Didn't know the Ford oil drain plug got updated...

[jmeiers]

I guess I am one of the few that has no issues with the stock Ford oil drain plug. I had been reusing the plug that came with my car and decided to Amazon order a new plug for my oil change last night and was pleasantly surprised that Ford updated the plug by removing the center tab and replacing it with a 1/4" socket insert.

I never had issues removing the previous plug by hand and never a mess either if you simply open the drain very slowly and let the oil drop straight down into your collector.

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[HoosierDaddy]

They did that so Jiffy-Lubes could use an impact wrench and not get callouses on their thumbs.

Can't see any real real advantage other than maybe 1/2 cent cheaper to make it or makes it harder to vandalize by removing.

 

[cocopanda]

Nope. These are just an old stock of 2015-17 plugs not being updated. I just bought a replacement plug for my next change. It is the one on the right. Try to check fabrication date on the packaging.

 

[cmxPPL219]

@cocopanda is right - the one with the tab is actually the newer one, superceeded the old one with the socket/square hole.

 

[jmeiers]

Then the older design is better IMO. They are physically the same other than the center insert vs tab. The color of the “newer” plug is a brighter yellow.

I’m guessing the new design is to help prevent overzealous tightening of the plug since you will now use the tab to hand tighten. I’m sure people take some pliers to it and negate the updates. Ha.

 

[cocopanda]

Then the older design is better IMO. They are physically the same other than the center insert vs tab. The color of the “newer” plug is a brighter yellow.

I’m guessing the new design is to help prevent overzealous tightening of the plug since you will now use the tab to hand tighten. I’m sure people take some pliers to it and negate the updates. Ha.

I agree. I have to get a vice to pull mine off. I felt so feeble. But my fingers just can't get the leverage I need under there. I have big hands.

 

[Condor1970]

Just got the Ronan plug w/magnet for my '18. We'll see how that works out.

 

[Fly2High]

I agree. I have to get a vice to pull mine off. I felt so feeble. But my fingers just can't get the leverage I need under there. I have big hands.

I had a bit of a hard time too so I grabbed this Craftsman adjustable box wrench and tightened it until there was just a slit and it was able to grab the tab to turn it. Easy peasy.

 

[cocopanda]

I had a bit of a hard time too so I grabbed this Craftsman adjustable box wrench and tightened it until there was just a slit and it was able to grab the tab to turn it. Easy peasy.

Nice. I had to get a wide width wrench to get the surface area to levarage it for me. But will be replacing it again coming up this weekend.

Thanks.

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