Sigma Sump Drain Plug

[martyn]

Will be doing an oil change this week.  It's the first time I've done so on the caterham. Car is a sigma 150..

• What torque should I refit the sump drain plug with?
• Is there a crush washer or similar that needs replacing?  If so, what type and size do I need to get?

What do people think of these magnetic drain plugs? Are they worth bothering with and if so, where can I get the right size?

Thanks.

[DJ.]

I got the torque from Haynes Focus manual, I think it is about 25Nm, but will look it up when I get home if you don't get a certain answer.

 

There is a rubber washer that should be replaced, I bought 20 off eBay quite cheaply.

 

Duncan

[SM25T]

Rubber washer ? Dowty seal .... steel washer with bonded rubber seal in the centre ?

[DJ.]

No there is a groove in the plug head, and a rubber washer with a pear shaped profile sits in this. The normal dowty seal wouldn't work.

[Jonathan Kay]

Duncan: Do you have the link to that seal, please?

Should this type be replaced each time?

I don't know any disadvantages of magnetic plugs but I don't think there's any evidence for beneficial effects for modern engines with frequent oil changes. Obviously there's the small hassle of lining the car up N-S when you tighten them.

Jonathan

 

[martyn]

The sump is a Caterham item. Does it follow the same size/fitment as a Focus Zetec SE or am I looking for something specific? 

Edit:    Found these..  Are they in the right ballpark?  I know they're complete plugs but does the fitment look correct?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FORD-FOCUS-1-6-ZETEC-Engine-Oil-Drain-Sump-Plug-Bung-Washer-Kit-/251053340992?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3a73f1f940

http://www.fordpartsuk.com/shop/ford_engine_sump_plug_14mm_thread_f_1013938_c_407.htm

[slap_ed]

I've changed the oil on my old Sigma several times and never changed the rubber o-ring. Not a drip!

You can't crush the rubber washer by overtigtening because it's in a recess. So unless it's damaged then it should be ok to use again.

[DJ.]

Yes those are correct Martyn.

The ones I bought were from ebay, I replace it each time as they are cheap and it's a pain if it drips.

Here are 5 for £2.60: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FORD-ZETEC-Engine-VOLVO-JAGUAR-5-FIVE-Sump-Washers-OE-Repl-1005593-SW3x5-/171286130407?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item27e172eee7

or 50 for £7.50: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FORD-ZETEC-Engine-MAZDA-VOLVO-JAGUAR-50-FIFTY-Sump-Washers-OE-1-005-593-SW3x50-/171178623222?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item27db0a80f6

And I've looked up the torque figure and it is 28 Nm.

[Bone Rat]

Hi,

Same engine and did my own first oil change this winter. Wanted to install a temp sensor in the sump plug. Anyway used one of the oil sucky devices to drain it out first via the dipstick tube. Dead simple process.

When I removed the plug no extra oil drained at all. From now on I'll probably leave the plug & sensor alone & just use the sucker. Much less messy and quicker.

Would seriously consider that option if it's a regular ambition.

[Jonathan Kay]

Thanks, Duncan.

At that price you could offer a Club Bulk Buy with a reasonable rake-off for NtL. Something like £1 per washer + postage. Members would buy 1 or 2 and save on the £2.60 and a bag of 50 would generate a surplus of £50 - £7.50 = £42.50.

Do they fit anywhere else on any known 7?

Jonathan