Draining a bit of oil off

JustAnotherSaver

I'm no car expert - hence this question, but i can do some basics such as an oil change & have been doing so for the past 10 years now. This time however i've ended up putting a bit much in for the first time.


I'm just wondering - can i undo the sump plug a bit enough for some oil to dribble out & then re-use that same sump plug?
NOTE: The oil change was only done on Saturday in case that makes a difference (& a new sump plug was used at the time).


It's a hex plug with a rubber seal as used on the Astra G/H (& other cars i'm sure).

chrisw

Yes, you should be ok with the rubber washer type as it springs back, especially if it's only been on a short while.

The other type is a copper washer which is crushed on tightening. Once it's crushed, it's crushed, although I have reused them successfully in the past.

Richard53

Make sure the engine is cold as hot oil can cause nasty burns. Be prepared for a couple of gallons to run up your sleeve as you release the last bit of thread. DAMHIKTIJDOK.


Incidentally, I have been servicing cars and motorbikes for 40+ years, and I think I have only renewed a copper washer 3-4 times in my life.

Mr.Generous

Don't undo the sump bolt just loosen it and some oil will escape. Remember if the vehicle is raised you may not get an accurate read from the dipstick. Drain a bit more off than you think, easy to top it up later.

wgl2014

Probably easier to Syphon some via the dipstick.

JustAnotherSaver

Thanks.
I’m not taking the plug out, just letting a bit out - hence saying about it dribbling out and not gushing
And I’ve access to a pit so should be ok.

daveyjp

As it is fresh oil why not let it all drain and refill?

You could then fit a quick drain valve. It makes oil changes and removing a small amount much easier.

EdGasketTheSecond

If its only a small amount over it wont be a problem. How much above the high mark is it?

shinytop

JustAnotherSaver wrote: »

Thanks.
I’m not taking the plug out, just letting a bit out - hence saying about it dribbling out and not gushing
And I’ve access to a pit so should be ok.

I overfilled my oil recently and undid the sump plug to drain some out. It was a sort of all or nothing situation- nothing at all came out until the plug came out in my hand and then it all did. I managed to get the plug back in before I lost too much. May well be different for you.

JustAnotherSaver

daveyjp wrote: »

You could then fit a quick drain valve. It makes oil changes and removing a small amount much easier.

I googled that after you said & it looks like it'll have the plug stick out further from the sump than the current standard one which is fairly flat.


If i've looked at the correct item then i'm not sure that's something i'd want as at times the existing one has been a bit battered. Not on every oil change but on some, so at some points i must hit a bump & it scrapes it even when i purposely go slow over bumps.

EdGasketTheSecond wrote: »

If its only a small amount over it wont be a problem. How much above the high mark is it?

Little hard to tell actually but i'm guessing judging by the markers between minimum & maximum about 300-500ml.

shinytop wrote: »

I overfilled my oil recently and undid the sump plug to drain some out. It was a sort of all or nothing situation- nothing at all came out until the plug came out in my hand and then it all did. I managed to get the plug back in before I lost too much. May well be different for you.

Thankfully i've never had this issue on mine. I remove it super slow so as not to have oil running all over me & when it must be connected by what i'd guess is the final thread it actually comes trickling out before i undo it a bit more & it pours out.

EdGasketTheSecond

IF its 300-500ml, I'd leave it. there is some tolerance for overfill, usually by more than that. Some will leak, burn off over time anyway.