Hi all. I'm trying to remove my sump plug to do an oil change, but it just won't come loose, so far all I've done is shred off even more of the edge leaving just about every edge on the nut rounded.

I went and bought an expensive set of grips today and tried using them but just shredded away more metal from the plug, it's like the previous owner welded it in (and because I know somebody will probably say it, yes I am trying to remove the right thing).

It's to the stage that I'm starting to consider having somebody weld something onto the plug for me so I can loosen it that way but considering where the plug is on the a-series I don't think that will even do a lot of good.

Need some suggestions on what to do, hell if somebody is on the gold coast and wants to make a few bucks I'll pay you to come get it off for me, it's driving me insane (it's probably just a matter of having the right tools, my collection doesn't go far past a few screw drivers, multigrips and wrenches).

Did you try the appropriate size socket and wrench? Sounds like your using a shifter, and the term american nutf$@!er comes to mind.

Not sure what size it is, but you really need to use a correct socket, it shouldn't be that tight to undo and less it was overtightened in the first place.

The proper tool for the job a ring spanner.
The best tool is an impact socket.
If none of them are possible you need a tap wrench.
It will tighten the more you pull.
Good luck.

I did originally use a socket yes but it just kept slipping so I switched to a wrench, then to multigrips, then to some better multigrips, and I've considered the tap wrench idea but I didn't like my changes of getting a drill in there on the right angle. But I suppose I might give that a go at least tomorrow

Sorry to hijack, but:

does tap wrench == stiltsen?


Also, what size socket did you use? Was it loose on the sump plug? A properly sized socket held firmly on the plug should have been fine.

But if the tap wrench is a stiltsen, then I'd suggest using that.

The socket was the closest fit I had, it did fit quite firmly but I think the previous owner had already taken off most of the edges for me so it just slipped as I pulled.

No, No, No....a tap wrench cuts or cleans up threads....a stilson is a bloody great spanner with great big teeth that grip the most stubborn of nuts

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"Show me the Mini!"

You have a new plug and copper washer ready to go in I take it?

Give it a good soaking in WD40 and have another crack at it after some time.

Oh ok, not sure how a tap wrench will help this situation then, as the bolt is still stuck

If you can get a hold of a small set of stiltsen's then try that, otherwise, you might need to try and file the edges to flat again and get a socket to fit (read: very tightly).

Not sure what else to suggest, see what someone else has to say.

9YaTaH, I've heard of tap's and dies, just a tap wrench sounded wierd!

The "Tap Wrench" that I'm thinking of is where you drill a hole in the bolt that is stuck, you insert cylindrical tool inside that has a thread the opposite way that you will be turning, then you clamp the "tap wrench" (maybe it's called something else?) onto the cylindrical piece and start turning, and ofcourse the cylindrical piece inserted inside the bolt is only gripping tighter as you turn to loosen the bolt.

I've already tried this but will do it again and leave for longer this time

Cold Chisel...no...not the band, get a descent cold chisel and carefully drift the nut loose

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"Show me the Mini!"

Sounds like a plan, thanks for the advice guys

Cold chisel really is a last resort as it will completely ruin the sump plug for good, but it will undo the most stubborn of bolts.
I had one remove a stubborn and large 150 lb/ft torqued bolt once.

Careful with the aluminium gearbox case, or you will have to deal with a hole into the gearbox as well, and think twice about your direction of thread to undo the bolt (anti clockwise)before you start swinging. Things get confusing upside down and under a car.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

use the red 1


they grip on nething

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-jamie-
1963morris 850
1965 solid side van
1994 rover racecar