17mm sump plug socket -

[Nobbles]

I have a 17mm sump bolt that I cannot get off with my socket. The thickness of the bolt that the socket gets hold of is half the width of a typical bolt. Also there is not the space around the sides of the bolt for my socket. Are there special sockets for these?

[Nobbles]

There is not enough open area to get a spanner around the bolt. The socket goes over but the thickness stops it seating correctly on the bolt.

[Nobbles]

[Nobbles]

I will get it on the ramps again and grind down a socket.

[Nobbles]

Its a fiat panda - 100hp - but according to the fiat forums the sump plug should be the hex key type. The sump is aluminium and recommended not to over-tighten. These two facts and the problems I am having are starting to 'smell'.

[Nobbles]

I like the idea of the suction thing. I am nervous over using it over traditional methods. Does it work on all engines? It probably is around the same price as a new sump.

[Nobbles]

Plan for the weekend - another 17mm rachet spanner that has about 4mm of lip. I will also grind down the original socket because as you correctly say it must have 5mm of chamfer holding it away from the bolt. The sealey vacuum pump does look interesting but if I have to jack up the car and remove the big plastic engine cover underneath to take off the filter it doesn't gain me much.

[Nobbles]

All done. So grinding the chamfer off the socket allowed that extra bite. Also the sump plug is aluminum and stupidly I never checked what I bought to service the car. So in fact the new sump plug washer can with a new bolt exactly the same as what I took off, - it is obviously deemed as a consumable item. Even the filter came off without fuss, I hate when garages put them back on and use the socket to tighten it. I have just to check for leaks after a drive but ticking over it was fine. Thanks everybody for your help and advise.