Hi,
I posted a similar message to rec.auto.tech (as opposed to rec.autos.tech, this newsgroup), but thought I'd post here as well. There just seems to be more traffic here.
This weekend I thought I'd change to oil in my car ('94 Ford Explorer). I couldn't though because the drain plug was on so tight I couldn't budge it. I took it to a nearby Ford dealership and asked their service dept. if they could loosen the plug for me. The service rep. there told me it couldn't be done because it was a Saturday and all the mechanics were gone; only the oil change guy was there. I told her that was perfect since all I needed was the oil plug loosened, which he'd have to do anyway to change the oil (it took a moment before she grasped that particular concept). She then told me that it could be done, but it would cost $41 to do it. She felt I should just pony up for the entire oil change ($49.95 for a whole tune-up, including oil change. This was on a nearby sign. I think she said the change by itself would be $45). I thanked her and took off instead.
The part that makes this more or less relevant is that, just before I left, the service rep said quite plainly that if the plug was on as tight as I claimed, then it was probably stripped and would have to be replaced once it was removed. Now, I'm relatively new to home car maintenance, so I don't know how valid her claim is. If she's right, then I may as well spend some money on the whole tune-up since I'm going to need that plug removed and replaced anyway. I certainly know I can't budge it on my own, but I don't want to pay someone just for the privilege of lifting up the car and loosening it. If I have to do that, I may as well get the whole deal.
I'd appreciate some thoughts on this. If there is a chance that I can get that thing off on my own, and if the local Autozone has a replacement bolt (if needed), then that's what I'm going to do. If this is all a lost cause, then I'll just head back to the dealership and get the whole tune-up.
In any case, thanks in advance! Erik