I want to have a go at changing the oil on my Mitsubishi old banger.  Given
it's my first time doing, it might be sensible to lay up some supplies just
in case something goes wrong...

I've been thinking about getting a spare sump plug and washer just in case,
but I'm rather confused by the range.  AFAICS sump plugs are basically just
a bolt, with potentially an unusually shaped end.  By looking around there
seem to be a few different sizes or threads.

That much I understand.  But why are some people selling plugs for specific
models of car?  Don't manufacturers use the same style of plug in all of
their models?  I need order one - probably eBay if I can as I don't want to
pay a fortune for postage.  Usually Mitsubishi isn't listed, which makes it
a pain.  Is there a big cross reference list somewhere?  My workshop manual
is silent on the subject.  I /think/ Mitsubishi is usually 14mm x 1.5 thread
- can I just buy any old sump plug of those dimensions or will there be
model-specific stuff (like some models need a different size or head, a
shorter bore or something like that?)

And what's the difference between washers?  I can find, at least, steel,
copper, fibre, nylon and rubber.  Which to choose?

Thanks
Theo

Theo Markettos wrote:

> I want to have a go at changing the oil on my Mitsubishi old banger. 
> Given it's my first time doing, it might be sensible to lay up some
> supplies just in case something goes wrong...
> 
> I've been thinking about getting a spare sump plug and washer just in
> case,
> but I'm rather confused by the range.  AFAICS sump plugs are basically
> just
> a bolt, with potentially an unusually shaped end.  By looking around there
> seem to be a few different sizes or threads.
> 
> That much I understand.  But why are some people selling plugs for
> specific
> models of car?  Don't manufacturers use the same style of plug in all of
> their models?  I need order one - probably eBay if I can as I don't want
> to
> pay a fortune for postage.  Usually Mitsubishi isn't listed, which makes
> it
> a pain.  Is there a big cross reference list somewhere?  My workshop
> manual
> is silent on the subject.  I /think/ Mitsubishi is usually 14mm x 1.5
> thread - can I just buy any old sump plug of those dimensions or will
> there be model-specific stuff (like some models need a different size or
> head, a shorter bore or something like that?)
> 
> And what's the difference between washers?  I can find, at least, steel,
> copper, fibre, nylon and rubber.  Which to choose?
> 
> Thanks
> Theo

There are no standards; sometimes one type will fit a number of models in a
particular manufacturer's range simply because the engines used are the
same.

It is sensible of you to want to have a sump plug available; get the correct
one from a dealer.

Chris

-- 
Remove prejudice to reply.

On Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:09:37 +0100, Theo Markettos wrote:

> I want to have a go at changing the oil on my Mitsubishi old banger. 
> Given it's my first time doing, it might be sensible to lay up some
> supplies just in case something goes wrong...
> 
> I've been thinking about getting a spare sump plug and washer just in
> case, but I'm rather confused by the range.  AFAICS sump plugs are
> basically just a bolt, with potentially an unusually shaped end.  By
> looking around there seem to be a few different sizes or threads.
> 
> That much I understand.  But why are some people selling plugs for
> specific models of car?  Don't manufacturers use the same style of plug
> in all of their models?  I need order one - probably eBay if I can as I
> don't want to pay a fortune for postage.  Usually Mitsubishi isn't
> listed, which makes it a pain.  Is there a big cross reference list
> somewhere?  My workshop manual is silent on the subject.  I /think/
> Mitsubishi is usually 14mm x 1.5 thread - can I just buy any old sump
> plug of those dimensions or will there be model-specific stuff (like
> some models need a different size or head, a shorter bore or something
> like that?)
> 
> And what's the difference between washers?  I can find, at least, steel,
> copper, fibre, nylon and rubber.  Which to choose?
> 
> Thanks
> Theo

===================================
It's worth getting under your car with a few spanners to make sure you've 
got one that fits the drain plug. Some plugs take standard spanners, but 
others need a special sump plug spanner. Look here for *possible* 
variations:

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/cht220-oil-drain-plug-
key-set/path/automotive-tools

http://tinyurl.com/6zon6p


Cic.
-- 
===================================
Using Ubuntu Linux
Windows shown the door
===================================

Thus spake Theo Markettos (theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk) unto the assembled multitudes:
> I want to have a go at changing the oil on my Mitsubishi old banger.  Given
> it's my first time doing, it might be sensible to lay up some supplies just
> in case something goes wrong...

