18 replies to this topic

[Elfman]

I understand that to remove the sump plug you have to turn it in an anti-clockwise direction.

Is this correct as mine is proving to be a b...... to shift.

[Globule]

Yeah you have to turn it that way, i used a breaker bar to 'crack' mine then just a ratchet to get it off the rest, probably should use wd40 or something but oh well, also mind the number plate, i did it too sharp and caught my wrist on it, still have a scar!

[Elfman]

Cheers. just wanted to make sure that I wasn't making it tighter. I guess a bigger bar is needed.

[Globule]

I wouldnt advise giving it too much force as you dont want to take the head off that! perhaps some kind of grease may help, im not an expert

[dklawson]

Once installed and tight, it's unlikely that any penetrating oil will prove helpful.

Use a large, long handled wrench. However be extremely careful how you do this... not just because of the plug but because of the front panel. I'll bet every one of us has at one time had the drain plug break free causing us to run our hands into the bottom, sharp edge of the front panel. Ouch!

Use the search feature here to look up previous threads discussing HeliCoils. I posted on several of those threads my suggested alternates to the standard copper sealing washer. If you use a nylon or bonded rubber/metal seal instead of the copper, much less torque is required for the drain plug to seal. Consequently this means less torque to remove the plug and less chance of damaging the threads in the sump.

[Elfman]

Thanks. I had read the other threads so was planning to use a bonded rubber/metal seal. Got to get it off first though.
It's my first oil change on this car. I've tried the hammer technique, didn't work, and I'm lifting the car when I use the long bar. I guess the previous owner overtightened to stop an oil leak so god knows what I'll find when I eventually get it out.

[Big_Adam]

Please don't change the oil like my brother did.

Using a 1liter ice cream tub.

At no point did he think that if he's putting 5liter of oil then more than one liter is going to come out.

[mk=john]

A lot of people do the sump plug up far too tight. Agreed, it has to be tight for obvious reasons, and the use of a fresh copper washer each time the plug is reinstalled helps make a good seal.

I am not sure of the correct torque setting off hand, but I have never had any trouble with mine by just tightening with a wrench. You dont have to do it up so tight so you have to use a breaker bar to remove it!

Also, consider buying a plug which has the extended magnetic bit to better collect metal swarf from engine (particularly gearbox). Available from Mini spares. Not necessary of course, but I just think it's nicer!!

[Ethel]

A few sharp taps on the head with a hammer - once the headache clears try it on the sump plug too.

A good, solid, spanner with a jack under it will work better than a bendy 3 foot socket bar 'n all.

[Elfman]

I'll have three shredded wheat for breakfast and try the bar again. If that doesn't work it will be out with the bottle jack.

[taffy1967]

If it still refuses to budge then I've heard that you can jack up the car, attach a breaker bar to the sump plug head and then lower the car so that the breaker bar touches the floor first and the weight of the car should be enough to force the sump plug to undo.

[Elfman]

Good one. It sounds like a last resort though.
I'll keep you posted if I have to try it.

[alexcrosse]

Good one. It sounds like a last resort though.
I'll keep you posted if I have to try it.

im spray alot of WD40 on there, leave it over night with regular top ups, then try again. Remember its just aluminium, so u dont want to take a chunk of the box with you when u do undo it.

[miniboo]

righty tighty lefty loosey

[Big_Adam]

Good one. It sounds like a last resort though.
I'll keep you posted if I have to try it.

im spray alot of WD40 on there, leave it over night with regular top ups, then try again. Remember its just aluminium, so u dont want to take a chunk of the box with you when u do undo it.

*cough*

plusgas

*cough*