Aluminium Washer On Oil Drain Plug??? | FerrariChat
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Aluminium Washer On Oil Drain Plug???

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by RVL Saratoga, Aug 31, 2011.

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  1. RVL Saratoga

    RVL Saratoga Formula 3

    Aug 27, 2010
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    Robert
    #1 RVL Saratoga, Aug 31, 2011
    I'm trying to change the oil in the 328 today. 1st oil change since I had the major done this winter.

    Last year, I never had a problem getting the plug out with a box wrench. This time, I can't even budge it with a socket and 15" breaker bar.

    It looks like an aluminium washer was used instead of the typical copper crush washer. Is this acceptible? Or, is this part of my problem getting the plug out, in addition to being over-torqued?

    Any suggestions? Should I be p*ssed about this?
     
  2. kaamacat

    kaamacat Formula 3

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    BobR
    #2 kaamacat, Aug 31, 2011
    Try an inward tapping on the plug while loosening (if possible).

    Interesting enough when I go metal plug to to aluminum pan I've used copper washer. When aluminum plug to aluminum pan then aluminum washer. But for either I torque to 18ft/lbs max and never have had an issue with leak or removal. (And I always use the washer 1x)
     
  3. Robz328

    Robz328 F1 Veteran
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    Rob Hemphill
    #3 Robz328, Aug 31, 2011
    assuming you have the oil still there (oil filter too), try running the engine until hot, turn off the engine and try to loosen...don't fully remove, but let the car cool down again prior to draining.
     
  4. RVL Saratoga

    RVL Saratoga Formula 3

    Aug 27, 2010
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    #4 RVL Saratoga, Aug 31, 2011
    Nope, no dice.

    Next stop: local mechanic. Put her up on a lift, try pulling on it with a longer breaker bar.

    I'm already not thrilled with the aluminium washer. I can't figure out how or why this thing was screwed in so tight. I cannot imagine a respected Ferrari shop would use an air hammer on a drain plug, but that's what it seems like.

    Makes me wonder what else isn't right in there.

    Ugh.
     
  5. 2NA

    2NA F1 World Champ
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    Tim Keseluk
    #5 2NA, Aug 31, 2011
    Aluminum, copper, I've used them interchangeably for years. There's never been a problem.
     
  6. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    Bubba
    #6 BigTex, Aug 31, 2011
    I have had to use breaker bars on spark plugs to get them out!

    I would have been scared to put that much mojo on the casting.
     
  7. RVL Saratoga

    RVL Saratoga Formula 3

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    #7 RVL Saratoga, Aug 31, 2011
    Thanks, good to know. It must just be overtorqued. Still, i think I'll stick with the copper: easy and cheap to just have Ricambi throw one in with the filter.
     
  8. vincenzo

    vincenzo F1 Rookie

    Nov 2, 2003
    3,373
    #8 vincenzo, Aug 31, 2011
    Last edited: Aug 31, 2011
    Use an impact gun rather than a breaker bar. It will not stress the threads as much. A breaker bar puts the bolt in a bind. The impact applies only torque.

    Some Kroil overnight would be helpful.

    gotta say it just in case... make triple sure of counter clockwise.

    Rgds,
    vincenzo
     
  9. RVL Saratoga

    RVL Saratoga Formula 3

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    #9 RVL Saratoga, Aug 31, 2011
    Got it out.

    Needless to say, i did not horse it back in quite so tight :D
     
  10. Glassman

    Glassman F1 World Champ
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    #10 Glassman, Aug 31, 2011
    You gotta put a bar on it and lean into it gently but firmly. The first time I pulled mine I wound up with a 24" bar before it came loose. Yes it was scary.
     
  11. fastradio

    fastradio F1 Rookie
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    Apr 26, 2006
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    David Feinberg
    #11 fastradio, Sep 2, 2011
    If a copper washer was used and torqued to 24-26 lb-ft, the drain/fill plugs come out with little drama. Personally, I'd be pissed. Then again, perhaps I'm a bit biased as I've done far too many threaded insert repairs on these cars due to overtightened plugs and reused sealing washers...

    Glad to hear that you were able to get the plug out, though...

    David
     

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