Quick question - oil sump plug tool

[djheath]

Quick question.

Whats the best tool to remove the sump plug with? Today I tried to do an oil change and got stuck removing the sump plug. I didn't have a 21 mm socket (strange french size!, I had everything in between). I only had an adjustable spanner, but couldn't get a good grip on it under thecar. I tried a 8mm allen key but couldn't get enough purchase to get the thing undone as it was too short.

Sooooo after waffling, what is the best tool:
An 8mm hex socket
or
21 mm socket?
I have got the sizes right too haven't I?!
Thanks.

[mbell666]

I always used a 8mm hex socket on the 406. Just bought a set of 3/8th drive ones. Just make sure you get the socket in fully as they can round if you only get them partly in.

Did once have to use a 21mm socket on the x's 206 as i need the extra leverage of a 1/2 racket! (was just under the car without it jack up or anything thou)

[djheath]

Coolio. As long as I have the sizes correct then.

I will plump for the 8mm hex head socket.

I hate it when a simple job you have done a thousand times on other cars, turns out to be slightly different on your new one and takes two days!

[Welly]

I've got a square key thing that slots into the square hole in the sump plug. It's got 2 square keys on it for different sizes and I just put a normal socket on the other end.

You buy them from accessory shops from these cheap tool makers like laserline or whatever - I've had mine for over 10 years.

[djheath]

Yeah, I have one too, that I used to use on my 405, but it seems the D9 is a hex key. My square socket just twisted around in the hole.

[Welly]

I'm sure it's square on mine

[steve_earwig]

No idea on mine, I just use a socket and it's never rounded anything off

Actually, I think I'll be seeing if I can find one of those sump suckers next time, saves all the mess (or getting someone else to do it if I'm feeling lazy )

[Phil406rapier]

i've just changed the oil, oil+air + diesel filters on my d9 &i use a 21mm combination spanner with no problem
the sump plug also takes a hex(allen) key, both my 306's (1x a '94 1.4n & 1x '99 1.4 lx) & my '92 405grd(1.
all use the square drive. By the way i paid £14 for all 3 filters made by etl is that cheap or what?

[djheath]

i've just changed the oil, oil+air + diesel filters on my d9 &i use a 21mm combination spanner with no problem

GRrrrr! Some people have all the luck! I went and got a hex key and a 21 mm socket this evening. The sump plug was soooooo tight the plug simply rounded off with the 21mm socket and my big breaker bar wouldn't loosen it. I managed to shift it off by using the allen head socket, but even that started to slip and cut a new hole in the plug. I couldn't remove the allen socket from the sump plug in the end and had to whack it off with a sledge hammer!

Looks like I will need a new sump plug for the next oil change now. But thankfully all done and no leaks.

[mbell666]

i always used the allen key to get it off. the 21 min nut is quite thin so its easy for the socket to slip off and round it, was lucky that some spanner monkey had never over tighten it!

[Gizmo]

A pair of mold (however it's officially spelt) grips for me.


Never had to buy one, but I hear sump bolts are very cheap at the breakers.

[mbell666]

Never had to buy one, but I hear sump bolts are very cheap at the breakers.

There not expensive any motor factors either, on my old mondeo i used to replace the plug quite often as teh seem to be made of the softest metal every! only cost a couple of quid, lot eaiser tehn messing draining oil from engines at the scrappies.

first time i tried to do the oil on the mondeo, the nut was over tighten and knackered so i couldn't get it out. took the car to the local garage, gave them the parts and a tenner towards their yearly trip/piss up. problem sorted, next time had no probs getting it out.

[Busman]

They are very cheap from Pug dealers too. Just got my HDI a new one and it cost just over a quid. Worth a phone call to the stealer before you get under cars in the scrappy.