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[Fandango]

First off, hello everyone.  Been checking this forum over the past few weeks and it holds a wealth of knowledge, that's for sure.

I recently purchased an Omega 2.5TD Estate (97 plate).  Took it for an oil & Filter cx at a large (fast) garage chain.  Got a call to say it was ready to pick up and when I payed for it, was informed the sump had been helicoiled.  No problems I thought, as it should have passed their leak check.

That same night I noticed a leak (1drop/30secs) from the sump plug.  I did a bit of research and was a little worried to find out the sumps are made of aluminium.  But as they were the last people to touch it, I took it to their nearest garage to me at the time.  At first, the manager said he would change the sump on their bill.  After he found out the word 'Helicoil' was annotated on the 1st invoice, he refused.

To anyone that can help me out here, my questions are:-

Do I have any 'come back' with this garage as not only did it leave with a leak, I have recently found out the helicoil came out with the plug on the original oil/filter cx.  So surely, they should have informed me prior to refitting?

If not, and if the sump tapped threads are shot.  What are the chances of doing a solid perm repair?  Either by re-tapping the sump or bolting in the washered plug with a washered nut inside the sump.  Obviously, future oil changes will have to be vacuumed through the dip stick.

I've spent a while searching for a 2nd hand sump but they're either very hard to find or I'm looking in the wrong place.  Would rather not go down that route though.

All replies will be much appreciated and look forward to reading them.  Even if they're similar, it would prove the majority rule!

Fandango.

[Jimbob]

A common fix is to drill and tap to spark plug thread size, add a helicoil. then use a peugeot sump plug iirc 

[Kevin Wood]

I would call the head office of the chain in question and try it on. After all, it wasn't leaking when you took it to them.

Are they saying it had been helicoiled previously rather than one of their gibbons over tightening it? If so, as you say, they should have at least informed you that there was likely to be a problem, and I guess it's not really down to them, but try it on anyway.

IME, they'll often take a hit rather than have a(nother) unhappy customer out there.

I would suggest a 2nd hand sump is the best permanent fix, though. Keep an eye on the local scrappies and the parts for sale section here.

Kevin

[aaronjb]

A common fix is to drill and tap to spark plug thread size, add a helicoil. then use a peugeot sump plug iirc 

A timesert would be better than a helicoil, I imagine - less chance of it creeping up the threads?

[osealy]

Seal it with isopon and use a pump out. have used one for last 100,000mls on two cars, both running fine.