oil sump plug won't stay tight

[MilindPuri]

I had the car - Ford Mondeo 1997 automatic - serviced last year, within days there were oil drips under the car. Garage then tightened up sump drain plug. I took the car to another garage for something else (continual smell of fumes around the car) yesterday and they phoned up saying the sump drain plug was loose and oil was dripping onto the exhaust. I told them that it had been tightened already and asked if there was a problem with the drain plug and they said it would probably need a new sump.

Is there a way of fixing this without changing the whole sump?

 

[cruican]

i would try some ptfe tape that you use for plumbing It will stop the leak and wont let it come undone Hope that helps

 

[Hitachimad]

They should remove the plug (bolt) fit a new copper washer, then tighten.
Unless someone has overtightened the plug and stripped the thread.
Common practice to replace the copper washer every time it comes out.
A combination of a new washer and some thread sealant should solve the problem.

 

[cjbigboy]

Mondeo sump is Alloy and has a nylon washer.

If the thread is stripped you could get a Helicoil fitted which is basically an inserted thread repair kit that will give a strong reusable seal once more.

Never done one on a Mondeo, but done several on Sierra's and they worked well.

CJ

 

[Hitachimad]

Mondeo sump is Alloy and has a nylon washer.

If the thread is stripped you could get a Helicoil fitted which is basically an inserted thread repair kit that will give a strong reusable seal once more.

Never done one on a Mondeo, but done several on Sierra's and they worked well.

CJ

Forgive me, same priciple though.

 

[nstreet]

How about a copper washer, followed by a sprung washer (the ones with the split in them), then tighten the plug. That should keep the plug from working loose. I'm not sure how ptfe stands up to oil, anyone any experience of this.

Just found one http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?id=11413&ts=83354

 

[Hitachimad]

How about a copper washer, followed by a sprung washer (the ones with the split in them), then tighten the plug. That should keep the plug from working loose. I'm not sure how ptfe stands up to oil, anyone any experience of this.

Just found one http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?id=11413&ts=83354[/QUOTE]
Surely oil would seep throught the split in the spring washer?

 

[stevemastic]

How about a copper washer, followed by a sprung washer (the ones with the split in them), then tighten the plug. That should keep the plug from working loose. I'm not sure how ptfe stands up to oil, anyone any experience of this.

Just found one http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?id=11413&ts=83354[/QUOTE]
Surely oil would seep throught the split in the spring washer?

Hitch is correct

off with the sump, a good clean then to a specialist who will repair or cut an oversized thread

 

[Hitachimad]

I would think some hylomar thread sealant and a new washer would do the trick.

 

[Quick Fit]

MilindPuri. Just retap the thread the next size up. Fit new bolt and copper washer. Cost should be no more than a few pounds. You don't need a new sump unless its cracked around the the bolt hole, if it is this can be brazed up.

 

[sidecar_jon]

consider what will happen if it falls out at speed....nasty... now im normaly all for bodgeing things with PTFE tape and stuff but this seems quiet easily fixed. take the sump off (an incredibly messy job) and either have it Helicoiled back to standard (about a fiver?) or if your into DIY tap it out to a bigger size.

ideal time to remove that black clag that collects on the sump too!

 

[stevemastic]

MilindPuri. Just retap the thread the next size up. Fit new bolt and copper washer. Cost should be no more than a few pounds. You don't need a new sump unless its cracked around the the bolt hole, if it is this can be brazed up.

thats a specialist job

 

[Quick Fit]

MilindPuri. Just retap the thread the next size up. Fit new bolt and copper washer. Cost should be no more than a few pounds. You don't need a new sump unless its cracked around the the bolt hole, if it is this can be brazed up.

thats a specialist job

Anyone can retap Brazing I'd agree.

 

[nstreet]

How about a copper washer, followed by a sprung washer (the ones with the split in them), then tighten the plug. That should keep the plug from working loose. I'm not sure how ptfe stands up to oil, anyone any experience of this.

Just found one http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?id=11413&ts=83354[/QUOTE]
Surely oil would seep throught the split in the spring washer?

it has to get passed the copper washer first though. if the thread is sealed, shouldn't be a problem.:

 

[Hitachimad]

But the copper washer only makes a seal between the sump face and the inside face of the bolt head. So the spring washer will be in between the bolt head, and copper washer.