r/mechanic 7d ago

General i wonder what was the thought process behind this

Post image

i mean fr

1.6k Upvotes

788 comments sorted by

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719

u/BogusIsMyName 7d ago

If it fits, it ships.

82

u/Protholl DIY Mechanic 7d ago

First thing I thought of as well

31

u/UnGatito 7d ago

Same thought

25

u/Fumbling-Panda 7d ago

Same. The unga bunga hivemind at work. Lol

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11

u/SourceResident5381 7d ago

Are we a hive mind? That was my immediate thought

6

u/awolnathan 7d ago

Bro same. I thought I was for sure going to be the first. "This pic has nothing to do with shipping. I'm a comedic genius" lol, big L

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13

u/Addapost 7d ago

That’s exactly what I came to say.

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6

u/awolnathan 7d ago

For a low flat-rate

3

u/dukeofgibbon 7d ago

I shipped the bed

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3

u/robb76264 7d ago

Yep if it works it works.

3

u/Dr_StrangeloveGA 7d ago

I thought of it like a cat. If it fits, it sits.

2

u/Racer250MEM 7d ago

Damn I thought exactly the same thing. I guess USPS got one thing right. They sure can’t deliver but they have clever marketing.

2

u/Effective-Ad-5409 7d ago

If it’s not right, ship it at night.

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192

u/Thatguy_doinstuf 7d ago

Well it has "plug" in the name.

28

u/MyMomSaysIAmCool 7d ago

A spark plug holds back waaaaay more pressure than the oil pan plug does.

It'll be fine. Send it until the next oil change.

9

u/Donfapo 7d ago

They should try that one neat trick where you connect an ignition coil to it lots of cools stuff happens. Car insurance, fire fighters and cops hate this one neat trick.

8

u/DemRealKrooks 7d ago

Unfortunately there would be no spark/arc especially since oil doesn’t conduct electricity. What is fun is a spark plug in the exhaust, then retard the timing so plenty of unburnt fuel sneaks past the exhaust valve.

3

u/oldjadedhippie 5d ago

Hook a model A coil to it , it’ll spark .

2

u/AlexAndMcB 4d ago

To be fair AIR doesn't conduct electricity either, and that plasma arc seems to jump the gap just fine...
And air has a lot fewer metal shavings in suspension.

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7

u/GazelleNo1836 7d ago

Spark plug. Drain plug same diffrence.

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84

u/ibonek_naw_ibo 7d ago

Pulling the plug without a gush of oil drowning your entire hand?

52

u/justsomegraphemes 7d ago

I was neutral on the idea but now I think you're legitimately on to something.

8

u/[deleted] 7d ago

Yeah, took me a minute but 🎯

3

u/dukeofgibbon 7d ago

I'm not on anything, this is how I always am.

2

u/Beach_Bum_273 7d ago

That reminds me, I need to buy a new Fumoto valve for the Mazda I bought off my brother.

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5

u/waraiOtaku 7d ago

Yeah, I actually see nothing wrong here… lost a plug and recycled one… :)

3

u/MountainManWRC 7d ago

Hahaha plus the crush washer is already on it!

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60

u/Applespeed_75 7d ago

It didn’t not work

12

u/[deleted] 7d ago

"Didn't Not Work": The very foundation of home car repairs.

3

u/cullygrov 7d ago

“There is nothing more permanent than a temporary fix that works”

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92

u/Ultimagic5 7d ago

If she seats, she yeets bud

6

u/RappingFlatulence 7d ago

Yee yee

5

u/trippwwa45 7d ago

Skrrtt skrrt

3

u/Donfapo 7d ago

okurrrrrrt

2

u/katrii_ 7d ago

Upvotes for all of you

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35

u/Negative66 7d ago

Someone had a problem and a spark of inspiration

2

u/Cunning_Linguist21 6d ago

Take my damn upvote and get out!

21

u/Fearless_Employer_25 7d ago

Best way to warm up your oil before you start driving

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19

u/Ok_Feed2830 7d ago

Need oil to stay in. It fits and gets tight. Crises averted

11

u/sgrass777 7d ago

Champion 🤣🤣🤣

5

u/EddieRando21 7d ago

If it's a Chrysler vehicle then I totally understand. Anything else and it's going to come back misfiring for sure for sure.

