Oil draining on a 2.0 CU

Post by **tobzman** » 15 May 2006, 09:58

The sump plug on my 2.0 CU is completely siezed and in trying to get it undone at the weekend I've completely rounded the nut!!! I tried with it hot, used plusgas, hammered on a smaller socket and ended up resorting to using molegrips!!! Unfortunately the nut was in a right state to start with and now it's history.
Last time I changed the oil I had a new strainer and gasket so I just let the oil drain through the strainer cover, I measured 3.5 litres so was happy with that.

Is there any reason why I shouldn't continue to drain the oil through the strainer from now on (other than having to buy a new gasket each time)???

I had thought about getting somebody to weld a nut on the drain plug in order to remove it but I'm a bit concerned about damaging the sump as it's obviously done up far too tight.

Any thoughts on this subject would be greatly apprieciated.

Cheers
Toby

Post by **T2Andy** » 15 May 2006, 14:52

Can't see that being a problem, as the previous Aircooled engines had to be drained through the strainer as I don't think there was a seperate drain plug.

Post by **tobzman** » 15 May 2006, 15:53

Cool, looks like I should just order a handful of those gaskets for future oil changes and leave well alone with the siezed drain plug.
Cheers Andy.

Post by **Hacksawbob** » 15 May 2006, 16:27

I think it is just there for neatness as the plate method tends to be more messy. overtighten your strainer bolt and you WILL be sorry!

Post by **Tex Ritter** » 17 May 2006, 10:22

Like Hacksaw Bob says be aware that the strainer bolt is tapped into the aluminium casing, regular removal and replacement will result in stripping the threads internally, and that means a hell of a repair scenario (mine did just that...before I bought it)

Get your sump plug out by fair means or foul, but get it out, try the cold chisel on the edge technique, if you plug is badly damaged it can't make it any worse.

OR, take it to your local friendly garage/blacksmith and get them to weld a bolt or nut onto the plug, try slackening it there before you leave.

Tex Ritter

Post by **tobzman** » 17 May 2006, 16:25

I thought the actual sump plug itself is also only tapped into the aluminium sump or is there a steel sleeve that I'm not aware of??? I would have thought that regular removal of the drain plug was just as dangerous a procedure.
I think I will end up having a nut welded onto the plug but my only concern is if the thread in the sump is already knackered as a result of being done up so tight, I've not had this plug out at all since I've owned the van as my last oil change was made through the strainer.

Post by **Tex Ritter** » 20 May 2006, 19:03

The sump plug is indeed threaded into the alloy sump.

But it is slightly beefier than the strainer bolt, and , therefore can take a lot more doing and undoing.

If as you say you have totally ruined your plug, and you can't get a nut/bolt welded on, then I suggest you drill out the remains sufficiently to get an 'easy out' in at least.

Tex Ritter

Post by **tobzman** » 22 May 2006, 09:17

Cheers for all your views guys.
After changing my oil yesterday I thought I should update this thread.
I used the oil change through the strainer method again and discovered that the strainer retaining bolt isn't threaded into aluminium at all.
The nut in the middle of the plate has an internal thread on its backside which screws onto a steel stud that is fixed in the centre of the strainer housing. The specified torque for this nut is only 10lb/ft so I think it should stand up to being undone twice a year. In fact I would probably clean the strainer at each oil change anyway.

I'll get a nut welded on the drain plug eventually but for now I'm gonna leave well alone and drain through the strainer.

Cheers
Toby