C30 General : Oil drain plug replace every oil change?

[bucks1000]

I know you should replace the washer, but is it advisable to replace the sump plug every time I change the oil?

[Clan]

Originally Posted by bucks1000

I know you should replace the washer, but is it advisable to replace the sump plug every time I change the oil?

No not at all , just don't overtighten it .. only the 1800 and 2000 ford petrol engines need a new sump plug when changing oil

[Daim]

Originally Posted by Clan

No not at all , just don't overtighten it .. only the 1800 and 2000 ford petrol engines need a new sump plug when changing oil

Yep! And I personally think it is a good idea. A friend had his 2.0d speced up to normal torque settings and the result was, before it was tight, it sheared off... Result: new oil pan required. If it is changed every time, you save yourself some fatigue.

[AndyMcc]

Originally Posted by bucks1000

I know you should replace the washer, but is it advisable to replace the sump plug every time I change the oil?

Sump plug will last for yonks without the need for replacement. Washer should be replaced every time but you can get away changing it ever two / three changes. If you don't replace the washer lightly sand it to take away any rough edges before you re seat it.

Andy.

[Daim]

Originally Posted by AndyMcc

Sump plug will last for yonks without the need for replacement. Washer should be replaced every time but you can get away changing it ever two / three changes. If you don't replace the washer lightly sand it to take away any rough edges before you re seat it.

Andy.

As Clan said, if it is a 1.8 or 2.0l petrol then it MUST be replaced every time. That MUST is not a "could be" but a "if you don't you'll f*ck it all up so change it"

[kebab10]

Originally Posted by Daim

As Clan said, if it is a 1.8 or 2.0l petrol then it MUST be replaced every time. That MUST is not a "could be" but a "if you don't you'll f*ck it all up so change it"

Why is that then? Seems a bit vague to me. Can someone put my brain cells at rest and explain please. Really curious now, or is it the inner voice" I must know" asking!

[nbuuifx]

I know a lot of garages now do oil changes from the top - sucking the oil out through the dipstick tube. Should they still replace the sump plug/sump plug washer each time? Or is it OK to be left because it's not being touched?

[ASt85]

Garages that do this are very unlikely to remove the sump plug so will not be disturbing the washer - so no, oil drain/change done via dipstick, no new washer needed.

Some sump plug washers are true crush washers - as found on spark plugs and should only be used once - others are flat soft metal washers which reply on good face contact alone to produce a leak free joint - these are usually made from aluminium, copper, aluminium alloy or copper alloys and can be used a couple of times if they are still flat and un-pitted.

Personally I have always used a new sump washer irrespective of the make of engine - it just isn't worth having a major leak at speed resulting in engine damage for the sake of a £1 washer.

I know engine damage is unlikely if you turn an engine off as soon as the oil light comes on, but that assumes the engine oil light or pressure sensor have not failed and that the sensor is located in the best gallery to prevent damage - Having once rebuilt a V4 Corsair oil pump and managed to get the pressure relief valve reversed, you would be surprised how quickly an engine can pump out a gallon of oil - especially after the filter has blown off the engine!

[nofinchance]

Am I wrong in thinking the drain plug itself has a slight magnetic effect? I am sure some old cars did to catch any foreign bodies in the oil. If the Volvo does this then a new plug once in a while may be a good thing ?

[ASt85]

You are right, most replacement plugs are magnetic as are many OEMs. However, the magnetic variety rarely need replacing as their permanent magnet nature means their magnetic properties will probably outlive the life of the car.