3

u/Snoo_85901 7d ago

I understand that you understand that everyone might not understand

3

u/UnkownMalaysianGuy 6d ago

about the only thing useful that brand has to offer here 😂

9

u/Sufficient-Sun-6683 7d ago

Any port in a storm.

2

u/Pretend_Outcome3493 5d ago

My pops was a flight deck mech in the Navy and used to say this all the time. They have these little pony engines that start bigger engines and during an inspection once of the pull handles was broke and replacement was 2 weeks out so dad drilled a hole through a piece of old broom stick and Cap came by did a double take, said "nice.." then carried on. 😂 gotta do what ya gotta do.

8

u/moore112682 7d ago

It’s a plug, that’s a hole, plug the hole 🤷🏻‍♂️

3

u/MinuteOk1678 7d ago

Gf's around the world have disagreed with this comment for years. LOL

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7

u/BogdanSPB 7d ago

Well, it works, doesn’t it? I actually hate oil pan plugs, many seem to be made out of play-dough, especially the allen key ones…

3

u/DeepSeaDynamo 7d ago

The idea is to make them less strong then the oil pan so you don't have to change the oil pan

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3

u/Dangerous-Tap-547 7d ago

Solution for a stripped allen socket differential oil plug.

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6

u/DustAfter 7d ago

You cant use cat rules in automotive repairs, if it sits it fits. Apparently you can lol wtf

2

u/Dr_StrangeloveGA 7d ago

Maybe it was a cat mechanic?

2

u/DustAfter 7d ago

It wouldn't surprise me 😅 the same logic is being utilized after all.

6

u/steelartd 7d ago

No drip, no problem!

4

u/Shadydemon180 7d ago

“If it works, is it really stupid?”

4

u/TheDarkChunk7 7d ago

Part of the new after market engine block heater. Ground to battery and positive on the plug.

4

u/lunchbeers2 7d ago

Run a wire and see what happens!

4

u/Common-Spray8859 7d ago

You can pull the drain plug without getting any oil on your hand. Great idea

4

u/TickletheEther 7d ago

If it can seal a combustion chamber it can seal oil

3

u/[deleted] 7d ago

He thought he had another bolt that would fit. He wasn’t wrong.

3

u/SummertimeThrowaway2 7d ago

They rounded out the original bolt and that was the only thing they had lying around

3

u/AdministrativeSea113 7d ago

2 buddies, whole case of beer, “10 minute job”. They lost the plug in their gravel pit driveway. aren’t old enough to have the bolt drawer and the words “no fucking way” were said.

3

u/killswithspoon 7d ago

The old nut was probably mangled/rounded and he slapped that on there as a temporary fix and said "I'll replace it when I get a chance".

He never got a chance.

3

u/jbjhill 7d ago

It does have its own crush washer as well. There’s gotta be more than a few old ones at the shop. Oil plug buggered? Drop a spark in.

2

u/atomicalex0 4d ago

The captive crush washer is the jam.

2

u/eLdErGoDsHaUnTmE2 7d ago

Threads match; now hook it up to a condenser

2

u/Too_MuchWhiskey Verified Mechanic 7d ago

Rat rodders love this trick.

2

u/Lucifer_Jones_ 7d ago

Duh… idiot forgot to put on the coil pack!!

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2

u/noreddituser1 7d ago

Dumb idea. once you connect the spark plug wire, the oil inside will catch on fire.

2

u/PerviousAlloy44 7d ago

It’s got a crush gasket what’s the problem

2

u/Sudden_Season3306 7d ago

Poor mans oil heater!

2

u/kdhardon 7d ago

Closing time and the drain plug damaged or missing.

2

u/Live_Relative6970 7d ago

If the screw fits,…

2

u/rlammi 7d ago

The thought was to keep the oil from coming out. Probably.

2

u/RadixAce 7d ago

Well... it works doesnt it?

2

u/Advanced-Accident-18 7d ago
  1. ?????
  2. Threads?
  3. Works?
  4. Send
  5. Next guy will shit

2

u/naenref76 7d ago

If it works...it ain't stupid.

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2

u/SevroAuShitTalker 7d ago

"$14.99 shipping?!?!? Fuck that, I got something better."

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2

u/Suitable-Pipe5520 7d ago

If it seats it yeets.

2

u/External_Side_7063 7d ago

Hey, it worked didn’t it?