> I've been thinking about getting a spare sump plug and washer just in case,

FWIW I've never changed the sump plug nor its washer on any car that I've
owned (Fiestas then Astras), and they have been perfectly alright.  I don't
even bother to tighten to the specified torque; I just tighten up with a
ratchet spanner until it feels good and tight, and that's it, no fuss, job
done.  Never had any problems.   I *always* change the filter with the oil,
BTW.

-- 
                                 Andy Clews
                            University of Sussex
                 *** Remove DENTURES if replying by email ***

A.Clews@DENTURESsussex.ac.uk wrote:
> Thus spake Theo Markettos (theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk) unto
> the assembled multitudes:
>> I want to have a go at changing the oil on my Mitsubishi old banger.
>> Given it's my first time doing, it might be sensible to lay up some
>> supplies just in case something goes wrong...
>
>> I've been thinking about getting a spare sump plug and washer just
>> in case,
>
> FWIW I've never changed the sump plug nor its washer on any car that
> I've
> owned (Fiestas then Astras), and they have been perfectly alright.  I
> don't
> even bother to tighten to the specified torque; I just tighten up
> with a
> ratchet spanner until it feels good and tight, and that's it, no
> fuss, job
> done.  Never had any problems.   I *always* change the filter with
> the oil,
> BTW.

Same here...

Mike P

On Aug 12, 10:08 am, A.Cl...@DENTURESsussex.ac.uk wrote:
> Thus spake Theo Markettos (theom...@chiark.greenend.org.uk) unto the assembled multitudes:
>
> > I want to have a go at changing the oil on my Mitsubishi old banger.  Given
> > it's my first time doing, it might be sensible to lay up some supplies just
> > in case something goes wrong...
> > I've been thinking about getting a spare sump plug and washer just in case,
>
> FWIW I've never changed the sump plug nor its washer on any car that I've
> owned (Fiestas then Astras), and they have been perfectly alright.  I don't
> even bother to tighten to the specified torque; I just tighten up with a
> ratchet spanner until it feels good and tight, and that's it, no fuss, job
> done.  Never had any problems.   I *always* change the filter with the oil,
> BTW.
>
Same here as well. I do occasionally change the washer. I have had to
fish around in the oil receptacle for the plug a couple of times
though.
--
Malc

Malc wrote:
> On Aug 12, 10:08 am, A.Cl...@DENTURESsussex.ac.uk wrote:
>> Thus spake Theo Markettos (theom+n...@chiark.greenend.org.uk) unto
>> the assembled multitudes:
>>
>>> I want to have a go at changing the oil on my Mitsubishi old
>>> banger. Given it's my first time doing, it might be sensible to lay
>>> up some supplies just in case something goes wrong...
>>> I've been thinking about getting a spare sump plug and washer just
>>> in case,
>>
>> FWIW I've never changed the sump plug nor its washer on any car that
>> I've
>> owned (Fiestas then Astras), and they have been perfectly alright. I
>> don't
>> even bother to tighten to the specified torque; I just tighten up
>> with a
>> ratchet spanner until it feels good and tight, and that's it, no
>> fuss, job
>> done. Never had any problems. I *always* change the filter with the
>> oil,
>> BTW.
>>
> Same here as well. I do occasionally change the washer. I have had to
> fish around in the oil receptacle for the plug a couple of times
> though.

Oh, that's a given :-) I just use those cheapy white gloves and bin them 
afterwards. My brother prefers to unscrew it to the last thread, then remove 
it with a pair of waterpump pliers then he doesn't drop it in the oil.

Mike P

"Mike P"  wrote in message
news:6gda73Ffc01tU1@mid.individual.net...
> Malc wrote:
>> On Aug 12, 10:08 am, A.Cl...@DENTURESsussex.ac.uk wrote:
>>> Thus spake Theo Markettos (theom+n...@chiark.greenend.org.uk) unto
>>> the assembled multitudes:
>>>
>>>> I want to have a go at changing the oil on my Mitsubishi old
>>>> banger. Given it's my first time doing, it might be sensible to lay
>>>> up some supplies just in case something goes wrong...
>>>> I've been thinking about getting a spare sump plug and washer just
>>>> in case,
>>>
>>> FWIW I've never changed the sump plug nor its washer on any car that
>>> I've
>>> owned (Fiestas then Astras), and they have been perfectly alright. I
>>> don't
>>> even bother to tighten to the specified torque; I just tighten up
>>> with a
>>> ratchet spanner until it feels good and tight, and that's it, no
>>> fuss, job
>>> done. Never had any problems. I *always* change the filter with the
>>> oil,
>>> BTW.
>>>
>> Same here as well. I do occasionally change the washer. I have had to
>> fish around in the oil receptacle for the plug a couple of times
>> though.
>
> Oh, that's a given :-) I just use those cheapy white gloves and bin them
> afterwards. My brother prefers to unscrew it to the last thread, then
> remove it with a pair of waterpump pliers then he doesn't drop it in the
> oil.
>
> Mike P
Whatever you do don't use a funnel and let the drain plug fall in and block
the fucking hole!!!  And I can tell you that the driveway oil & stain 
removers are shit!! Although perhaps thinking it would remove 4 litres of 
shitty used black oil from a previously nice clean block paving driveway was 
a bit over optimistic!  From now on I stick to National when they have their 
£20 oil & filter change offer on.

