Unable to undo sump plug

[GreenV8S]

mk08 said:

GreenV8S said:

What sort of spanner are you using on the sump plug? What is stopping you from applying more torque?

I have applied all force i can but the plug wouldn't move.

What sort of spanner are you using on the sump plug?

What is stopping you from applying more torque?

[paintman]

mk08 said:

catman said:

can you get a longer piece of tube over the wrench? it's surprising how much extra leverage you can get with a slightly longer handle. What is the sump made of?

Sump made up of? The normal material ever sump is made of.

One of my cars has a steel sump.
The other - & my van - have aluminium sumps

[p4cks]

Take it to a garage

[liner33]

mk08 said:

GreenV8S said:

mk08 said:

I have used WD40, no success.

WD40 is often treated as if it's a penetrating oil, but it's rubbish at that.

What sort of spanner are you using on the sump plug? What is stopping you from applying more torque?

I have applied all force i can but the plug wouldn't move.

Needs heat

[steveo3002]

if the bolt head is still fine , get yourself a breaker bar and id be using a 6 sided socket if you dont already have one

can get breaker bars up to 3ft long easily....or a smaller one and use some tube to extend it if needed

make sure youre turning the correct way too

[mk08]

lufbramatt said:

mk08 said:

catman said:

can you get a longer piece of tube over the wrench? it's surprising how much extra leverage you can get with a slightly longer handle. What is the sump made of?

Sump made up of? The normal material ever sump is made of.

Some are pressed steel, some are cast aluminium.

Sorry I don't know these.

[steveo3002]

the talk of penetrating oil?? really ?

it will have an oil tight seal/washer on the outside so nothing will get past that , and the sump side of the threads have been soaked in scolding hot engine oil daily since the car was new

[Skyedriver]

Custard?

[sliks]

From what I understand you are not using enough power. The shear breakaway force required to undo some fasteners can be huge. It is dangerous when you apply such torque but its required to undo them.


You can make it more comfortable by getting a longer wrench. The longer the wrench the less the force you have to apply

If working with regular size tools you have to position your body in such ways where you can apply the required torque. Be prepared for when the screw lets go, you don't want to injure your hand.

[Order66]

Either get a suction pump or find a friend with a goof battery impact gun. Don't keep going with a standard socket/spanner as you'll just strip it. A decent impact gun will take it off in a second.

[aero250]

Run. The engine until the sump is hot then have another go

[mk08]

aero250 said:

Run. The engine until the sump is hot then have another go

Ok will try that.

[Matt_E_Mulsion]

This is going to end badly with either a rounded off plug or a stripped thread/cracked sump.

I'd advise to either take it to a garage or get a suction pump for the dipstick tube.

[Sheepshanks]

lufbramatt said:

mk08 said:

catman said:

can you get a longer piece of tube over the wrench? it's surprising how much extra leverage you can get with a slightly longer handle. What is the sump made of?

Sump made up of? The normal material ever sump is made of.

Some are pressed steel, some are cast aluminium.

Many are plastic now.

[littleredrooster]

OP - the constant reference to 'wrench' worries me. What are you using? Monkey wrench, adjustable spanner, ring spanner or socket?

Please tell me you're not lying next to the wheel-arch and trying to do this at arm's length?

[lufbramatt]

Sheepshanks said:

lufbramatt said:

mk08 said:

catman said:

can you get a longer piece of tube over the wrench? it's surprising how much extra leverage you can get with a slightly longer handle. What is the sump made of?

Sump made up of? The normal material ever sump is made of.

Some are pressed steel, some are cast aluminium.

Many are plastic now.

Every day is a school day

[Wacky Racer]

I couldn't get the sump plug off my Triumph Bonneville, so I had to take the engine out and weld a socket on to it.

Definitely squeaky bum time, but it worked.

Otherwise remove the sump and replace it, they are not that expensive in most cases.

[paintman]

Quick google suggests your sump is aluminium & the early Altos (2002 to 2006) are pressed steel.

If you've broken an adapter I do wonder if it's been cross threaded by a previous owner or refitted with an adhesive of some sort or it's picked up on the threads.
If a stainless steel item has been fitted then it can gall.

The risk of using long bars & big rattle guns it that whilst they may well get it out the thread in the hole may not survive the encounter.
Fine if you have got the kit to rethread it - or buy & fit a new sump - but you could end up with a bigger problem than you currently have.

Your other choice is the suction oil pump.

Edited by paintman on Sunday 21st March 11:08

[Krikkit]

I'd just buy a new sump, if you're not confident fitting it then pop it down to a garage and get them to do it along with the oil. Next time you'll know it's fine.

[hellorent]

OP listen to what stevie3002 is saying.