So I have started doing oil changes on my RDX and it was finally time for the wife's MDX so piece of cake, right. Well the shop she took it to last time must have welded the bolt on. I tried and tried and no luck. Keep in mind the car was not jacked so I could not get a tremendous amount of torque, but I should not have to. So if anyone has any suggestions please let me have it. Otherwise off to Acura to give them a crack at it one last time. I just Seafoamed the oil too and planned to go to Mobile 1 syn. Next time I guess. Any ideas on how to ease the bolt up is greatly appreciated.

 

yes; shops will use air tools to over tighten the bolt.
Sucks.

I like PB Blaster.
and I wonder if it has enough clearance for a breaker bar.

sometimes; I use my feet not to kick but to lean into the ratchet.

 

Put a six point wrench onto the bolt and hit the wrench with a hammer. Or use a socket attached to a breaker bar and hit the bar. Many times jarring the wrench like that will break the bolt loose. Other wise a "cheater" bar will allow for extra torque to break it loose.

A piece of pipe over the ratchet or wrench will usually do the trick. You may have to raise the front of the car a bit to get some room to work.

 

Take it to the dealer and don't say that you have tried to do it. Let them break the bolt or the sump threads or anything else so that it then becomes their problem. The savings of you doing it is minimal compared to the risk of mechanical damage.
For future changes, you may ask them to only use factory torque specs on the bolt.

 

As recommended above, use a hammer and do several firm, but light taps to slowly loosen the bolt. Also, remove the oil cap in your engine bay to relieve the pressure.

 

X2.

Last thing you want, is a stripped or damaged oil drain plug!

 

I usually bring my own oil and let the dealership supply the labor and filter for $25 and a car wash. The time I would spend getting dirty and disposing of the oil at home is worth $25 and a trip to the dealership.

 

It is only $20 if you let them use their oil!

 

I used to think that way until everytime I went they "noticed" something else that needed to be done. Last straw was a CV boot that was clearly cut with a knife. I'll get my hands dirty, and save myself the trouble. I don't want them running it thru a touchless wash, and wiping the left over dirt across the paint when they hand dry it anyway.

 

I took it to a local shop that only works on Acura/Hondas and they were fantastic, no mention that the bolt was over tightened. I'm done with the dealer as every time there seems to be an issue after they're finished. I actually enjoy doing these types of maintenance so taking it in and saving the hassle is no biggie.