Redwood wrote:
> "Mike P"  wrote in message
> news:6gda73Ffc01tU1@mid.individual.net...
>> Malc wrote:
>>> On Aug 12, 10:08 am, A.Cl...@DENTURESsussex.ac.uk wrote:
>>>> Thus spake Theo Markettos (theom+n...@chiark.greenend.org.uk) unto
>>>> the assembled multitudes:
>>>>
>>>>> I want to have a go at changing the oil on my Mitsubishi old
>>>>> banger. Given it's my first time doing, it might be sensible to
>>>>> lay up some supplies just in case something goes wrong...
>>>>> I've been thinking about getting a spare sump plug and washer just
>>>>> in case,
>>>>
>>>> FWIW I've never changed the sump plug nor its washer on any car
>>>> that I've
>>>> owned (Fiestas then Astras), and they have been perfectly alright.
>>>> I don't
>>>> even bother to tighten to the specified torque; I just tighten up
>>>> with a
>>>> ratchet spanner until it feels good and tight, and that's it, no
>>>> fuss, job
>>>> done. Never had any problems. I *always* change the filter with the
>>>> oil,
>>>> BTW.
>>>>
>>> Same here as well. I do occasionally change the washer. I have had
>>> to fish around in the oil receptacle for the plug a couple of times
>>> though.
>>
>> Oh, that's a given :-) I just use those cheapy white gloves and bin
>> them afterwards. My brother prefers to unscrew it to the last
>> thread, then remove it with a pair of waterpump pliers then he
>> doesn't drop it in the oil.
>>
>> Mike P
> Whatever you do don't use a funnel and let the drain plug fall in and
> block the fucking hole!!!  And I can tell you that the driveway oil &
> stain removers are shit!! Although perhaps thinking it would remove 4
> litres of shitty used black oil from a previously nice clean block
> paving driveway was a bit over optimistic!  From now on I stick to
> National when they have their £20 oil & filter change offer on.

heh.

Also, don't use a gallon container with the side cut off as a drain tray, 
then forget the side is missing and pick it up vertically with the 
handle.... I also learnt driveway cleaners are shite ....

Mike

Mike P wrote:
>
> Also, don't use a gallon container with the side cut off as a drain
> tray, then forget the side is missing and pick it up vertically with
> the handle.... I also learnt driveway cleaners are shite ....
>
BTDT plus of course my car holds about a gallon so it tends to fill up said 
container pretty close to the top making carrying it just that bit more 
tricky....

A few years back we rented a small cottage in a place called Chalford Hill 
near Stroud. Hill is the operative word here. It's a picturesque place 
arranged down the side of a hill with lots of little lanes all over the 
place. Because my car leaked a bit I thought I'd better clean the drive 
before we left. So a bit of drive cleaner and several gallons of soapy water 
later it was passable. SWMBO had been down to the village shop about 1/4 
mile away down the hill and a few corners and junctions away. Apparently 
shoppers were asking where this stream of mucky soapy water was coming from.

-- 
Malc

You laugh at me because I am different
I laugh at you because you are all the same

A.Clews@denturessussex.ac.uk wrote:
> FWIW I've never changed the sump plug nor its washer on any car that I've
> owned (Fiestas then Astras), and they have been perfectly alright.  I don't
> even bother to tighten to the specified torque; I just tighten up with a
> ratchet spanner until it feels good and tight, and that's it, no fuss, job
> done.  Never had any problems.   I *always* change the filter with the oil,
> BTW.

That may be true, but since I'm a novice I probably ought to be prepared for
eventualities.  It's only a few quid after all.  Just in case I screw it up
and then discover no-one has any stock...

Already have the filter - I feel another trip to Partco coming along.

