39 replies to this topic

[danny2009]

i have got to drain my oil and have obviously got to take out the sump plug, easier said than done, some one has but a square bolt where there is supposed to be a sump plug so it has been bodged how do you get it out as it is square. also i have just read something about converting a car to unleadded i have a 1986 austin mayfair do i need to do anything to my fuel or just bang unleaded in like you do to new modern cars new to all this so any help is apreciated

Edited by gerrard, 27 August 2008 - 12:01 PM.

[Waffs1984]

Hi,

I think i am right in that post 1984 the majority were already unleaded? My '85 mayfair is although it is possible it was converted by a previous owner if this is not the case! I'm sure somebody will be along soon to correct me if i am wrong!!!

As for the sump plug, get it with a large spanner, it doesn't have to hexagonal to use a spanner just make sure you get the correct size for the distance between flats if that makes sence!!

Hope this helps!

Matt.

[danny2009]

nope its like this but the head is a bit longer and got a C stamped in it
 VCB253.jpg   2.53K   9 downloads

[danny2009]

Hi,

I think i am right in that post 1984 the majority were already unleaded? My '85 mayfair is although it is possible it was converted by a previous owner if this is not the case! I'm sure somebody will be along soon to correct me if i am wrong!!!

As for the sump plug, get it with a large spanner, it doesn't have to hexagonal to use a spanner just make sure you get the correct size for the distance between flats if that makes sence!!

Hope this helps!

Matt.

tried it and tried hammering a slightly smaller spanner and socket on but no joy, i have left it to soak overnight with WD40 and just put some more on now

[Ethel]

You could find anything when you tackle the sump, so think ahead about how you'll get it fixed if needs be. It could be a proper repair, you won't know until the plug is out. Sounds like it might be a sump plug off another car or even a plumbing fitting. An open ended spanner will fit if it's a square peg.

[danny2009]

You could find anything when you tackle the sump, so think ahead about how you'll get it fixed if needs be. It could be a proper repair, you won't know until the plug is out. Sounds like it might be a sump plug off another car or even a plumbing fitting. An open ended spanner will fit if it's a square peg.

tried it wont budge dont know how they got it in but it is tite and also i have tried mole grips and plyers wnt budge

[danny2009]

Try a long handled stillsons wrench

havent got one of them so that will have 2 be one of the last resorts lol

[danny2009]

Ask a local garage to loosen it for you (helps if you have a 4 pack of beer handy )

lol cars sorn its a project (ish)

[danny2009]

ani more ideas i need to get it out

[danny2009]

Weld a large nut on top and use a big socket or borrow a wrench from a plumber

i havent got a welder and i havent got nothing to heat ti up with nt r8 good am i i only got basic tools

[dklawson]

Don't remove the square head bolt until you have determined (at least in part) how you are going to handle the situation. If you damage something removing the bolt, you should be somewhat mentally prepared for how you will fix things.

HeliCoils are the standard sump drain fix. It's easier to do with the engine out, however, it can be done with the engine in place.

As for getting the square head bolt out, strike the head of the bolt like it was a nail. The goal here is to shock the joint and hopefully free the surfaces that have probably galled together. Do not count on the WD-40 or other penetrating oil to get in there. Consider what this is... it's a bolt being used as a drain plug. However it was installed, the person who did it made sure oil wouldn't leak out around it... so your WD-40 isn't going to get "in" either.

After some squarely placed hammer blows, use a large open end wrench on the square head. Don't jump on the wrench or simply try to loosen it. Turn it "in", then "out". Work in small arcs as it breaks free so you hopefully don't pull out a big wad of aluminum when it comes free. I think you will find this easier to do (and safer) if you jack up the right-front corner of the car as high as you can and place it on stands. The clearance to the ground will give you more room to work. Keep in the back of your mind that the bolt will unscrew counterclockwise and that almost every Mini owner who changes their own oil has cut or badly bruised themselves on the front/nose panel when the sump plug suddenly breaks free. Leave room for yourself so you don't whack your hand.