Hi there savage experts!
I decided today to change the oil in my recently acquired Savage so took her out for 30 minutes or so to warm her up.  On returning to base - I tried to remove the sump plug (17mm) but have not been able to shift it!  I can use "mechanical sympathy" and just know that the head is just about to become rounded using either an open ended or ring spanner (sorry - wrench!) .  I can just about get a socket on - but alas not with the ratchet handle!  It won't clear the bottom of the frame.    Because it is slightly inset - even though a vice grip could just fit on - there is no room for it to undo as the jaws hit the sump.
So - I'm going to get a replacement sump plug on order but the problem of removal still remains.  
What would you suggest?  Drill out?  Remove engine and see if a socket will fit on?  
Any suggestions warmly received!  

Just a basic question. Are you using the old "lefty loosey, righty tighty"? In other words turning the plug counter - clockwise. Worst case (have to be extremely careful or you'll have big problems) you can use a chisel to make a notch in the plug head and then use a punch or the chisel to drive the plug around to get it loose. Hopefully it's not cross threaded by the previous owner.

Don't go buying a new crankcase if the oil plug is stripped. it can be fixed a lot cheaper than that. My buddy's intruder had a screwed up plug and that area is being rebuilt and threaded at a stealership for less than 200 $. You might want to take it to a shop and let them deal with it.

Hi guys!  

Got my replacement Oil sump plug and crush washer last week - so took grandpa's advice and used the chisel/punch method.  After about an hour of alternating penetrating spray and centre punching - I managed to loosen it.  Took her out to warm up the oil and did the deed.  I know you kids like pikkies - so I'll upload a picture of that bad boy soon!

Many thanks for the helpful replies and advice!

hummm from the look of the back ground looks like the head plug seal is in you future ?

Just a comment - Oil of wintergreen (Available at any drug store) ia absolutely the best penetrating oil in the world.  Used it many times while in the Navy and it worked every time - even when the nut/bolt was badly rusted.

Happy wrenching!

Jack H.

Hey Reelthing!  ESP?  Unbelievable!  

Greg - you may want to check out a thread in the technical section posted by some whippersnapper namesake of yours!  

barb36jack31 and Max_Morley - thanks for the tip - I'll check out our local chemist (aka drugstore!) to see if they have any of that stuff over here - wintergreen is generally associated with stuff to rub on sports injuries over here (UK).  

I have one major problem with my Savage though - I bought it to strip down and refurbish - it has oil leaks, tatty paintwork, the swinging arm needle bearings are shot - and sundry other issues BUT! I'm having so much fun riding her that I keep doing the minimum to keep her on the road!  (Including oil changes).  Occupational hazard of being a Savage Owner I suppose!

Anyhoo!  All the best for the new year to you all - keep up the excellent work on this forum (It was one of the reasons I bought a Savage) and although I'm new to the forum and the Savage - I'll keep posting my refurb woes when I eventually get round to it.  I can pretty much ride all year round here - so there is no pressing winterisation window to force it off the road, hence the catch 22 situation - strip down or ride?  ride or strip down?

For Cybofax and Max_Morley

I'm an old retired Navy Corpsman so you know where I got the oil of wintergreen from.  Also it is EXACTLY the same stuff they rub on sore muscles etc.  It just works great!

Jack H.