Engine flush and oil drain nut
Discussion
captain.scarlet said:
Yep, that's the one I've been looking at buying. Some of the local shops have them in stock thankfully. Right now it's what's the best way to address this.
The pan seemed to be be coated in oil, so replacing the seal/gasket may be needed, but it's just another fiddly and time-consuming task. I can't think how else it became like that.
When you chisel around the rim, do you mean the head or between it and the actual pan, where the plug o-ring would squeeze against it? Is it then a matter of using the grips again?
God no don't chisel under it, just drive it anticlockwise by chiseling the outer rim, use a bluntish small chisel or even a small punch, make an indent in the rim with the tool first, then angle it to drive it round.The pan seemed to be be coated in oil, so replacing the seal/gasket may be needed, but it's just another fiddly and time-consuming task. I can't think how else it became like that.
When you chisel around the rim, do you mean the head or between it and the actual pan, where the plug o-ring would squeeze against it? Is it then a matter of using the grips again?
oakdale said:
God no don't chisel under it, just drive it anticlockwise by chiseling the outer rim, use a bluntish small chisel or even a small punch, make an indent in the rim with the tool first, then angle it to drive it round.
I'll give it a go, but I'm going to have to have an angle grinder on standby!The chance observation of oil on the pan hasn't helped either!!
finlo said:
Whoever designed that wants shagging with the ragged end of a rag man's trumpet!
When you get it off replace it with plug with a proper head.
Completely with you there. And if it is going to be that, at least make sure the material is strong enough so as not to get shredded to bits when the going gets tough. When you get it off replace it with plug with a proper head.
Evening All,
Picking back up on this.
Tried everything: grips, chisel, boring through the plug to weaken it and then the multitool to slice into it.
Nothing worked.
Wasn't filled with confidence when the jacking points began to bend and split as the trolley jack was raising it.
Phoned a mechanic mate and we agreed it'd be best to replace the oil sump, which was already leaking (and I understand a common issue with the mk1 Chevy Cruze). I was going to take it to him earlier and there was me thinking the likes of GSF and Eurocarparts had it, but it seems nowhere does it specifically identiable for Chevrolet (even with a VRN check).
It did get me wondering whether any similar era Vauxhalls or Chevys basically use the same part, particularly Astra. Does anyone know? It's a 1.6 petrol.
Picking back up on this.
Tried everything: grips, chisel, boring through the plug to weaken it and then the multitool to slice into it.
Nothing worked.
Wasn't filled with confidence when the jacking points began to bend and split as the trolley jack was raising it.
Phoned a mechanic mate and we agreed it'd be best to replace the oil sump, which was already leaking (and I understand a common issue with the mk1 Chevy Cruze). I was going to take it to him earlier and there was me thinking the likes of GSF and Eurocarparts had it, but it seems nowhere does it specifically identiable for Chevrolet (even with a VRN check).
It did get me wondering whether any similar era Vauxhalls or Chevys basically use the same part, particularly Astra. Does anyone know? It's a 1.6 petrol.
Thanks for the replies, guys.
In terms of the replacement pan itself now that the plug has become a dog's breakfast, I'm minded to take a gamble with a replacement Astra part, which seem to be in abundance and really available compared with a Chevrolet or VRN search.
I guess that a part of that is due to the fact that some parts genuinely can't be switched over, but also because some aftermarket parts may simply have been produced by other manufacturers who didn't think to include all GM marques in the compatibility list as they may have been interested in one.
That said, I'd be really surprised anyway if a Vauxhall/Opel engine part like a sump pan cannot be used on the equivalent engine on a Chevrolet, Buick, Holden or even Daewoo.
In terms of the replacement pan itself now that the plug has become a dog's breakfast, I'm minded to take a gamble with a replacement Astra part, which seem to be in abundance and really available compared with a Chevrolet or VRN search.
I guess that a part of that is due to the fact that some parts genuinely can't be switched over, but also because some aftermarket parts may simply have been produced by other manufacturers who didn't think to include all GM marques in the compatibility list as they may have been interested in one.
That said, I'd be really surprised anyway if a Vauxhall/Opel engine part like a sump pan cannot be used on the equivalent engine on a Chevrolet, Buick, Holden or even Daewoo.
oakdale said:
Is this the type of sump plug on yours? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/223582150073?fits=Car+M...
If it is, it's the same one as used on many Vauxhalls and they can be difficult to remove because of the small size of torx bit used, if you can't get at it with vise grips, carefully use a hammer and small chisel on the outer rim, it's never failed for me.
This is the correct answer! If it is, it's the same one as used on many Vauxhalls and they can be difficult to remove because of the small size of torx bit used, if you can't get at it with vise grips, carefully use a hammer and small chisel on the outer rim, it's never failed for me.
Vauxhall sump plugs tend to be T45 rather than T40, they need a tap to get them in, problem is the sump lug is made of really soft metal so of you use the wrong tool they just strip the hole.
If that is the case, as has been said above, a decent chisel on the edge and a sharp tap with a hammer and it will loosen.
