[s-cars] Seized drain plug

[Kevin Campbell]

S-heads,

I recently took my 93 S4 to one of those quickie lube franchise type
places for an oil change.  They said they wouldn't do it b'cuz the
plastic deflector under the engine had last been put on with zip ties
and they didn't want to be held responsible for putting it back on that
way.  I said ok fine and took it to an indy shop (a reputable shop I use
for major car work).  The independent shop called me back and said
whoever put the oil drain plug on last must have used an impact wrench
to tighten it.  So I decided to pick the car up and take it back to the
last place where the oil change was done.

Here's the irritating part.  This shop says they will "split" the cost
of the deflector clips, but they don't feel responsible for the oil plug
issue.  They suggested that this can happen with 13+ year old cars.
Basically they want me to pay for a new pan and 3 hours of labor.

I personally worked as an auto mechanic for 8+ years and never saw a
seized drain plug because of a cars age (provided it was maintained and
didn't overheat or something).

Does anyone have advise or suggestions before I bend over and have them
fix it, then waste time in small claims?

Thanks in advance,
Kevin