Theo

"Redwood"  wrote in message 
news:6gdiqeFf6fe3U1@mid.individual.net...
>
> "Mike P"  wrote in message
> news:6gda73Ffc01tU1@mid.individual.net...
>> Malc wrote:
>>> On Aug 12, 10:08 am, A.Cl...@DENTURESsussex.ac.uk wrote:
>>>> Thus spake Theo Markettos (theom+n...@chiark.greenend.org.uk) unto
>>>> the assembled multitudes:
>>>>
>>>>> I want to have a go at changing the oil on my Mitsubishi old
>>>>> banger. Given it's my first time doing, it might be sensible to lay
>>>>> up some supplies just in case something goes wrong...
>>>>> I've been thinking about getting a spare sump plug and washer just
>>>>> in case,
>>>>
>>>> FWIW I've never changed the sump plug nor its washer on any car that
>>>> I've
>>>> owned (Fiestas then Astras), and they have been perfectly alright. I
>>>> don't
>>>> even bother to tighten to the specified torque; I just tighten up
>>>> with a
>>>> ratchet spanner until it feels good and tight, and that's it, no
>>>> fuss, job
>>>> done. Never had any problems. I *always* change the filter with the
>>>> oil,
>>>> BTW.
>>>>
>>> Same here as well. I do occasionally change the washer. I have had to
>>> fish around in the oil receptacle for the plug a couple of times
>>> though.
>>
>> Oh, that's a given :-) I just use those cheapy white gloves and bin them
>> afterwards. My brother prefers to unscrew it to the last thread, then
>> remove it with a pair of waterpump pliers then he doesn't drop it in the
>> oil.
>>
>> Mike P
> Whatever you do don't use a funnel and let the drain plug fall in and 
> block
> the fucking hole!!!  And I can tell you that the driveway oil & stain 
> removers are shit!! Although perhaps thinking it would remove 4 litres of 
> shitty used black oil from a previously nice clean block paving driveway 
> was a bit over optimistic!  From now on I stick to National when they have 
> their £20 oil & filter change offer on.
>


Hey, I did that with one of those plastic drainer/carriers you can buy. 
Sump plug went Plunk Whibbly Thwok into the drain hole, resulting in 
instant Black Niagra Falls all over the place.  Fortunately it was the car 
park at work, and I put loads of sand down, after unsuccessfully trying to 
dilute it with petrol and setting it on fire.

About 2 months later it was all gone.




Gareth.

On Tue, 12 Aug 2008 22:54:09 +0100, Theo Markettos  
<theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

> A.Clews@denturessussex.ac.uk wrote:
>> FWIW I've never changed the sump plug nor its washer on any car that  
>> I've
>> owned (Fiestas then Astras), and they have been perfectly alright.  I  
>> don't
>> even bother to tighten to the specified torque; I just tighten up with a
>> ratchet spanner until it feels good and tight, and that's it, no fuss,  
>> job
>> done.  Never had any problems.   I *always* change the filter with the  
>> oil,
>> BTW.
>
> That may be true, but since I'm a novice I probably ought to be prepared  
> for
> eventualities.  It's only a few quid after all.  Just in case I screw it  
> up
> and then discover no-one has any stock...
>
> Already have the filter - I feel another trip to Partco coming along.
>
> Theo


Buy a pair of rubber gloves & check you've got the right sized socket &  
you'll have to really try to bugger the sump bolt. A new washer is  
suffeciently cheap you might as well pay Mitsubishi for it.

Thus spake Theo Markettos (theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk) unto the assembled multitudes:
> A.Clews@denturessussex.ac.uk wrote:
>> FWIW I've never changed the sump plug nor its washer on any car that I've
>> owned (Fiestas then Astras), and they have been perfectly alright. [...]

> That may be true, but since I'm a novice I probably ought to be prepared for
> eventualities.  It's only a few quid after all.  Just in case I screw it up
> and then discover no-one has any stock...

Sure; no harm in doing that at all, though as another poster said, you'd
have to try *really* hard to strip the threads (and even if you did, it
would cost you far more than the price of a new sump plug to rectify :-)
But do make sure you use a spanner of the correct size.  Don't want any
rounded-off bolt heads do we ;-)

> Already have the filter - I feel another trip to Partco coming along.

Another tip:  write the date of your oil-change on the filter body with an
indelible felt-tip pen (after fitting it, so that it's visible).  That will
act as a reminder, and also as a dead giveaway if it's still there if you
pay a garage to do a service with oil change next time...


