Oil Drain Plug (or Sump) Removal Problem

**Chromate** · 02-03-2008,05:30 PM

After finally getting my car running again, I thought I'd treat it to an oil change. Long overdue.

Problem is, I can't get the oil drain plug off. I've tried using extension bars / hammers etc and it just won't budge. Limited space working underneath the car is making it almost impossible to try anything else.

So I thought, okay, I'll take the sump off completely and then try and get it off while it's off the car. Problem is, I don't seem to be able to get all the sump retaining bolts off as part of the transmission casing is in the way. 2.0 16v GTi, engine code MBF. So it seems I need to remove the gearbox or something, just to get the sump off. Is this correct? If so, obviously I'm not going to do that.

Otherwise, I'll have to pay a garage to get the car up on a ramp and loosen the thing off just so I can change the oil.

So, two questions:

Is there anything in particular I should try in order to get the sump drain plug out?

Is it not possible to remove the sump without removing the transmission? (engine code: MBF)

Cheers! Rich

**kenney** · 02-03-2008,08:14 PM

Hi Understand your dilemma,usually a few bangs with a moderate hammer loosens the plugg,however you do not have to remove the gearbox to remove the sump.

**Chromate** · 02-03-2008,09:13 PM

Thanks Kenney. Hmm okay. I don't really know how to remove it in that case. There's definitely something blocking access to the retaining bolts, and it's something to do with the gearbox. I'll try and get a photo tomorrow.

I'll also try a bit more with the hammer and some WD40. Should I try heating the sump up with a blowtorch in the area around the plug? Or is that not a good idea?

I'll be back with a progress report

Cheers.

**kjopen** · 02-03-2008,09:26 PM

Before I'd go to all the trouble of removing the sump and the possible sealing issues on refitting, I'd try a bit more on getting the plug out. Not using a blow torch though...., how about getting the oil pretty warm after a longish run, then trying to freeze the plug itself? You could use some of that freeze spray you put on veruccas - they are damn cold and the difference in temperatures along with some leverage may be just enough to persuade it off, - just a thought....

**kenney** · 02-03-2008,09:50 PM

Hi Wd40 in this case is a waste of time there is no chance of it penetrating.Blow torch no.If you are prepared to sacrifice the plug,if hitting it with the hammer doesnt do the job,you could try with a chisel,taking care not to damage the sump,i have had to resolve to this a few times especially when the plug has been rounded. AND ( Limited space working underneath the car) If you are trying to do this job without, at least jacking the car up, then i would say that is your biggest problem

**STEWY L** · 02-03-2008,10:21 PM

their was nothing wrong at all with my sump plug when i changed the oil, but just the time,
and awkwardness of dropping the guard, and the plug made my mind up that by the time the next oil change comes around, i will have put my hands on some suction gear and after warming the car up on a run, suck the oil out of the dipstick hole. i have used hand operated suction guns in the past to take oil samples and it beats lying around on a wet drive.
i got mine from the place i was working at. where you would get one at a reasonable price i couldn't say, but if you try ringing around some motor factors you may come up trumps.
the place i worked at did sell them over the parts counter to the public, but expensive wasn't the word. e mail me if you wish, they had branches through out the land.

**Chromate** · 03-03-2008,02:14 PM

Stewy, That's a good idea. I never even considered that. If I create a big enough drop, then it may even be possible to siphen the majority of it out, and then pump the remainder. Thanks.

However, it still bugs me that the sump plug SHOULD come out. The last place to change the oil was VW a couple of years ago (or so they said on the service form). So they probably tightened the heck out of it.

I'll try again today.

**Crasher** · 03-03-2008,02:37 PM

The sump bung in the ABF ally sump often proves to be a nightmare to undo.

**Chromate** · 03-03-2008,06:34 PM

Well, I haven't managed to have another go at it yet (raining).

I did drop by a garage, but they didn't want to touch it through fear that they might crack it or not be able re-seal it, possibly leaving me stranded.

But after doing some research, it looks like a sump pump is the way to go to just save myself the hassle of getting it off.

http://marinestore.co.uk/Merchant2/m...tore_Code=mrst

Cheap too. Just gotta check that the pipe will fit down the dipstick hole. But if not, I can rig it up with another pipe anyway.

Cheers all!

**Col** · 03-03-2008,07:16 PM

Originally Posted by Chromate

Well, I haven't managed to have another go at it yet (raining).

I did drop by a garage, but they didn't want to touch it through fear that they might crack it or not be able re-seal it, possibly leaving me stranded.

But after doing some research, it looks like a sump pump is the way to go to just save myself the hassle of getting it off.

http://marinestore.co.uk/Merchant2/m...tore_Code=mrst

Cheap too. Just gotta check that the pipe will fit down the dipstick hole. But if not, I can rig it up with another pipe anyway.

Cheers all!

I use one of these fellas and have for years.

£39 from that supplier by the looks of it.