Diesel sump removal - best hex key/Allen keys for bolts

[quattrodave]

I'm going to drop the sump soon as part of a major service and wondered what everyone used to undo the bolts, some of them look very difficult to get to. Is it easiest with a long ball ended Allen key, 3/8" extension bar and hex socket or something else ?
Any other hints/tips/pitfalls etc appreciated.
Thanks

[colinthefox]

I use a 1/4 inch drive socket with a hex driver bit in. Then a long 1/4 inch extension or two and T bar. I don't think 3/8 socket stuff will go in the gap.

No reason why you couldn't use a hex driver bit in a long screwdriver and turn it with a spanner.

I prefer not to use ball ended allen keys. If you end up rounding off the inaccessible bolt heads you will be in a right pickle.

When replacing, with the sump loosely fitted up, make sure you just nip the sump right up to the bellhousing (not tight) using the two bellhousing bolts BEFORE you tighten the sump, otherwise you can crack the lugs off the end of the sump. Then tighten the bellhousing bolts.

Rubber gasket is VW 044103609D. (Brickwerks or GSF) If you use the rubber gasket you may have to file the bellhousing holes a little to compensate for the thicker gasket.

[quattrodave]

Great advice colinthefox, 1/4 " drive it is!
I guess the Bolt torque figure isn't that much then?

[Oldiebut goodie]

A little bit more than bugger all. (7 ft/lb)( all in the Bentley) I'm sure that you are supposed to use threadlock on them but I never have and have never had one come loose....yet.

[quattrodave]

Ha ha, nice one oldie
I'll remember that when me sump drops off!