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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Oil Drain plug *!&*! removal

Everything was going swimmingly well with my servicing for the first time until I tried removing my oil drain plug.

Anyone any advice other than dowright destruction of plug and replacement of sump? (I see this is a probable engine out job so not too keen). I have:
Used the correct sized spanner with extension tube. (plug already worn) spanner comes off no movement
Used a slightly smaller metric spanner with extension tube. (plug now more worn) spanner comes off no movement
Used an adjustable. (rubbish)
Used a mole grip. (not budged and more worn) The mole grip is my destroyer and replace bolt / nut usaully ultimetely last solution that works so a bit at a loss now.
Plug still looks square ish but no movement. Not sure how this plug fits as its difficult to see close up.

Any wild suggestions considered as I am desperate for a proper first drive tomorrow and its just this plug thats stopping me.
Dave Squire - Notts

The sump cover can be removed in situ on the 1500, if a bit fiddly, and certainly messily if the oil is still in it!

I have heard of people mig welding something to the remains of the plug to give leverage to get it out, but oil still in there makes that a non option.

I would think the experts will be along soon...
JB Anderson

ive got a 10 inch pair of stilsons i use on bast%$& nuts or bolts that has never let me down but does ruin the part.
bob.
trebor

Thanks Bob, I'm off to find them thar stilsons, don't care about state of plug just want it out so I can put one back properly afterwards.
Dave Squire - Notts

Try using a Stilson pipe wrench, perhaps with a extension bar.

It will probably destroy the square taper on the plug. However I would recommend that you hammer a suitably sized nut onto it, then MIG it in place.
BH Harvey

Done, great, don't know why I didn't think of stilsons before but thats whats great about this board for me. You all helps when my brain stops! (quite often according to you know who).
The oil is out, the plug has cleaned up OK and is back in at a reasonable torque like what I did when I was a lad. Carrying on with oil change so should get a drive 2morrow if not heavy rain and a pic or two.

Thanks all, hope you all got over the virus OK and had a good one.
Dave Squire - Notts

Dave,
A simple, quick and non-destructive way would have been to warm the plug head with a propane torch. Non-destructive that is if you avoid overdoing it to the extent of setting fire to the car!

But seriously, a little heat from a small propane torch really will make almost any "seized" bolt come free. And recently others were recommending those small torches used by chefs as the flame is pencil-thin and ideal for just such a situation. And they are cheap in the Christmas sales if SWMBO doesn't already have one.
Guy W

This thread was discussed on 30/12/2012

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.