Difficulties in removing the oil plug

[Marius Moise]

Guys,

I have a problem causing me a little bit of headache: the oil-plug underneath the engine (sorry for not knowing the exact term in english, it is the one used to empty the engine from the used oil), is too tight screwed (I swear it wasn´t me) and I can´t open it, also because the head is partially ruined. I´m afraid to force it because the sump is quite fragile. Is there a (easyer) method to open it apart from taking the whole sump down and try it from the other side?

Thanks in advance

Marius

[P. de R. Leclercq]

In English we would say sump drain plug - or just sump plug.

Yes this is a problem sometimes; being made of brass the plugs are prone to damage. Occasionally here at the garage, we have had to remove them with hammer and chisel. I can say that the sump is perhaps stronger than it looks!

The best approach, if the plug is in good condition, is to use a 1/2" drive 14mm hex socket; if the plug is a little worn then try to find a 9/16" one (= 14.2mm). Use a long (i.e. 2 foot) "breaker" bar and having ensured that the key is snugly in the plug, give it a sharp tug and it should move.

best of luck

Paul

[Randy Adams]

I had that problem on one Fulvia I bought. I ended up removing the sump altogether. I'm very glad that I did. I discovered that the brilliant previous owner who overtightened the plug also removed the baffle plate!

You might try knocking your breaker bar with short little shocks from a brass hammer.

[Bert Ewalds]

Can you still run the engine ?
Then run it real hot via a long drive, and it will be easier

[Bart]

Usually the nut is so badly worn by people trying to unscrew it without the proper tools that you can't hold the socket in while pulling. And it is also under an angle in the sump. I once had to place the jack between the socket and a triangular piece of wood. Pump the jack so that it just lifts the car a few cm and tap the bar with a light hammer. I know it sounds risky but in this way mine got loose.

Good luck

Bart

[Huib Geurink]

I am like you. If it is on one of my own cars (sump plugs or gearbox drain plugs) I am also afraid to break something. So, if everything else has failed I ask somebody else to remove it with hammer and cisel (if this is the correct english word). I go stand somewhere else where I can't see it nor hear it. Remember that a small guy with a big hammer is much more effective than a big guy with a small hammer.

[Andreas]

and i like this ( your) very british humour, Huib.Very very good for a man from Nederlands.

best regards

Andreas

[Randy Adams]

Maybe he speaks from experience.