I bought this car a year ago, and have driven it 4500 miles so far. I was going to change the oil yesterday and the oil drain plug is rounded off. I even tried to use a pipe wrench to take it off, with no success. Any ideas as to how to remove it without damage to the engine. I did buy a new plug to replace it with, but I fear I will damage the engine before this plug gives up.
On a separate note, the engine is making a tapping and ticking sound, like maybe piston or lifter knock, is this common on the 3.1? Or is it time to do some greasy work? The car only has 64K miles so far.
And thanks in advance for the advise....

 

My 2002 3.1 makes a ticking noise too. It seems to be related to the ac compressor, but I can't be too sure. It happens most after I've been hauling ***.