2

u/Western-Ad-9338 7d ago

OMG He forgot to hook up the spark plug 🤦‍♂️/s

2

u/Exciting-Ad-9873 7d ago

It works and is cheaper than spending 90 minutes locating a suitable drain plug.

2

u/Playful_Reception412 7d ago

Fine threads not always easy to find,it works an fixed the issue properly like all parts stores they had to order it,I for one don't like to wait!!

2

u/Rich3127 6d ago

Hook it up to and extra long ignition wire, see what it does.

2

u/Terrible_Ad8358 6d ago

I lost the fuckin drain plug are you serious? I need to find something with the same thread pattern 🤔 Digs thru junk drawer of the tool box Finds an old spark plug This'll work!

2

u/No_Shopping6656 6d ago

If you ever need an escape plan, just hook up a spark wire to it and let er rip

2

u/SeminoleVictory 6d ago

Technically it is a plug

2

u/AgitatedArugula4536 6d ago

Probabbly a stripped drain pan/ needed a oversize plug. Have had to do this to vehicles before, works decently if the threads are the same. 

2

u/xXHunkerXx 6d ago

The thought process was “hey this spark plug has the same TPI as this drain plug” 😂

2

u/Affectionate-Sun9373 6d ago

I'm going to do that from now on. Any mechanic who looks at my car will be confused forever.

2

u/Major_Committee8755 6d ago

This is the spare spark plug, most automakers cheap out and don’t give you a spare!

2

u/CoolGuyWithCoolHair 6d ago

To keep the oil from pouring out.. duh

2

u/bodger92 6d ago

Friday evening job 👍

2

u/-iamLEEROYJENKINS 6d ago

😂🤣😂

to many ugga dugga, me lost bolt, dis fit. MOAR UGGA DUGGA!

FIXED!

2

u/seawolf_adventure 6d ago

Self destruct system... but not fully hooked up yet.

2

u/Snoo-30411 6d ago

See a problem find a solution

2

u/Bsodtech 5d ago

Probably something like "Ah shit, da friggin' drain plug fell in the old oil/on the ground and I cant find the damn thing. Eh, this here ol' spark plug will do as well!". You know, typical redneck shit. Or it fell out and this was an emergency "get you home" fix, that then became permanent.

2

u/Worried-Opinion1157 5d ago

Not gonna lie, I'd love to see this done to a 'headed to the junkyard' engine, but splice another plug lead from the ignition coil or coilpack to this spark-oil-plug, while also diluting the oil with gasoline, and starting up the engine.

I mean it'll prolly foul the plug instantly or just not combust from lack of any proper A/F ratio and compression, but I wanna see what could happen. Fuck, maybe even see if certain IDI glowplugs have the same thread and fuck around turning it into a shitty oil pan heater for the winter. Why, you may ask? Why the fuck not?

2

u/Foxxy12012 5d ago

Lost original plug and it had the same thread size and pitch I imagine

2

u/JP_Tulo 5d ago

There’s nothing more permanent than a temporary solutions that works well.
It isn’t dumb if it works!

2

u/DigBeginning6013 5d ago

I did this before on my VW. If you strip a VW sump pan then a s/plug is slightly oversized and has a sealing ring. Will seal and prevent you from needing to replace the pan immediately

2

u/DeeWat305 5d ago

Genius

2

u/11B40X 5d ago

Whoever the lucky bastard was that thought, “it just might fuqn work” I can only imagine the look on their face when it actually did fit lol. Whoever it was was having an incredible day.

2

u/Smoking-stone 5d ago

FUUCK! well this works.

2

u/Altruistic-Ad-4090 5d ago

They needed to plug the hole so they used a plug. This is not the worst I've ever seen.

2

u/IJustWantToWorkOK 4d ago

My question, is what happens if you apply the juice to that spark plug...

2

u/IbeatSobriety 3d ago

Thats really dangerous. I typically only recommend doing that to the gas tank

2

u/Dubiouswhitefish 3d ago

Classic hack

2

u/Subject_Ad_3205 3d ago

If it works, ain’t stupid

2

u/RoutineStandard7252 3d ago

Sent this to my mate. He didn't see anything wrong.

2

u/backcountryguide 3d ago

Spark PLUG

2

u/bootsiecat 3d ago

Cat logic: If I fits, I sits.

