Quote:
Originally Posted by ilmiont
Pre-holiday status then:
- No oil change  I suppose in the scheme of things doing what will be about 10-12k on the same oil isn't too bad and still better than many cars see, but not what I'm really comfortable with for long-term health based on the colour change observed over the past couple of thousand miles.
- Tank filled, but with E10. I can't really be choosey in the present circumstances and am optimistic we'll find some premium grade once further north. As tomorrow's mostly a motorway day I'll just be happy I've got something to run on, I know that's more than some unfortunate people this week.
- Undertray fitted for the first time in who knows how long. Sump and belts protected on what looks like it could be a very wet day.
The sump plug saga may resume later in the month. A neighbour has offered to lend me a blow torch. I don't know that I trust myself to try that!
Photos of the plug as it is today
(notice how the sump bulges out directly above the plug - there is limited clearance for vice grips or a pipe wrench without scraping it, which I don't want to do)
The head was rounded the first time I got under the car, now it's really rounded and gnarled by vice grips and twist sockets. |
I don't think running the oil on for another week will be an issue - enjoy your holiday. E10 will be fine in your motor car.
That sump plug looks rounded off enough to find another nut that would slip over quite neatly, then weld through the hole with an arc welder. I don't know whether you have an arc welder or not - but they are pretty common and if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself there will be a chap nearby able to do it for not a lot of money. It would be a 5 minute job if you had already found a nut that fits and for someone with their kit already set up.
Have a good holiday.
Alan