Can I re-tap an alloy sump?

[BobProperty]

Started to clean up the engine today and the sump thread is really worn. Can I re-drill and re-tap it and use another sump plug or will I have to get a new sump?

[svenandnancy]

Generally in cast Aluminium when a thread strips you would put a 'helli-coil' insert in.
A 'Helli-coil' is a precision coil of wire, for example, in Aluminium cylinder heads when the spark plug thread strips it's common place to use a 'Helli-coil' of the same wire thread as a spark plug thread.
There are seval places on the internet where you can see and understand what a 'Helli- coil' is and how it works.
Hope this helps.

[Crasher]

You must have a 16v ABF then?

[Crasher]

Err no, from your earlier posts it is an AGG, therefore they do not (should not) have an alloy sump...

[BobProperty]

:confused:
Me or Him? No it's an AEX and it's definitely alloy. The alternative is pressed steel isn't it? It could have been swapped at some point in the past though as there's signs of someone trying some additional sealing to the block / sump face.
I'll get a picture sometime.

[Crasher]

For a Golf 3 96 with an EX It is part number 032 103 601 N and I am sure they are steel but I could be wrong, I can’t find a pic. The only Golf 3 I can think of with an alloy sump is a 2 litre 16v ABF.

[BobProperty]

Here you go. It's marked 032 103 603 H

Back to the original question: can I just re-tap it and use a different size plug?

[Crasher]

032 103 603 H does not exist, it must be as casting number. Personally I would replace it now it is off.

[Sam]

It's more than likely 03C 103 603H

[BobProperty]

I'm now thinking (if you can trust the pictures) it is a EuroCarParts copy.

[Crasher]

03C 103 603 H became 03C 103 603 J then 03C 103 603 S and was only used on the Golf 2004 onwards.