the best by paying the highest price. I'm OK with that, so long as they are spending their own money.

 

[Ted]

You guys are forgetting another luxury. Some dealerships offer a loaner if some services take over certain hours. So everyone is indirectly contributing little extra to that and those mentioned above too. But good for us used-car buyers to know the car was at least maintained by dealership.

So this goes both ways. If no service record, we wonder how the car was maintained. If they do go to dealership, they pay higher prices but they are average consumers. Only few are mechanically inclined or even want to do something on their own.

Dealers by me have rental desks, not loaners, for non-warranty repairs.

Every reputable shop I've ever dealt with provides a written receipt detailing work done. I don't need Carfax to use that, as either a buyer or seller. I actually routinely get asked by family and friends if I'm buying a new car soon, because they want to buy my old one. In nearly 50 years, I've only sold one car to a stranger, and it was an old POS I bought to use for a few months that I would not sell to family or friend.

 

[Ted]

Yeah, I'd like to see pics from all angles, with a quarter in the pics for reference.