Hey guys,


So I was attempting to do my first DIY oil change on our '08 CX9 (AWD/GT Model) and the bolt just didn't want to budge. I went to the extent of pulling out my Milwaukee stubby 3/8" and going at it but the thing appears to be stuck on there.







I'm suspecting that at some point, whatever shop or mechanic was working on this stripped the oil pan thread by over-torquing the thing and decided to epoxy it rather than be honest and tell me (or my brother) what happened. I bought the car from my brother in 2019 and he never did his own oil changes either, so it may have been like this for who knows how long. Of course, I had been taking it to my mechanic ever since then regularly for oil checks and other maintenance...you'd think if he noticed this he would have spoke up and said something... unless he or [probably] one of his guys screwed up and thought I'd never change my oil and would likely never find out...? Either way, I have no way of knowing for sure.



As far as options: I've heard of Timesert, Helicoil but not sure how well that would work here. Otherwise, it seems changing the oil pan is the last resort - I called a couple mechanics in my area and both said there was at least one labor method that involved removing the engine (which would be a significant cost - $1500~). One of the mechanics saw an option to change the part without having to remove the engine (which, if true, would put the cost at $700~).



Anyone know if it's possible to change out the oil pan on this without having to remove the engine?



I can keep trying to remove the bolt but honestly, if the impact wrench isn't making it budge, I don't know how hopeful we can be about it. Also, I don't want to end up stripping the bolt (every time I've run the impact on it I see small bits of metal dust coming out....)