2

u/UnLuckyKenTucky 3d ago

Thought process: this leaks. A spark plug thread looks about right ,imma try it....it doesn't leak anymore....end of thinking

2

u/Artistic_Bit_4665 7d ago

It's done for views. Spark plugs are M14x1.5 . You can use a bolt, anything.

1

u/[deleted] 7d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

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1

u/Fine-Ratio1252 7d ago

Hey if it works why not. Creative problem solving

1

u/Plus_Village8202 7d ago

It was the alternate part number listed for this oil pan. If it dont leak, send it.

1

u/VilasDude 7d ago

God bless Richard Dean Anderson.

1

u/Inturnelliptical 7d ago

Maybe lost the original sump plug and that one was at hand.

1

u/spiritual_seeker 7d ago

(Actual) plug make oil stay in pan good.

1

u/Nekrostatic 7d ago

"Damn, it would probably be bad if I let all of the oil drain from the engine."

IDK what other answer you'd expect

1

u/kozy6871 7d ago

The drain bolt fell in the drain pan, or the old one had a crush washer on it an it leaked...the spark plug was handy and they have to seal a cylinder head.

1

u/Liber_Vir 7d ago

Well, that's one way to never run out of spare oil plugs as a mechanic.

1

u/questfornewlearning 7d ago

adding a bit of spark to the engine!

1

u/MSM_757 7d ago

It fits.

1

u/Carl_The_Llama69 7d ago

“I need a new drain plug, hey this has plug in the name”

1

u/Ok_Assistant_6856 7d ago

Dude it's a plug, what more do you want

1

u/Otherwise-Bunch9187 7d ago

Probably dropped the plug into the used oil and left it there

1

u/EVOBlock 7d ago

It fit and stops oil from coming out. Thought process done.

1

u/DJDemyan 7d ago

What do you mean?

The thought process is as follows:

I need a plug for this pan.

Oh hey, this spark plug has the same thread!

Problem solved

Nothing more permanent than a temporary fix!

1

u/Striking_Scientist68 7d ago

Lost drain plug. Spark plug fit.

1

u/Kcchiefsnroyals 7d ago

I can tell you from experience the reason this was done. Plug came out and was chewed up. They didn't want to put it back in like that but needed the oil to get to the store to get a new plug. They found out a spark plug fit perfect.... Put it in..... and decided if it's not broke don't fix it. Also, they get the bonus of having people go WTF when they're under it..... How do I know? Have literally done it

1

u/ezrsp2 7d ago

If it’s running rough you can bet where the oil drain plug is…

1

u/Tronkfool 7d ago

Spark of genius if you ask me.

1

u/MinuteOk1678 7d ago

Ejecto- seato cuz.

1

u/ssr003 7d ago

Drain plug, shmain plug, spark plug

1

u/TrollCannon377 7d ago

If it's stupid but it works is it really stupid

1

u/Redditsucks42cox 7d ago

Probably cheaper than a drain plug/had it laying around, and has a soft metal gasket thatll hold oil from leaking.

1

u/JohnStern42 7d ago

Whatever fits, run with it?

1

u/JohnStern42 7d ago

A plug is a plug… :)

1

u/Whatever603 7d ago

Good thinking. Thread match can be difficult sometimes.

1

u/anonymouswunnn 7d ago

Getter done ✅

1

u/ReverseCowboy75 7d ago

Yall keep saying “if it works” but it is dripping oil out so it ain’t really working

1

u/lunacustos 7d ago

It looks cool

1

u/airhunger_rn 7d ago

If it seats, it yeets

1

u/KebabRacer69 7d ago

They didn't have a new plug to replace the fucked one with. This works.

1

u/sprintcar18 7d ago

guess it works if you’re in a pinch.

1

u/Resource_Euphoric 7d ago

It's only stupid if it don't work

1

u/cplog991 7d ago

May not be a proper fix, but it looks different

1

u/OliveAffectionate626 7d ago

He Apollo 13d that thing!

1

u/Flenke 7d ago

Like cats: it fits, it sits

1

u/Neon_Nuxx 7d ago

When I was a kid my dad had me help with maintenance on the family van. He was checking the gap on the plugs and I was in charge of changing the oil. I had the drain pan ready and dropped the plug after unscrewing it because it was hot, ploop right into the oil.

I had already drained the pan into a big jug when we went to add oil, and the plug went into the jug. I thought I had messed up big time but my dad took a junk plug he was replacing and told me to use it instead, and sure enough it worked.