-- 
                                 Andy Clews
                            University of Sussex
                 *** Remove DENTURES if replying by email ***

Chris Whelan  wrote:
> There are no standards; sometimes one type will fit a number of models in a
> particular manufacturer's range simply because the engines used are the
> same.

Sigh.  You wouldn't of thought a bolt could be that difficult :(
Presumably dealers have a big lookup table for the different types, but it's
not something us mere mortals can access?

> It is sensible of you to want to have a sump plug available; get the correct
> one from a dealer.

Thanks, suppose I'll have to do that.

Theo

A.Clews@DENTURESsussex.ac.uk wrote:
> Thus spake Theo Markettos (theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk) unto
> the assembled multitudes:
>> A.Clews@denturessussex.ac.uk wrote:
>>> FWIW I've never changed the sump plug nor its washer on any car
>>> that I've owned (Fiestas then Astras), and they have been perfectly
>>> alright. [...]
>
>> That may be true, but since I'm a novice I probably ought to be
>> prepared for eventualities.  It's only a few quid after all.  Just
>> in case I screw it up and then discover no-one has any stock...
>
> Sure; no harm in doing that at all, though as another poster said,
> you'd
> have to try *really* hard to strip the threads (and even if you did,
> it
> would cost you far more than the price of a new sump plug to rectify
> :-)
> But do make sure you use a spanner of the correct size.  Don't want
> any
> rounded-off bolt heads do we ;-)
>
>> Already have the filter - I feel another trip to Partco coming along.
>
> Another tip:  write the date of your oil-change on the filter body
> with an
> indelible felt-tip pen (after fitting it, so that it's visible).
> That will
> act as a reminder, and also as a dead giveaway if it's still there if
> you
> pay a garage to do a service with oil change next time...

Also, if the sump plug appears seized, get a bar on it, put pressure on it 
as if you were trying to undo it, and belt the head of the wrench/ratchet 
with a hammer, the shock should loosen it.

Mike P

On Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:49:27 +0100, Theo Markettos  
<theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

> Chris Whelan  wrote:
>> There are no standards; sometimes one type will fit a number of models  
>> in a
>> particular manufacturer's range simply because the engines used are the
>> same.
>
> Sigh.  You wouldn't of thought a bolt could be that difficult :(
> Presumably dealers have a big lookup table for the different types, but  
> it's
> not something us mere mortals can access?
>

A bit like all the other bits on the car. And a main dealer only normally  
deals with 1 make. & they change a sump plug once in a blue moon. As you  
say, it's a bolt, & it's not under any stress.


>> It is sensible of you to want to have a sump plug available; get the  
>> correct
>> one from a dealer.
>
> Thanks, suppose I'll have to do that.
>
> Theo
>

Thus spake A.Clews@denturessussex.ac.uk (A.Clews@denturessussex.ac.uk) unto the assembled multitudes:
> Thus spake Theo Markettos (theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk) unto the assembled multitudes:
> Sure; no harm in doing that at all, though as another poster said, you'd
> have to try *really* hard to strip the threads (and even if you did, it
> would cost you far more than the price of a new sump plug to rectify :-)

Writing the above evoked a painful memory of overtightening the chaincase
drain plug on a Triumph motorcycle I had 30 years ago.  The plug was
screwed into a corner of the (alloy) chaincase cover.  I gave it just a
*little* bit more of a turn to make sure it was nice and tight, when
*clonk* the corner of the chaincase cover broke away, taking the plug with
it (and of course the freshly filled and now liberated oil went all over
the workshop floor). I had to get the chaincase cover repaired and
rethreaded, and was *ever so* careful tightening the drain plug after that.

-- 
                                 Andy Clews
                            University of Sussex
                 *** Remove DENTURES if replying by email ***

A.Clews@DENTURESsussex.ac.uk wrote:
> Thus spake A.Clews@denturessussex.ac.uk
> (A.Clews@denturessussex.ac.uk) unto the assembled multitudes:
>> Thus spake Theo Markettos (theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk) unto
>> the assembled multitudes: Sure; no harm in doing that at all, though
>> as another poster said, you'd
>> have to try *really* hard to strip the threads (and even if you did,
>> it
>> would cost you far more than the price of a new sump plug to rectify
>> :-)
>
> Writing the above evoked a painful memory of overtightening the
> chaincase
> drain plug on a Triumph motorcycle I had 30 years ago.  The plug was
> screwed into a corner of the (alloy) chaincase cover.  I gave it just
> a
> *little* bit more of a turn to make sure it was nice and tight, when
> *clonk* the corner of the chaincase cover broke away, taking the plug
> with
> it (and of course the freshly filled and now liberated oil went all
> over
> the workshop floor). I had to get the chaincase cover repaired and
> rethreaded, and was *ever so* careful tightening the drain plug after
> that.

