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Posted By : Aaron Tucker, 02-Dec-2005, 06:42pm
Hi guys any help appreciated
I need some advice the sump plug on my herald is completely stuck
and some turnip (not me) has damaged the nut, to the point that the correct
spanner will not work.... help how do I get it off???
Do I take it to the kwick fit garage and plead?? I will be buying another one if I can just get the dam thing out!!
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Posted By : Colin Lindsay, 02-Dec-2005,
09:15pm
Any sort of 'contracting' spanner will work ie one which grips tighter the harder you turn; even a chain-type oil filter wrench will work. You can also
attach mole grips to it as tight as possible then jack the car up using a jack under the grips. Try filing two opposite edges flatter to take a smaller
spanner than usual. Tapping the plug repeatedly with a hammer, lightly but quickly to try will break the friction of the siezed threads and maybe make
it easier to turn.
If all else fails, weld a nut to it then the correct size spanner will grip the nut and turn both.
To avoid any reoccurrence you can buy bolts rather then plugs which give a better grip the next time.
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Posted By : Barry Huffer, 05-Dec-2005,
01:54pm
If you have enough room a cold chisel and hammer can be used to loosen.
As a replacement have you seen the taps available from the Little British Car company in the States. A good source of Aldon ignition equipment,
string back driving gloves, flying helmets and goggles and everything the well dressd british sports car driver needs.
Regards
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Posted By : Neil Nasralla, 05-Dec-2005,
02:12pm
When replacing the sump plug once you have removed the offending plug, replace with a magnetic one that removes small metallic particles from
the oil. It is amazing how much metal gets suspended in the oil. You should never over-tighten the sump plug. I never do but every time it
comes round to oil-change time I always struggle and wonder who tightened the plug that far and remember 'it was me!'.
Best of luck, Neil
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Posted By : Craig Gingell, 05-Dec-2005,
03:16pm
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Posted By : John Davies, 05-Dec-2005,
06:07pm
I think there was yet another previous thread on this subject, as I clearly remember recommending the Flame, as in gasaxe (set orange) or just a
butane torch, to loosen the plug ( the surrounding mount will expand more than the solid plug) and being 'flamed' for suggesting such a dangerous
idea. Well, it works for me.
Other wise,as someone esle above suggested, a self gripping wrench, as in "Stillson" wrench. Designed to grip pipe, these have jaws that tighten as
you turn in the desired direction and have hardened teeth on them. Slip, they will not. In fact, if the plug is really tight, it may be possible to
rip the mount out of the sump!
John