New plugs are about a quid.
captain.scarlet said:
Thanks for the replies, guys.
In terms of the replacement pan itself now that the plug has become a dog's breakfast, I'm minded to take a gamble with a replacement Astra part, which seem to be in abundance and really available compared with a Chevrolet or VRN search.
I guess that a part of that is due to the fact that some parts genuinely can't be switched over, but also because some aftermarket parts may simply have been produced by other manufacturers who didn't think to include all GM marques in the compatibility list as they may have been interested in one.
That said, I'd be really surprised anyway if a Vauxhall/Opel engine part like a sump pan cannot be used on the equivalent engine on a Chevrolet, Buick, Holden or even Daewoo.
It wouldn't surprise me if a Vauxhall sump won't fit, although the cylinder block will be similar there could be any number of differences like oil pick up position or stud centres.In terms of the replacement pan itself now that the plug has become a dog's breakfast, I'm minded to take a gamble with a replacement Astra part, which seem to be in abundance and really available compared with a Chevrolet or VRN search.
I guess that a part of that is due to the fact that some parts genuinely can't be switched over, but also because some aftermarket parts may simply have been produced by other manufacturers who didn't think to include all GM marques in the compatibility list as they may have been interested in one.
That said, I'd be really surprised anyway if a Vauxhall/Opel engine part like a sump pan cannot be used on the equivalent engine on a Chevrolet, Buick, Holden or even Daewoo.
You seem to be making heavy weather of this and it may be best to get a local garage to do it for you on a lift.
As all has failed up to now, I would either grind a slot across the diameter of the plug and use a small blunt chisel on the outer edge of the slot, or drill a 10mm hole through the centre of the plug to drain the oil and then carefully mig weld a 10mm bolt (17mm head) into it to remove it.
eta, My memory of the sump plug thread diameter is a bit vague, so it may be safer if drilling to just drill a shallow hole to locate the bolt before welding.
Edited by oakdale on Sunday 27th June 11:42
Edited by oakdale on Sunday 27th June 11:50
oakdale said:
It wouldn't surprise me if a Vauxhall sump won't fit, although the cylinder block will be similar there could be any number of differences like oil pick up position or stud centres.
You seem to be making heavy weather of this and it may be best to get a local garage to do it for you on a lift.
As all has failed up to now, I would either grind a slot across the diameter of the plug and use a small blunt chisel on the outer edge of the slot, or drill a 10mm hole through the centre of the plug to drain the oil and then carefully mig weld a 10mm bolt (17mm head) into it to remove it.
eta, My memory of the sump plug thread diameter is a bit vague, so it may be safer if drilling to just drill a shallow hole to locate the bolt before welding.
I did have a mechanic to hand to take it to yesterday but the sump issue prevented it, plus nobody had them in stock anyway.You seem to be making heavy weather of this and it may be best to get a local garage to do it for you on a lift.
As all has failed up to now, I would either grind a slot across the diameter of the plug and use a small blunt chisel on the outer edge of the slot, or drill a 10mm hole through the centre of the plug to drain the oil and then carefully mig weld a 10mm bolt (17mm head) into it to remove it.
eta, My memory of the sump plug thread diameter is a bit vague, so it may be safer if drilling to just drill a shallow hole to locate the bolt before welding.
Edited by oakdale on Sunday 27th June 11:42
Edited by oakdale on Sunday 27th June 11:50
My original plan was to drill up through the plug with sufficient thickness to make the shaft weaker and thinner. Then slice into and across the head of the plug a few times in order to then be able to press and loosen it. Unfortunately we don't live in an ideal world.
I'll be checking with the last authorised Chevy garage in the UK (according to the Chevy UK website) tomorrow regarding the Astra sump. Otherwise it'll be Vauxhall themselves. I'm not going to risk keeping the same sump, not least where it appears to be leaking oil. May as well kill two birds with one stone.
Also noticed whilst I was underneath yesterday that the radiator hose has been recently leaking coolant judging by the colour, so at least some further good has come out of this whole saga, but that's bangernomics...
captain.scarlet said:
I did have a mechanic to hand to take it to yesterday but the sump issue prevented it, plus nobody had them in stock anyway.
My original plan was to drill up through the plug with sufficient thickness to make the shaft weaker and thinner. Then slice into and across the head of the plug a few times in order to then be able to press and loosen it. Unfortunately we don't live in an ideal world.
I'll be checking with the last authorised Chevy garage in the UK (according to the Chevy UK website) tomorrow regarding the Astra sump. Otherwise it'll be Vauxhall themselves. I'm not going to risk keeping the same sump, not least where it appears to be leaking oil. May as well kill two birds with one stone.
Also noticed whilst I was underneath yesterday that the radiator hose has been recently leaking coolant judging by the colour, so at least some further good has come out of this whole saga, but that's bangernomics...
What's wrong with the sump, It's an aluminium casting isn't it?My original plan was to drill up through the plug with sufficient thickness to make the shaft weaker and thinner. Then slice into and across the head of the plug a few times in order to then be able to press and loosen it. Unfortunately we don't live in an ideal world.