Mine was a 2CV with a seized plug. I tried various things over a couple of 
days and couldn't budge it. I posted on this group I think, and someone told 
me not to try and tighten it, but just to get some torque on it and hit it 
with a hammer. Came off first time..

Mike P

Duncan Wood wrote:

[...]

> A bit like all the other bits on the car. And a main dealer only normally
> deals with 1 make. & they change a sump plug once in a blue moon. As you
> say, it's a bolt, & it's not under any stress.

Normal practice with most Fords is to replace the sump plug at each oil
change. (The sealing washer is captive, and not separately replaceable.)

They only cost about a quid, so I guess that's a pretty insignificant part
of the cost of a service.

Chris

-- 
Remove prejudice to reply.

On Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:52:59 +0100, Chris Whelan  
 wrote:

> Duncan Wood wrote:
>
> [...]
>
>> A bit like all the other bits on the car. And a main dealer only  
>> normally
>> deals with 1 make. & they change a sump plug once in a blue moon. As you
>> say, it's a bolt, & it's not under any stress.
>
> Normal practice with most Fords is to replace the sump plug at each oil
> change. (The sealing washer is captive, and not separately replaceable.)
>
> They only cost about a quid, so I guess that's a pretty insignificant  
> part
> of the cost of a service.
>
> Chris
>


Fortunately I've not changed the oil on any Ford more recent than a Pinto  
:-)

We were somewhere around Barstow, on the edge of the desert, when the
drugs began to take hold. I remember Chris Whelan
 saying something like:

>Normal practice with most Fords is to replace the sump plug at each oil
>change. (The sealing washer is captive, and not separately replaceable.)

I suppose there's a Ford worshop somewhere in the country that does
that. Me, I just give the washer a smear of Hylomar.
-- 

Dave
SE6a

We were somewhere around Barstow, on the edge of the desert, when the
drugs began to take hold. I remember "Mike P" 
saying something like:

>Also, don't use a gallon container with the side cut off as a drain tray, 
>then forget the side is missing and pick it up vertically with the 
>handle.... I also learnt driveway cleaners are shite ....

It's also handy, when draining it into a basin that's been used for that
job for years that the basin hasn't become embrittled... you find out
when you pick it up.
-- 

Dave
SE6a

Grimly Curmudgeon wrote:

> We were somewhere around Barstow, on the edge of the desert, when the
> drugs began to take hold. I remember Chris Whelan
>  saying something like:
> 
>>Normal practice with most Fords is to replace the sump plug at each oil
>>change. (The sealing washer is captive, and not separately replaceable.)
> 
> I suppose there's a Ford worshop somewhere in the country that does
> that.

My local dealer certainly does.

> Me, I just give the washer a smear of Hylomar. 

It's a soft plastic surface. I wouldn't have thought any sort of sealant of
much value there.

Chris

-- 
Remove prejudice to reply.

Chris Whelan wrote:
> Grimly Curmudgeon wrote:
>
>> We were somewhere around Barstow, on the edge of the desert, when the
>> drugs began to take hold. I remember Chris Whelan
>>  saying something like:
>>
>>> Normal practice with most Fords is to replace the sump plug at each
>>> oil change. (The sealing washer is captive, and not separately
>>> replaceable.)
>>
>> I suppose there's a Ford worshop somewhere in the country that does
>> that.
>
> My local dealer certainly does.
>
>> Me, I just give the washer a smear of Hylomar.
>
> It's a soft plastic surface. I wouldn't have thought any sort of
> sealant of much value there.
>
> Chris

Problem is that the late ford sump nuts incorporate an o ring, it is glued 
in, I started picking one out once and gave up and fitted a new plug !  They 
can be re-used quite a few times and if you CBA you could change the o ring 
I expect.

Grimly Curmudgeon wrote:
> We were somewhere around Barstow, on the edge of the desert, when the
> drugs began to take hold. I remember "Mike P" 
> saying something like:
>
>> Also, don't use a gallon container with the side cut off as a drain
>> tray, then forget the side is missing and pick it up vertically with
>> the handle.... I also learnt driveway cleaners are shite ....
>
> It's also handy, when draining it into a basin that's been used for
> that job for years that the basin hasn't become embrittled... you
> find out when you pick it up.

Or the thermoplastic that goes very soft with hot oil in !!!