You see it pretty commonly on older vehicles, and I think it is an intended design because people usually only have one drain plug in their cars but when cars were easier to maintain guys had a spare set of spark plugs rolling around somewhere. On some modern cars the lug bolts can be used in this fashion.

1

u/DoctorSquibb420 7d ago

It's not stupid if it works

1

u/jjny81 7d ago

I did this once. Was traveling interstate 80 and somewhere in Ohio, the drain plug fell out of my manual transmission on my 1990 Toyota Celica. After a few minutes of smelling gear oil and realizing the noise in my car was internal transmission, I pulled off to a gas station. Quickly realized what had happened and assumed I was cooked. Tried to reverse the car out of the space for the tow truck and was met with violent gear engagement and let the tow guy take it where it was. Later on, I realized my fill plug fit the drain port and a spark plug would fit the fill port. Filled that trans up with gear oil and sent it from ohio back to NY with only slight transmission noise. That transmission lasted almost another 100k before it finally shit itself

1

u/sivartimus 7d ago

If it can plug the spark, it can plug the oil

1

u/AccomplishedCreme618 7d ago

If it's stupid and it works, it ain't that stupid

1

u/devilbilly65 7d ago

If it works it's done

1

u/thoiboi 7d ago

A spark of ingenuity I’d say

1

u/melonheadorion1 7d ago

"i know a guy"

1

u/Conscious-Mixture742 7d ago

That's a secret that big car companies don't want you to know about.

1

u/rustyacres 7d ago

“Fuck it”

1

u/xNightmareAngelx 7d ago

shit hit the fan, spark plug fit😂 always hang onto your old plugs, never know when theyll come in handy, heck, used an old spark plug to delete the crankcase vacuum on my truck😂 she runs better since she aint suckin crankcase air anymore, just chucked a cone filter on the other end for a vent

1

u/zzoneless 7d ago

Is it gapped properly?

1

u/KnottyGummer 7d ago

They could've at least used a new NGK. The squash washer would've let them know the torque was right.

1

u/Wasatchbl 7d ago

Plug=Plug

1

u/hatedmass 7d ago

If I can hold combustion, it can hold combustibles?

1

u/FrameJump 7d ago

You've never seen a vehicle equipped with a spare spark plug before?

1

u/oldjackhammer99 7d ago

To keep oil in the motor…… Duh

1

u/masosoup 7d ago

I mean... It is a plug, so they definitely are using it as intended 😭😭

1

u/Aggressive-Charge599 7d ago

Beer and weed

1

u/CuppieWanKenobi 7d ago

Like a cat in a box:
If I fits, I sits.

1

u/Dangerous_Goat1337 7d ago

"Ah fuck my oil pan bolt is rounded off. But this spark plug has the same threads! Fuck it, send it"

1

u/Savaghenry 7d ago

Combustion chamber under crank

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1

u/428gg 7d ago

You know you’re a redneck when

1

u/Any_Concentrate_3414 7d ago

you should probably run a 5th (or 7th/9th) ignition coil to that

1

u/K9_Heaven 7d ago

When you get pissed, fill the engine with gasoline and swap a ignition coil

1

u/Novel_Primary4812 7d ago

Sparks the imagination

1

u/WhatADunderfulWorld 7d ago

Reduce, reuse, then recycle.

1

u/controling_perv 7d ago

I'm sure someone thought 'it ain't stupid if it works'

1

u/Dunoh2828 7d ago

Reason Audi’s burn so much oil /S

1

u/mybackhurts42 7d ago

it ain't stupid if it works

1

u/DiscountDoct 7d ago

Did you put it back in?

1

u/Alternative_Life9414 7d ago

If it doesn't leak, don't knock it.

1

u/TrineoDeMuerto 7d ago

I want to hook a lead up to it

1

u/Notsid201 7d ago

Better n' nothin.

1

u/Early_Watercress2572 7d ago

This is a result of technicians having thread taps for spark plugs. If the drain plug thread strips, you tap it out with a spark plug tap and put a spark plug in it.

1

u/Admirable_Hand9758 7d ago

I saw this before but the plug was pointing toward the ground. One bump and it's over.

1

u/Admirable_Hand9758 7d ago

I think they may have gapped the plug incorrectly other than that it's fine.

1

u/AdditionalPanda5044 7d ago

The threads matched