First time DIY... all did NOT go to plan!

[andy_d]

Originally Posted by DaveNP

I'm most definitely capable of making a mess no matter how well I think I've positioned the oil tray. We were given a large bag of cat litter a while ago so now I just put a layer down before I start ready to absorb the spills, if I don't spill anything it can be swept up and used again.

when you graduate to the
Large area of cardboard under the engine bay + car (its Not just you Laird who does that)
cat litter around the edges
Bag of cat litter on standby

and still manage do to a "me" and have an amoco cadiz moment

[ilmiont]

The new sump plug and the twist sockets arrived.

Car's in the air at the moment. The twist socket seems to have fit the rounded sump plug OK but still absolutely no movement with my wrench.

I put my torque wrench on it - I know you're not meant to use them for loosening - and it's clicking at 50nm with no movement.

I suppose I should stop - it's clearly over-torqued and I presume if it comes out it's going to bring the pan threads with it? Is there a safe Nm threshold to go to? VIDA states tighten to 38nm; therefore I've given it 1.3x the design spec torque so far.

It looks like I'm going to be forced to use vacuum suction only on this car - can anyone recommend a specific model known to work well on P2 petrols (preferably with next day delivery available)?

[ITSv40]

Originally Posted by ilmiont

The new sump plug and the twist sockets arrived.

Car's in the air at the moment. The twist socket seems to have fit the rounded sump plug OK but still absolutely no movement with my wrench.

I put my torque wrench on it - I know you're not meant to use them for loosening - and it's clicking at 50nm with no movement.

I suppose I should stop - it's clearly over-torqued and I presume if it comes out it's going to bring the pan threads with it? Is there a safe Nm threshold to go to? VIDA states tighten to 38nm; therefore I've given it 1.3x the design spec torque so far.

It looks like I'm going to be forced to use vacuum suction only on this car - can anyone recommend a specific model known to work well on P2 petrols (preferably with next day delivery available)?

It isn't torque as such that you need in this instance but a good sharp tap on the spanner to break the seal. Once you have loosened the plug, it should undo without much force if the threads are still intact. If it feels tight to undo after it has been started, I would retighten as there is most likely something wrong with the sump threads. The threads will only be damaged by frequent overtightening or cross threading the plug as it is inserted.

[Laird Scooby]

Originally Posted by ilmiont

It looks like I'm going to be forced to use vacuum suction only on this car - can anyone recommend a specific model known to work well on P2 petrols (preferably with next day delivery available)?

I use one of these for the gearbox ATF in my 760, other pumps are similar/same and all will take ~20-25 minutes to empty the sump :

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/324557595638

If you've had ~38lbft on the sump plug and it's not moving, i would suggest trying a bit more like ~50lbft (~70Nm) as the monkey that tightened may have been King Kong instead of Bubbles the Chimp. However if that doesn't show movement more or less straightaway, i would do as you're suggesting and opt for the vacuum removal.

[ilmiont]

I'm giving up. Too much is at stake as I'm going away on Saturday. Conversely the oil has done 7,000 miles and I'm planning to do up to 3,000 miles over the next fortnight, if the petrol shortage eases. Oil is now a darkening brown on the dipstick. It's 5W-30 topped-up with about 1.5l of 0W-30. Unfortunately I think I'm just going to have to call it a day and take her as she is then sort this mess out once I'm home and not really needing the car. I thought this would be a simple pre-holiday service! Not got the spark plugs in either, oh well, on the up, she is running fine so I'll try to focus on that.

Got the bigger torque wrench on it - feeling like I'm starting to abuse things - and that's clicking at 70nm. No sign the plug will budge and the head's getting really mauled. Tried tapping it, and tapping the end of a wrench with a rubber mallet - nothing.

Very frustrating. Madness like this is why I wanted to start doing my own work in the first place, now thwarted at the first attempt having spent an extra £50 this week on twist sockets, wrenches, genuine drain plug and next day delivery and taken an afternoon off work hoping it would make a difference.

Now I'm off to work out whether a DIY sump replacement would be doable!

[ITSv40]

I really feel for you with all the frustrations on what should have been a simple job. However, your immediate plan of action is the best in the circumstances. Good luck with the trip.

[andy_d]

Originally Posted by ilmiont

The new sump plug and the twist sockets arrived.

Car's in the air at the moment. The twist socket seems to have fit the rounded sump plug OK but still absolutely no movement with my wrench.

I put my torque wrench on it - I know you're not meant to use them for loosening - and it's clicking at 50nm with no movement.

I suppose I should stop - it's clearly over-torqued and I presume if it comes out it's going to bring the pan threads with it? Is there a safe Nm threshold to go to? VIDA states tighten to 38nm; therefore I've given it 1.3x the design spec torque so far.

It looks like I'm going to be forced to use vacuum suction only on this car - can anyone recommend a specific model known to work well on P2 petrols (preferably with next day delivery available)?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sealey-TP69.../dp/B07GZHCRJF
2004+2005 V50s with the 2.4I pertrol engine
*possibly next day or 3-4days depending on stock level/prime membership

not a elec one tho so takes pumping and possibly longer to work than the elec

IF when you return from your trip you feel like tackling the plug again
a breaker bar , Very close fit socket and Lightly tap the breaker with a dead blow hammer can sometimes shock the bolt loose, tap+tap not "hammer" it tho.

Does sound as if its been way over tightened with whatever they used, good luck

[Stu B]

Hi Ilmiont,

I share your frustration too - I’ve been there many times, best laid plans etc. If I were you, as you suggest, I’d leave the car as is, go on your trip and start again when you’re back refreshed.

I use a Sealey TP69 manual extractor and have found it will empty any vehicle oil sump I’ve tried it on (various Volvos, VW vans, MINI, BMW, Fiat…) in about 10-20 mins after a couple of a swift pumps on the handle while you have a cup of tea.

All the best, enjoy your trip!

Stu

[MDS40]

[QUOTE=Laird Scooby;2774200]I use one of these for the gearbox ATF in my 760, other pumps are similar/same and all will take ~20-25 minutes to empty the sump :

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/324557595638

That the one i use.

As mines an auto its not easy to drive up the ramps without going over to top, then faff around removing the undertray before even getting started on the sump plug.

[richmac]

Hi Ilmiont,

The very best of luck with the DIY. It's definitely worht persevering.

With that in mind, can I be the unpopular one to ask the obvious question, purely because we've all been upside down for the first time under a UK condition Volvo? Do you have a bi-directional torque wrench or could you be turning the bolt the wrong way?

Best regards,

Rich.