help required

[rogerk]

Had a problem today trying to get the sump plug out--- even welded a nut onto the plug but that broke off

therefore can you remove the sump without taking the engine out

Also has any one got a sump in reasonable condition they wish to sell



Roger

[Andy Rundell]

imported post

I have not done it myself, but i understand it can be done. you will need to move the front cross-member forward by about an inch to get enough clearance

...........Andy

[DaveB]

imported post

Hi Roger,

I had a similar problem last month, ended up drilling the plug (but not all the way through),with car on ramps, drilling in stages 4mm, 6mm, then 8mm, then used an extractor with a 3ft bar and it came out with stready force. Don't hit it or the extractor will snap.

Dave

[V Mad]

imported post

I never had any luck with stud extractors (the extractors snapped), but seeing your example I may reconsider.

[Stagdad]

imported post

Surely a pair of stilsons would move the sump plug ,never come across anything they wont move,

Cheers Steve

[jpyke]

imported post

The short answer is yes, you can remove the sump in situ but Andy said (and as I found out) you have to move the cross member. If you can avoid it by trying the pipe wrench technique I would if you can. Getting it off was a hateful job and took me half a day solid. The issue is that theres a ledge on the bellhousing that it has to come forward to clear and you have to get it just the right angle to lower it off. You'll need to remove the LH exhaust downpipe, and unbolt and remove the crossmember. You'll also have to undo the tie bars or you won't be able to lower the cross member enough to get a suitable angle on the sump to get it right out. The oil pickup also gets in the way and you'll have to take it off.

Sorry - hope I haven't put you off! :?

[stag8manod]

imported post

Hi Roger, The problem with that type of screw extractor practically in that situation of removing a taper plug the taper extractor stretches the taper plug and can make it tighter. There is an alternative type which is square and hammered (tapped) into the drilled hole. They (a set) would be availible from a tool supplier. Just a thought it may or may not help.

Cheers Ian A

[marshman]

imported post

Stilsons and use a blowlamp to GENTLY warm up the area around the plug whilst applying constant pressure to the sump plug. Failing that get a good grip with the stilsons and then give the handle a sharp crack or two with a large hammer. I suspect that when you welded the nut on you heated the sump plug right up which expanded it to an even tighter fit in the hole.

I agree with stagdad, I,ve never found anything that won't move with stilsons - In my experience the sump will distort before the stilson let go.

Surely it will be easier to try to get the plug out with the sump attached to the engine, once you take the sump off you then have the problem of holding the sump whilst you work on it.

Good luck

Roger

[markhunt]

imported post

Hi Roger



I have this weekend removed the sump in situ to change the gasket. The cross member needs to be loosenedoff - take all the bolts out and let it drop, along with the radius arm and steering rack. Its a pain the bottom, but far lesshassle than taking the engine out.

I haven't put it back yet, so who knows what challenges that will throw up!

Best of luck

Mark

[rogerk]

imported post

Thanks for all you suggestions

I plan to have another go next Saturday

I have been lent a special socket ( one size fits all type)

My problem is the arthritis in the hands will not let me put too greater grip on the stiltons and I was starting to round off the square so I went for the welding nut routine.

If this socket works I'll let you all know



Roger

[milothedog]

imported post

Just an idea, let the car warm up, that little bit of heat in the oil might make a difference.

Ian.

[rogerk]

imported post

Hi Ian

thanksx for the tip but I diid take the car for a small run before I jacked the car up to start



Roger

[DJT]

imported post

rogerk wrote:

I have been lent a special socket ( one size fits all type)

Isn't that called a Hammer?

Dave

[peter f]

imported post

Hi Roger,
Had the same trouble with the diff filler plug. tried every whichway to shift it, but it had been in the back of a shed for some years, and would not be removed. Ended up drilling down the middle of the plug a bit at a time to remove it, and then had to tap the threads into the centre, as it still would not give in.
Carefully removed all the swarf from inside the diff, and ended up with a good, quiet 3.45 to 1 diff for £50
Be patient and I'm sure you will sort it,
Peter

[stag green java]

imported post

re sump plug There is a tool called easy out its sold by the people that visit garages selling socketsBritool? i used this to remove a gearbox filler plug use only steady and increasing pressure ore it tears the metal of the plug. Use a long bar to get useful purchase Fits half inch drive. Cost about 16pounds a socket