OK, back to real basics. I've bought the oil and the filter for my New Year feel good project but on looking at the sump on my 99 Punto I find it has what feels like a funny allen key type bolt not a hexagonal head.

So I know that I should get a manual or raise it up to have a look but it's now raining out there.

Can anyone advise if this requires a special tool (from fiat or car parts shop?) to take off the sump nut, or am i and my tool kit just 30 years behind the times?

Thanks Martin

martin53 said:

OK, back to real basics. I've bought the oil and the filter for my New Year feel good project but on looking at the sump on my 99 Punto I find it has what feels like a funny allen key type bolt not a hexagonal head.

So I know that I should get a manual or raise it up to have a look but it's now raining out there.

Can anyone advise if this requires a special tool (from fiat or car parts shop?) to take off the sump nut, or am i and my tool kit just 30 years behind the times?

Thanks Martin

Click to expand...

you are right-you need a hexagonal allen key-large size think it a size 12 or 13.
do a search on this forum and you will find the exact size.

turn allen key toward left to loosen the sump drian plug and right to tighten.

make sure u don't strip the threads.

12mm

sps said:

you are right-you need a hexagonal allen key-large size think it a size 12 or 13.
do a search on this forum and you will find the exact size.

turn allen key toward left to loosen the sump drian plug and right to tighten.

make sure u don't strip the threads.

Click to expand...

I always thought all allen keys were hexagonal, and don't you mean left to tighten and right to loosen (as your facing it) ?

At least i'm sure my sump doesn't have a left handed thread.

Righty-tight, left-loosey innit?
As mentioned the special tool is a 12mm allan key

hold up, depends where the allen key is lol, if it's above then it's right to tighten and left to loosen, but if it's under (as most people would normally look at it ) then it's what i said.

Best way to explain Clockwise to tighten, anti-clockwise to loosen (with a standard right hand thread anyway)

Good point

Just changed my oil as well - must be a new year thing. Anyway it's not really a special tool, just an ordinary 12mm Allen key and a regular right hand thread. It was a bit tight - had to put my foot against the nearside wheel to get enough pulling power. Alternative to the Allen key is a 12mm hex bit for 1/2" socket set (if you have such a socket set), that way you would have much more leverage. The drain plug is slightly tapered to ensure a good seal so don't go too mad when tightening it. Don't forget to check for leaks afterwards at drain plug and filter seal and top up oil level after spinning the engine to fill the new filter. End of egg-sucking lesson.

Red.