Leak from sump plug

[HumbleJim]

Drives me spare. Either I have to change my oil early or put up with oil spots on the drive. All because some lazy tt didn't bother to change the crush washer last time round.

[HumbleJim]

doogz said:

HumbleJim said:

Drives me spare. Either I have to change my oil early or put up with oil spots on the drive. All because some lazy tt didn't bother to change the crush washer last time round.

Is it tight? Check the manufacturer specified torque setting, get a torque wrench, and make sure it's tight enough?

Yup did that and cleaned out the undertray.

[jimmy the hat]

HumbleJim said:

Drives me spare. Either I have to change my oil early or put up with oil spots on the drive. All because some lazy tt didn't bother to change the crush washer last time round.

Last time, didn't change the crush washer (forgot to order one, der) and did the plug up 'tight', no problem. This time, did change it and torqued up proper, leakspots on drive. It won't help you but that's quite annoying.

You could always drain the oil, change the washer and/or plug and pour it straight back in. That's only marginally less unhelpful, I'm fully aware.

Cheers, Jim

[trickywoo]

doogz said:

Is it tight?

Chances are its way too tight. Specified torque doesn't amount to much more than a 'nip'.

Every sump plug I've removed that I haven't done myself has been stupid tight.

[J4CKO]

Buy a new crush washer, remove the plug, let the oil drain for a sec (into a clean recipticle), swap the washer and then put it back in the sump, put the oil back in via a funnel.

I did this on my 944 when I realised I had the wrong washer installed, about a litre came out.

A faff but doable.

[Spare tyre]

in the past ive hadthe sump plug out and asked my mate to put his thumb over it whilst i replace the dead crush washer

if you are quick you wont loose much

then just replace what fell out

dont do it when hot!

[HumbleJim]

I think I'll replace it. Mrs HJ's help/thumb has been requested but declined on the grounds that nails have just been gelled.

Just gonna have to work quickly.

[Escort3500]

Just weld the sump plug up. Saves a fortune on oil too

[Toaster Pilot]

What car is it? Oil is cheap, just put fresh stuff in!

[CrutyRammers]

It's pretty easy. I've swapped the one on my kit a few times without draining the oil when messing around with sensor adaptors. Tray under, whip it out, next one straight in - you'll only spill a 100ml or so which you can pour straight back in. Unless it's hot, in which case you'll burn yourself and lose the lot!

[HumbleJim]

Toaster Pilot said:

What car is it? Oil is cheap, just put fresh stuff in!

It's a Merc SL 7.5l. My drain pan is too small for that lot, so quick working methinks.

[Toaster Pilot]

Ah

[hornetrider]

HumbleJim said:

It's a Merc SL 7.5l. My drain pan is too small for that lot, so quick working methinks.

Simply use your mrs' washing up bowl, I'm sure that'll be fine.

[HumbleJim]

hornetrider said:

HumbleJim said:

It's a Merc SL 7.5l. My drain pan is too small for that lot, so quick working methinks.

Simply use your mrs' washing up bowl, I'm sure that'll be fine.

Good idea.

[anonymous-user]

I've not changed the one on my car in over 10 years, doesn't leak. Can you not slacken it off enough to get some PTFE tape on the thread & tighten it back up?

[Garvin]

Just slacken it off enough to apply a smear of gasket sealant either side of the washer and nip it back up.

[HumbleJim]

Garvin said:

Just slacken it off enough to apply a smear of gasket sealant either side of the washer and nip it back up.

Worth a shot. Thx.

[Escort3500]

HumbleJim said:

Garvin said:

Just slacken it off enough to apply a smear of gasket sealant either side of the washer and nip it back up.

Worth a shot. Thx.

ThIs worked for me in the past. I think if was Hermetite Blue I used.

[fangio]

http://www.quickvalve.co.uk/index.htm