Sump plug query

[gizzardio]

Hi

I just did my oil change and only when I'd drained it out did I realise that I hadn't got a new copper washer for the sump plug. So I had little choice right then to re-use the existing one back on. Just felt a bit weird when I screwed it back in as it went from finger tight to using the wrench when I couldn't turn it anymore in virtual no more turn. Obviously concerned about plug dropping now. Is the washer designed to keep the plug tight or just to help with a seal.

Thanks

Rob

[Colin RedGriff]

Its there to help seal the plug.

Copper is a soft metal and it deforms to seal the sump

[greymrj]

Rob, if it is a copper washer and it is not physically damaged in any way you can return it to its original softer condition as followed (it is called annealing). Hang the washer on a hook of steel wire, a wire coat hanger is good. Heat it over a gas ring until it is glowing red/orange all over, drop it straight into cold water. It should then be as good as new.

[Ragtop]

It's much the same as the convoluted washers used on spark plugs:



They gradually squash flat first time, then tighten up suddenly thereafter. As long as it's tight it will stay tight. If you re-use them many times the worst that will happen is it will drip.
G

[gizzardio]

Ok chaps thanks for the advice. I will keep an eye on it. I might just buy a new washer and attempt to take the plug out and stick this new washer on and screw back in without losing too much oil. Will have to be lightning fast with the hand movements and stick my other hand over the hole at the same time!

Teaches me a good lesson that I will not repeat same mistake twice

[Ragtop]

That's going to be difficult without a helper. If you are using the correct compressible washers



they are a bugger to get on and off without using both hands (...and a screwdriver, ...and a vice, ...and a...).

You need a helper, or better still a spare plug. I just happen to have a spare plug. And a washer. I can lend you both if you like.

Graham

[gizzardio]

Thanks mate but I ordered new plug and washer last night so should be able to just throw the new one in. As you say I'll be getting a helping hand doing this. Sure it's a very enticing proposition for a mate of mine to come stick his his hand in a sump hole for a bit!

Cheers

Rob

[tvrgit]

Is it actually leaking oil? If not, you'll waste more oil changing it unnecessarily. Just leave it in, and change it next time.

[Ozzie Osmond]

tvrgit said:

Is it actually leaking oil? If not, you'll waste more oil changing it unnecessarily. Just leave it in, and change it next time.

^^^ This. I've re-used copper washers from time to time without difficulty. I tend to throw the old ones in a tin in case an urgent need arises. Then when needed I just fish in the tin for an old one which isn't too "squashed" from its first installation. As always, avoid over-tightening. If a sump plug isn't leaking it's tight enough.

[phillpot]

As has been said "if it ain't leaking leave it alone"


But if it's bothering you I'd suggest draining the oil and re-filling rather than trying to swap the plug with your mate putting his finger over the hole, you your mate and your garage floor will get covered!

[Oldred_V8S]

Annealing is your friend (next time). Like Mike said, draining is the only option (if it is leaking).

[phillpot]

Ragtop said:

If you are using the correct compressible washers......

......annealing won't work, the washer has been crushed.

When I was "in the trade" (many years ago) we never changed these type of sump plug washers, they are far too much of a flaff to get off,time was money!
If, after several services it looked too manky a new one could be put on top.

[Griffinr]

If it's leaking back it off a few turns and wrap some PTFE tape around the thread in an anti- clockwise direction and retighten.
Rob

[gizzardio]

Ok point taken here. I won't worry unless it's leaking and if it does I'll use PTFE tape

Thanks

Rob

[glenrobbo]

These Robs are really good, aren't they Rob?

Cheers,
Glen Rob.

[greymrj]

I guess by now the many S engines will have different sump plug washers. I checked, I have 3 engines here in different stages of dismantling. 2 have copper washers (but even they are different!) and the third has a flat steel washer! Maybe I am just old fashioned but I still like annealed copper washers and I have done loads of them in my time.
(now off to get my cocoa and slippers!!)

[Ozzie Osmond]

glenrobbo said:

These Robs are really good, aren't they Rob?

Cheers,
Glen Rob.

Check out the link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU-tuY0Z7nQ

[GadgeS3C]

Ozzie Osmond said:

Check out the link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU-tuY0Z7nQ

As if anyone would use a torque wrench on an S

[glenrobbo]

GadgeS3C said:

Ozzie Osmond said:

Check out the link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU-tuY0Z7nQ

As if anyone would use a torque wrench on an S

Or a BL Ambassador

Brilliant! Thanks for that link Ozzie ( or shall we call you Rob? )

[Barkychoc]

I'll have you know it had a brand new genuine rover washer from Rimmers when it left me Rob!

Did you note it had a wire lock on the sump plug?

There is an issue with the Rover V8 sump plug where if it is caught on a speedhump it can spin it undone - hence the wirelock which was done before I owned it.

Steve Heath used to do an allen key sump plug that was flush when installed to prevent this issue.

How is my baby doing? Did you sort out the fuelling?

Chris