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sump plug cross threaded?

Posted: 12 Jan 2013, 13:50
by timski
Hi Guys,

This is only the second time I've changed the oil so not much experience to guage this by but when I'm replacing the sump plug it's already giving me a bit of resistance when I've given it 2 maybe 3 turns. I'm scared to give it any more force in case I'm cross threading it. Would you expect a bit of resistance after just a few turns?

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks.
Tim.

Re: sump plug cross threaded?

Posted: 12 Jan 2013, 13:59
by jamesc76
the threads have probs been damaged before, ensure the threadsare completely clean and take it slow , also make sure you use a new copper washer!

If its a no go you can drill and tap it out to the next size up

Re: sump plug cross threaded?

Posted: 12 Jan 2013, 14:19
by timski
Thanks James.

Got a new washer. Following the instructions on the WIKI.

I've read on the forum too to do it up finger tight first then socket tight but not too much. I'm only getting a couple of turns with the fingers before it's too stiff to turn. I haven't forced it yet. In the past I've known a bolt (not a sump plug though) to start out a bit tight, maybe due to a dodgy bit of thread, and then once you're passed that section it eases and goes in ok. Do you think I should make sure there is no grit or crud and try again giving it a it more force?

Any advice on the best way to clean out the sump hole? The bolt looks clean.

Thanks,
Tim.

Re: sump plug cross threaded?

Posted: 13 Jan 2013, 12:15
by timski
OK no luck I'm afraid. When I removed the sump plug following a second try and what looked like an even bigger washer than the little copper one came out too? Not sure what it was but the sump plug seemed to screw into the removed washer but not into the sump itself. I'm wondering whether the previous owner had attached this to give the sump plug something to screw into because the sump hole had been damaged?

Anyway, it's buggered so I'm thinking about giving one of those sump repair plugs a go that worked for aulday. https://club8090.co.uk/forum/search.php? ... 7&sr=posts I checked with him and it's still going strong even with an oil change. His engine is a JX turbo though and I have a DJ so just worried whether there will be enough clearance in the engine to use this. Aulday suggested asking around to see if anyone can confirm this or not?

I don't have the means to retap it where I am so I am hoping I can use this to get it to a garage at least.

This is the sump plug I am looking at.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/EMERGENCY-SUM ... 589577a4f3

Thanks,
Tim.

Re: sump plug cross threaded?

Posted: 13 Jan 2013, 13:21
by kevtherev
Get some PTFE tape and wrap the plug 15 times with it, with the washer on tighten it up the 3 turns .. and fill it with cheap oil.
...then get it to a place that can fix this properly.

the thread in the case is probably stripped further in and the washer stops the plug going in to the stripped area.

Re: sump plug cross threaded?

Posted: 13 Jan 2013, 14:10
by timski
Thanks Kev,

I will see how it goes with the PTF tape but the sump plug barely goes in at all now so I don't fancy my chances.

If it doesn't work doo you think the repair plug wouldn't get me to the garage or you think there is not enough clearance in the sump for the emergency plug?

Thanks,
Tim.

Re: sump plug cross threaded?

Posted: 13 Jan 2013, 14:16
by kevtherev
just trying to save you some money
I can't advise you on the temporary plug

Re: sump plug cross threaded?

Posted: 13 Jan 2013, 14:36
by timski
Thanks Kev, I appreciate that. Will see how it goes.

Tim.