VW 1994 Polo MK2F AAU

 

For the first time, I attempted to change the oil. Everything was going so well, but now the sump plug won't grip the pan!

 

Backstory: A month ago, I wanted to do an oil change however the sump plug wouldn't budge, probably because I couldn't get enough space under the car. I decided to ask the garage to loosen it when I got the MOT done. They loosened it for me and it was great - driven it a few times nothing leaked everything was fine, oil level still the same. TODAY: All prepped up I finally drained the oil. However, when it came to fitting the new sump plug, it wouldn't grip. At first, I thought I must have bought the a size too small. I tried putting the old one back in, and it wouldn't grip either! It's like its too small, rattling side-to-side in the hole.

 

I'm pretty annoyed to the say the least, as I've only renewed the tax/mot/insurance last week

 

The sump plug threads looks in good condition. Is it possible I could have stripped the thread in the sump pan? Surely this wouldn't leave a gap big enough to rattle the plug inside the hole?

Maybe I'm not doing something properly? (This is my first oil change)

Is there a fix I can apply without replacing the sump pan?

If I have to replace the sump pan, is it a massive job? Some of the screws securing the pan look pretty rusted.

 

Any help would be gratefully appreciated!

Thanks

 

yes does sound a bit strange that its so loose it rattles about...can you see threads in the sump?  maybe a close up photo with a good camera?

 

sump swap...isnt a pleasant job but not too hard , you will need some 1/4 drive tools , maybe a wobble extension to access the bolts near the gearbox end, dont be talked into bodging it up with chemical metal etc as it will cost you an engine when the plug falls out

Thanks for replying Steveo. I couldn't see any threads. I stuck a finger in and felt just the thickness of the sump pan. 

 

I think the thread could have disintegrated, possibly from overtightening the plug during the last oil change at the garage. That would explain why it doesn't grip the plug.

yeah it can happen

It sounds very much as if the sump plug boss (the female threaded part that the plug screws into) has come away - strange though that you haven't still got it, as you would think that it would have remained on the plug when you removed it.

As said above DO NOT be tempted to bodger it in any way - Look on it as having had a lucky escape, as it COULD have come away on the ROAD after the garage loosened it for you.

Obviously, do not attempt to start the engine without oil in it, even 'just' to drive it up ramps for changing the sump.

SAFETY NOTE: As you are unable to drive the car up ramps, you will need to put it on axle stands in order to do the work. DO NOT work on the car whilst it is supported only on a jack.

 

Regards

 

Thanks for the advice caretakerplus. It's not been driven since, the car has been jacked onto axle stands.

 

Just a follow up question - how on earth do I get access to the 2 sump bolts tucked into the gearbox?

Also, do I need to remove the driveshaft and down exhaust like the Haynes manual suggests? It sounds like its turning into a hell of a job.

1/4 drive with wobble extensions should get in there , some flywhels have a flat spot so you can rotate the engine enough to clear it

 

not sure on the driveshaft...probably has to come off

Yes, I removed drive shaft when I took my sump off ( it needs a spline drive, and refit it with ans assistant to put car in gear and press the brake pedal , tighten, put in neutral, release brakes,  rotate,  move to next bolt and repeat for all 6 or they will come loose)

I replaced those 2 inaccessible bolts with much nicer items

https://www.clubpolo.co.uk/topic/342548-removing-sump-mk2-13/?do=findComment&comment=2672397

 that are for T25 internal star bits and springs , so far easier to remove.

can also put mole grips on the disc if working alone