sump plug need replacing?

EdGasket

Some sump plugs have the sealing washer built in e.g. Ford Focus so that is probably why a sump plug change is recommended. Otherwise there is no need to change the plug itself; just use a new washer or anneal the old one if it is copper. I also put Loctite Lockn'seal on the bottom few threads of the sump plug so I know it won't come loose and drop out (yes that has happened to quite a few peeps; google 'sump plug fell out' !)

Joe_Horner

!!!!!! wrote: »

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

Or you could look at it and replace if the flats / hex socket / whatever is damaged. professional workmanship preventing a possible problem at ZERO cost

david29dpo

What about the thread in the sump? Is that changed as well?

Strider590

Joe_Horner wrote: »

But what chance of losing your oil / wrecking your engine?

Well, bare in mind that metals expand/contract with temperature, it could come come lose and start leaking oil...... You also probably won't check the level very often once you've changed it, so the chances of it working loose and your engine seizing are probably a lot higher than i'd feel comfortable with.

Trebor16

Strider590 wrote: »

Well, bare in mind that metals expand/contract with temperature, it could come come lose and start leaking oil...... You also probably won't check the level very often once you've changed it, so the chances of it working loose and your engine seizing are probably a lot higher than i'd feel comfortable with.

Now that made me laugh!!:D I bet you wear a tin foil hat too when using your mobile phone.

C_Mababejive

Whenever i did an oil change,i would buy a filter and plug washer. Never changed the plug.

Rolandtheroadie

Strider590 wrote: »

Well, bare in mind that metals expand/contract with temperature, it could come come lose and start leaking oil...... You also probably won't check the level very often once you've changed it, so the chances of it working loose and your engine seizing are probably a lot higher than i'd feel comfortable with.

Would you not see oil on the drive/road long before any damage was caused?

I thought most cars had an oil warning light too.

Gloomendoom

I have a very old car that needs an oil change every 3000 miles. As far as I am aware, the sump plug is the same one that was fitted at the factory 57 years ago. I've certainly never changed it in the 17 years I have owned the car. The plug is never loose when I come to take it out.

molerat

Strider590 wrote: »

.......................
£2 ...............

Obviously not been near a Ford garage lately, £7.50 for a Focus sump plug, robbing b*****ds !!

londonTiger

thread update. Finally did the oil change. (change was due end of jan.. so I wasn't really evading the oil service).

Well, the sump plug and washer only costs 1.40 from the ECP. The sump plug has the washer sort of permanently fitted. Obviously the factory slotted the washer in. But I found no way to getting the old washer out. It felt too small for the sump plug threads and couldn't screw it out.. Ending up just buying a new sump plug.. good job have a ECP near by.

So to answer to my original question, yeah kind have to buy a new sumo plug for every oil change (unless I want to just reuse the old one or buy a more expensive sump plug where the washer is easy to remove.