sump plug need replacing?

londonTiger

Does the sump plug really need replacing every other oil change?

I heard a couple of times people saying change the sump washer every time and the sump plug every other oil change.

Is there any wisdom in that or complete hogwash?

I can't see how a solid metal part would need changing, it's not like it's made out of plastic and prone to erosion or something.

vaio

the only ones I've ever changed have been when [STRIKE]I[/STRIKE] a previous owner has been clumsy and knocked the corners off (and then only if I couldn't get a stilsons on it)

redux

I've never heard of changing a sump plug, just the washer

And I've never been billed for one on the times I've paid someone to do a job, or had it suggested I buy one with the filter and oil if I'm doing it myself

londonTiger

redux wrote: »

I've never heard of changing a sump plug, just the washer

And I've never been billed for one on the times I've paid someone to do a job, or had it suggested I buy one with the filter and oil if I'm doing it myself

heh, i''ve got my first car in march and looking back at the receipts i can see two service invoices with sump plugs

reeac

londonTiger wrote: »

heh, i''ve got my first car in march and looking back at the receipts i can see two service invoices with sump plugs

Sump plug threads vary greatly in quality. I had a Renault 5 where you HAD to replace the washer every time but a Jag. XJ6 which probably wouldn't have needed a washer as the threads were so long and close fitting. Never heard of replacing a sump plug.

Tobster86

Never replaced even the copper washer and never had any problems leaking oil in 7 years of servicing my/families cars (Ford Escort, Peugeot 306, Audi 80, Rover 600, Ford Mondeo, BMW E36 3-series, Renault Megane, Vauxhall Frontera Sport, Land Rover Freelander, Land Rover Discovery).

olliecampbell

Always changed the washer. If you're doing it yourself you can probably get away with tightening it just enough and not totally crushing the washer so that it can be used again.

It is a crush washer and is designed to seal the sump plug, so if you're tightening the sump plug to the correct manufacturer Nm then you'll more than likely need to replace the washer too.

As for the sump plug, only if it's damaged, which is very rare!

Strider590

It's done as a "just to be safe", because they're so cheap that it's not worth taking the risk.

£2 versus the cost of your new oil + the chance of wrecking your engine.

Joe_Horner

But what chance of losing your oil / wrecking your engine? the only way that's going to happen is if the plug falls out and the only way thats going to happen is if it's either left loose or done up so tight it strips. If the person doing the oil change is that ham-fisted then that's just as likely to happen with a new one than an old one!

As for the copper washers, replace by preference but, if you can't for some reason, heat them to cherry red and re-use (after they've cooled :P). It softens the copper and they'll seal again without problem

System

I see it as mitigation. At least if it is changed every other service then the plug is in good nick and a spanner will fit properly and be able to undo it.

If not replaced then there is the possibility that over time/sevices (due to cack handed mechanics?) the edges get knurled etc and there comes a point where it may not be removable.

It is just removing a POSSIBLE problem at MINIMAL cost. sensible

atrixblue.-MFR-.

in every manufacturers booklet it will recommend a sump plug or at least a sump washer being replaced at service intervals, same in the haynes manuals.

ive replaced a few washers, and some sump plugs before on oil changes, thats because the threads looked worn out due to over tightening from the same washer being used over and over.

ive helicoiled a sump once, and replaced a sump due to sump plug damage or siezure.

its a good idea to replace at least the washer to ensure you dont get a leak in the future or the sump plug doesnt let go because the washer is out of shape and past it but ive never heared of anyone losing a sump plug, but seen many bad oil leaks through the plug due to washer.