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[Alex W]

Trying to do an engine oil change today, sump plug wouldn't budge. I was using the correct torx bit but it has still completely shredded the sump plug (they must be made of blancmange).

Anyone got any ideas about how to get it out now?

Thanks in advance.

[Marks DTM Calib]

Trying to do an engine oil change today, sump plug wouldn't budge. I was using the correct torx bit but it has still completely shredded the sump plug (they must be made of blancmange).

Anyone got any ideas about how to get it out now?

Thanks in advance.

Quite the contary, the fault will be due to:



A spanner wielding monkey has overtightened it!

You could try mole grips on the outside

[Andy B]

....

Anyone got any ideas about how to get it out now?

Thanks in advance.

A new lower sump pan is around £35. plus a tube of grey glue/instant gasket if need be. 

[unclelicklug]

If you're prepared to drop the sump I guess you can relatively easily remove the old plug - drill it through and then use an Easy Out.

If you were badly pushed you could try in situ but there's high risk (certainty) of drilling waste going into the sump.

I think garages used to do an oil change with a pipe down the dipstick tube and suction to pull oil out - probably won't get a good change as there'll be plenty of cr*p left in the sump, but better than nothing for now..

[Andy B]

......

I think garages used to do an oil change with a pipe down the dipstick tube and suction to pull oil out - probably won't get a good change as there'll be plenty of cr*p left in the sump, but better than nothing for now..

This is how you do a Smart's oil change as Merc saved a couple of quid by not fitting a sump drain plug.  :-?  :-?  :-?

[Marks DTM Calib]

......

I think garages used to do an oil change with a pipe down the dipstick tube and suction to pull oil out - probably won't get a good change as there'll be plenty of cr*p left in the sump, but better than nothing for now..

This is how you do a Smart's oil change as Merc saved a couple of quid by not fitting a sump drain plug.  :-?  :-?  :-?

I thought they just did them the same as a mower and turned them on there side until the old oil came out of the filler 

[unclelicklug]

......

I think garages used to do an oil change with a pipe down the dipstick tube and suction to pull oil out - probably won't get a good change as there'll be plenty of cr*p left in the sump, but better than nothing for now..

This is how you do a Smart's oil change as Merc saved a couple of quid by not fitting a sump drain plug.  :-?  :-?  :-?

I thought they just did them the same as a mower and turned them on there side until the old oil came out of the filler 

LOL - maybe that's where all that trouble with the elk test started

[Bent valve]

You need a small stilson wrench. 

[osealy]

Buy a pump. Best thing I ever did.Don't know where the filter is on  a V6 but I dont even have to go under the car anymore, 114-200k mls & no issues.

[Brikhead]

Buy a pump. Best thing I ever did.Don't know where the filter is on  a V6 but I dont even have to go under the car anymore, 114-200k mls & no issues.

Eventually the oil filter will break down into little pieces and float around your engine... I've seen it happen with element type filters.

[aaronjb]

Buy a pump. Best thing I ever did.Don't know where the filter is on  a V6 but I dont even have to go under the car anymore, 114-200k mls & no issues.

Eventually the oil filter will break down into little pieces and float around your engine... I've seen it happen with element type filters.

I think he meant he doesn't know where the filter is on a V6 - and therefore whether the OP would still need to get under the car to change the filter - but on the TD he doesn't as it's all accessible from the top... not that he doesn't change the filter ever

[osealy]

Td gets filter changed 4-5K, why would it break down ? I only refer to seized bung. The threads usualy give up on high mile td's due to shorter oil changes.

[Cliffo B]

As already said use stilsons (newish ones with sharp teeth) on outer edge,luckily theres lots of room to work.

[geoffr70]

How about trying to carefully file the plug to make it square enough for a socket/spanner/stilsons to get a bite? Or you could try and hammer on a torx bit slightly too big, then trying to undo it with breaker bar, worked for me. Be careful with the threads though.

[dbug]

As already said use stilsons (newish ones with sharp teeth) on outer edge,luckily theres lots of room to work.