I'll be checking with the last authorised Chevy garage in the UK (according to the Chevy UK website) tomorrow regarding the Astra sump. Otherwise it'll be Vauxhall themselves. I'm not going to risk keeping the same sump, not least where it appears to be leaking oil. May as well kill two birds with one stone.
Also noticed whilst I was underneath yesterday that the radiator hose has been recently leaking coolant judging by the colour, so at least some further good has come out of this whole saga, but that's bangernomics...
It won't leak unless it's cracked, the leak is more likely to be from the gasket or crank seal.
oakdale said:
What's wrong with the sump, It's an aluminium casting isn't it?
It won't leak unless it's cracked, the leak is more likely to be from the gasket or crank seal.
Just as an update, in the last week I did get it to my mechanic - he had enough clearance underneath to use a hammer and chisel he said, so that was sorted.It won't leak unless it's cracked, the leak is more likely to be from the gasket or crank seal.
As for the leak, we had the bonnet open on a bright sunny day. The amount of oil around the engine was even more visible. He said it would be best to change the rocker (valve cover) gasket.
Did that, but it meant taking out the swanky new Bosch spark plugs I'd put in and carefully torqued.
Since then, I've noticed the car juddering and jerking when put in gear and the accelerator is not depressed (e.g. using engine braking when approaching traffic lights), distinct from simply the engine needing more fuel and choking.
It happened particularly this morning when put into second gear.
Also, I know this is a shed with a 1.6 Ecotec engine, but it's pretty sluggish. Little torque and dropping gears seems to be the way to get power. The fuel filter is apparently guaranteed for life, so I don't know whether it's the fuel pump itself.
Anyway that's not the main concern as it's only being used for short trips - I am wondering whether the gasket change and the juddering are linked.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts so far.
captain.scarlet said:
oakdale said:
What's wrong with the sump, It's an aluminium casting isn't it?
It won't leak unless it's cracked, the leak is more likely to be from the gasket or crank seal.
Just as an update, in the last week I did get it to my mechanic - he had enough clearance underneath to use a hammer and chisel he said, so that was sorted.It won't leak unless it's cracked, the leak is more likely to be from the gasket or crank seal.
As for the leak, we had the bonnet open on a bright sunny day. The amount of oil around the engine was even more visible. He said it would be best to change the rocker (valve cover) gasket.
Did that, but it meant taking out the swanky new Bosch spark plugs I'd put in and carefully torqued.
Since then, I've noticed the car juddering and jerking when put in gear and the accelerator is not depressed (e.g. using engine braking when approaching traffic lights), distinct from simply the engine needing more fuel and choking.
It happened particularly this morning when put into second gear.
Also, I know this is a shed with a 1.6 Ecotec engine, but it's pretty sluggish. Little torque and dropping gears seems to be the way to get power. The fuel filter is apparently guaranteed for life, so I don't know whether it's the fuel pump itself.
Anyway that's not the main concern as it's only being used for short trips - I am wondering whether the gasket change and the juddering are linked.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts so far.
oakdale said:
First thing I would suspect is that a spark plug may have been dropped causing the gap to close up.
Would be very annoyed if that had happened or if they'd been over-torqued cracking had occurred. They are the Bosch FR78X with the four electrodes which in a moment of desperation on a Saturday evening I got from Halfords for an elevated price.There was also oil three of the old plugs (some more than others). May be a good idea to give the plug wells a wipe. For what it's worth, a replacement set of plugs will probably be in order. The juddering didn't exist, even with the plugs replaced and the old rocker gasket in place. Engine was as slick as a whistle.
As for the sluggish acceleation, what would your thoughts be? It surely can't be that underpowered an engine for too big a car, given they were fitting them to Astras at the same time.
captain.scarlet said:
Would be very annoyed if that had happened or if they'd been over-torqued cracking had occurred. They are the Bosch FR78X with the four electrodes which in a moment of desperation on a Saturday evening I got from Halfords for an elevated price.
There was also oil three of the old plugs (some more than others). May be a good idea to give the plug wells a wipe. For what it's worth, a replacement set of plugs will probably be in order. The juddering didn't exist, even with the plugs replaced and the old rocker gasket in place. Engine was as slick as a whistle.
As for the sluggish acceleation, what would your thoughts be? It surely can't be that underpowered an engine for too big a car, given they were fitting them to Astras at the same time.
Just remove and check the plugs, if an earth electrode has been bent it can easily be straightened, also check the ht leads (if it has them) are located properly and have not been damaged by the last removal and refitting.There was also oil three of the old plugs (some more than others). May be a good idea to give the plug wells a wipe. For what it's worth, a replacement set of plugs will probably be in order. The juddering didn't exist, even with the plugs replaced and the old rocker gasket in place. Engine was as slick as a whistle.
As for the sluggish acceleation, what would your thoughts be? It surely can't be that underpowered an engine for too big a car, given they were fitting them to Astras at the same time.
Edited by oakdale on Tuesday 6th July 12:24
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