Technical Sump plug rounded

Gman88667733 · Jun 14, 2020

When I last changed the oil, my sump plug was fine, no issues. Gone to do it this time and the 12mm Allen key is loose in the slot and it seems to be slightly rounded.

Any ideas?

Gman88667733 · Jun 14, 2020

Had a look online, it seems like 12V extractor pumps are quite popular nowadays. My only reservation is if it’ll extract as much oil as via the sump plug?

jackwhoo · Jun 14, 2020

Gman88667733 said:
When I last changed the oil, my sump plug was fine, no issues. Gone to do it this time and the 12mm Allen key is loose in the slot and it seems to be slightly rounded.

Any ideas?

Buy another sump plug

chris3234 · Jun 14, 2020

Get local garage to weld a small bolt into the sump plug the you can remove it and put a new one in after

Gman88667733 · Jun 14, 2020

jackwhoo said:
Buy another sump plug

But the issue is I can’t get it out in the first place!

jackwhoo · Jun 14, 2020

Buy a 13mm af studding connector nut
Tap it into sump plug , undo with spanner.
If it's too big to tap in file down the sides that you want to go in then tap it in.

Taffyduck · Jun 14, 2020

drill and remove with these brilliant things and fit new plug..

https://www.screwfix.com/p/bolt-ext...VDevtCh11VAzdEAQYASABEgIFUfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

varesecrazy · Jun 14, 2020

Gman88667733 said:
When I last changed the oil, my sump plug was fine, no issues. Gone to do it this time and the 12mm Allen key is loose in the slot and it seems to be slightly rounded.

Any ideas?

Find the tool you used to put it in ..

( get an undamaged 12mm hex.. or the new plug wont last long..)

Failing that use a 1/2" key.. thats 12.7

koalar · Jun 14, 2020

comes out easier if the oils hot straight from a run

I can just get my arm in without jacking the car. Have long arms not sure if everyone can do this.

DaveMcT · Jun 15, 2020

koalar said:
comes out easier if the oils hot straight from a run

I can just get my arm in without jacking the car. Have long arms not sure if everyone can do this.

I always jack and support the car because the oil filter is impossible without the extra space.

Gman88667733 · Jun 15, 2020

Got hold of all 12mm Allen keys we have and all of them are loose.
Very strange. I had no issues at all undoing it a few months ago, nor did I tighten it much, just enough to be secure.

koalar · Jun 15, 2020

DaveMcT said:
I always jack and support the car because the oil filter is impossible without the extra space.

the problem is the sump plug is rounded the quicker you can undo it after a run the better. Then jack the car afterwards

not that it will make as much difference today as its 28C here today

A3jeroen · Jun 15, 2020

Had that on IIRC my first Brava TD100. Had to use a chisel to get the plug out and put a new one in. After that I always made sure to tap in the allen bit.

gr J

varesecrazy · Jun 15, 2020

Idea:

( once youve got a new tapered plug..)

Can you knock a 1/2" square into it

That will bite on whats left

koalar · Jun 15, 2020

too late now but there is a lesson to be learnt.

Its easy to overtighten the sump plugs. I do mine to about 20nm

which is only what a tiny 8mm bolt would be.

jimboy · Jun 15, 2020

I have no idea on how the OP rounded off his plug, I do all my own oil changes and there are times investing in quality tools is the way to go. I was lucky enough to purchase an eBay bargain, Stahlwille inhex usually a double figure sum, cost me a fiver. It’s a half inch socket with long Allen, ideal on my Coupe. Fannying about with those wee Allen keys or the likes leads to knackered plugs one way or another, I’m not having a go here I’m only pointing out what can happen.

Worth investing in tools that up for the job. Regarding the rounded sump plug many suggestions have been offered already, but I would purchase a new plug before attempting anything. Best of luck.

DaveMcT · Jun 15, 2020

If nothing else works, drill it out and use a big stud extractor. The drilling debris mostly comes outwards but any bits will get washed out with the draining oil.

varesecrazy · Jun 16, 2020

DaveMcT said:
If nothing else works, drill it out and use a big stud extractor. The drilling debris mostly comes outwards but any bits will get washed out with the draining oil.

If nothing else works..

Fit the FREE 43k mile motor from the classifieds

koalar · Jun 16, 2020

jimboy said:
I have no idea on how the OP rounded off his plug, I do all my own oil changes and there are times investing in quality tools is the way to go. I was lucky enough to purchase an eBay bargain, Stahlwille inhex usually a double figure sum, cost me a fiver. It’s a half inch socket with long Allen, ideal on my Coupe. Fannying about with those wee Allen keys or the likes leads to knackered plugs one way or another, I’m not having a go here I’m only pointing out what can happen.

Worth investing in tools that up for the job. Regarding the rounded sump plug many suggestions have been offered already, but I would purchase a new plug before attempting anything. Best of luck.

agreed

quality tool not only make the jobs easier and less likely to damage anything but last generally a life time.

I tend to buy one quality as needed not sets. Half of sets never get used.

Lets not be too hard the original poster might have inherited like this

cant remember the last time I used keys hex bits are far easier

jackwhoo · Jun 16, 2020

varesecrazy said:
If nothing else works..

Fit the FREE 43k mile motor from the classifieds

Free motor .....The stuff of dreams.....

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