[Just Jeff]

Went out to change the oil on my GT 5000, Brigs 24 HP engine. As you can see in the included picture, I can't get the plug to unscrew far enough to allow the oil to drain. That's as far as it goes before it hits the engine mount bracket. What do I do now?? I can't tell you how frustrating it is dealing with design flaws like this!!! Why couldn't they just put the oil drain plug in a more accesable place??? Man do I get frustrated dealing with crap like this. It should have taken me all of five minutes to change the oil and filter, and now an hour later here I sit waiting for one of you guys to rescue me!! Sorry for the rant, but any suggestions sure would be appreciated! Thanks, Jeff.

 

[larrybl]

Without taking an angle grinder to the frame, can you remove that whole oil plug assembly and replace it with a regular plug? Other than that, looks like you will need to loosed the engine mount bolts and raise the engine a 1/2" or so. Wow what a PITA. I would look at a way to add some NPT thred pipe and fittings (through the frame) after I had lifted the engine to git that POS out.

 

[[email protected]]

1.Can you turn the "block" that the plug is on tighter to allow the plug more room?
2. saws all to frame :drunkie:
3. worked fine on paper I bet

 

[GT_80]

looks like an oversight, or they stripped out the original plug and put that one in as a quick fix.

 

[Kbeitz]

Maybe there is another plug under the engine....

 

[DonF]

Could they have installed it at the wrong place, most engines have two drain plugs.

 

[mikeinri]

Yes, don't panic! Especially if this is an all-original setup.
There are usually plugs on both sides of the engine. Sears often adds on a quick-release device (usually yellow) so you don't even need a wrench (but this won't "look" like a plug).
Not to overstate the obvious, but have you checked to see what the manual shows?
Mike

 

[Just Jeff]

Yup, thanks for all of the replies guys. After posting this and having a cigarette to relax and blow off some steam, I did in fact remove the whole plug which allowed me to drain it. Oil all over the place, but at least I was able to change it. I also thought about getting the "block" part screwed in tighter as well, which should have given me enough clearance to unscrew the 7/16 plug, but couldn't get in there with a vice grips to do so. I could only get it to where it is now. It doesn't leak, but it sure feels like I could get one more turn out of it if I was just able to get in there with something. But thanks for all of the help guys, I truely appreciate it. This forum is the best!!!

 

[john9001]

what is that square thing, i have never seen that before.

 

[Just Jeff]

Don't know what to call it! But it is from the factory. It's a 9/16" plug that unscrews from the crankcase as well.

 

[Obscured_by_Clouds]

What's the Manual say?

Could this be a Freeze Plug or something similar with another oil drain plug somewhere?

 

[Ramdeesl]

First thing I would do is take that plug assembly out and see how far I could throw it. Replace it with a reg. plug or a 90 degree elbow with a plug in it or your going to have the same problem next time. :trink40:

 

[all3939]

If this was me I would get rid of it and replace it with a short piece of pipe just long enough to clear the frame and cap it for future oil changes.

 

[DonF]

If this was me I would get rid of it and replace it with a short piece of pipe just long enough to clear the frame and cap it for future oil changes.

In the picture it looks too low to install a pipe over the frame.

 

[Obscured_by_Clouds]

Which engine do you have? Mine is a 24HP VTwin Intek and it has a drain hose from the fitting that goes up to a yellow plastic cap. Lay the hose down, open the cap and let it flow.


But it's also mounted on a flat surface and not below a frame member.

 

[Just Jeff]

All good ideas guys, thanks!!! I'm going to rig something with a piece of rubber tubing on it with a easy turn clamp on the end of it (can't think of the correct term, sorry), so that from now on I can just turn the valve and let the oil out. Thanks again.

 

[ggsteve]

Which engine do you have? Mine is a 24HP VTwin Intek and it has a drain hose from the fitting that goes up to a yellow plastic cap. Lay the hose down, open the cap and let it flow.


But it's also mounted on a flat surface and not below a frame member.

This is exactly what I changed mine to. Parts were about $18 for the hoes and the fitting into the block. Works great!