Attention anyone with a late model 1.4 or 2.4 (Renegade, Dart, Fiat 500, etc).
I always knew the 13mm head on the drain plug (which looks close to a 1/2 shaft) could be a problem.
Turns out it WAS a problem.....last weekend.
I spent over 2 hours rounding off that specifically designed, too small head.
I've been consciously aware to "not over tighten".
Apparently that was not enough.
1/2" drive ratchet- no bueno.
Let the rounding begin.
Pounded on 6 point socket and tried 1/2 breaker bar- no love.
More rounding.
6" vice grips and taps with heavy leverage bar- Nope.
10" vice grips and 10 # hammer- Nada.
16" pipe wrench- Not enough room for "swing".
Finally...enter the solution, which I can now highly recommend-
View attachment 1716328937
It's like an external "easy out".
View attachment 1716328938
That and literally 20 minutes with the impact gun.
Yowza!
Note- because of the way the K frame is, I had to use a 10" "wobbly" extension.
Not ideal, but effective.
The replacement plug has a much more realistic 17mm head, although the metal and machining are not as nice as the OEM plug.