Oil change? Is a New sump plug and washer essential?

[leeanderin]

Just done oil change on my recently purchased mk5 golf tdi didnt realise until reading after that your supposed to use a new sump plug and crush washer? is this absolutely essential everytime or is it ok to re-use?

[Eshrules]

Where did you read that you must replace the sump plug and washer? I assumed it was common sense - a bit like replacing stretch bolts - IMHO.

[leeanderin]

Where did you read that you must replace the sump plug and washer? I assumed it was common sense - a bit like replacing stretch bolts - IMHO.

Read it in the VW Workshop repair manual ? never changed them on any other cars i had though

[67Aus]

hi

Change them anyway... for super safety...

MAy I ask if you are aware of any advice on buying a used A3, what to look fo, any known faults etc


many thanks


67Aus

[Guest 2]

MAy I ask if you are aware of any advice on buying a used A3, what to look fo, any known faults etc

Welcome to VWAF. You may want to start a new thread here - A3 - S3

[vwcabriolet1971]

I do not see the need for a new steel sump plug at every oil change . As long as the threads are are not damaged and the washer face is free from damage it should be perfectly O.K.
The oil seal is via the threads on aluminium sumps not via the steel washer.The old pressed steel sumps were sealed with a soft copper washer. It's important to make sure the plug threads are thoroughly cleaned before re-use and the plug is correctly torqued . I would guess that VW recommend a new plug because most mechanics and DIYers don't clean the plug properly or make sure that the threads are clean (small wire brush). If the plug is dropped onto a hard surface it's likely that the threads will be damaged. Even brand new plugs from a VW dealer will often be damaged as there is no adequate protective packaging to prevent this .
The plugs do not stretch as in a stretch bolt as the torque is very low and the aluminium sump thread will strip long before any significant stretching of the plug.
If the plug threads are in perfect condition it should be possible to hand thread/ tighten the plug 90% of the way in using two fingers. Best to check with a 10X eye loupe and correct with a small swiss triangular file if necessary ( if you have the skill ).
On the one occasion I bought a new plug from a dealer, I had to remove burrs on the threads. I lost the original in front suspension hollow cross member !
Why would I replace my pristine plug with a damaged thread one from a dealer ?
I've had VWs since 1961 and have re-used the sump plugs without any problem . Must have done at least a 100 oil changes over the years ( including all my family's VWs).

[leeanderin]

I do not see the need for a new steel sump plug at every oil change . As long as the threads are are not damaged and the washer face is free from damage it should be perfectly O.K.
The oil seal is via the threads on aluminium sumps not via the steel washer.The old pressed steel sumps were sealed with a soft copper washer. It's important to make sure the plug threads are thoroughly cleaned before re-use and the plug is correctly torqued . I would guess that VW recommend a new plug because most mechanics and DIYers don't clean the plug properly or make sure that the threads are clean (small wire brush). If the plug is dropped onto a hard surface it's likely that the threads will be damaged. Even brand new plugs from a VW dealer will often be damaged as there is no adequate protective packaging to prevent this .
The plugs do not stretch as in a stretch bolt as the torque is very low and the aluminium sump thread will strip long before any significant stretching of the plug.
If the plug threads are in perfect condition it should be possible to hand thread/ tighten the plug 90% of the way in using two fingers. Best to check with a 10X eye loupe and correct with a small swiss triangular file if necessary ( if you have the skill ).
On the one occasion I bought a new plug from a dealer, I had to remove burrs on the threads. I lost the original in front suspension hollow cross member !
Why would I replace my pristine plug with a damaged thread one from a dealer ?
I've had VWs since 1961 and have re-used the sump plugs without any problem . Must have done at least a 100 oil changes over the years ( including all my family's VWs).

Thanks for the excellent explanation has put my mind at rest a bit,didnt have a torque wrench available when i did the oil change,i was able to tighten it all the way down by hand then just nipped it up using a ring spanner(same as with every other car i have done) it wasnt over tight when i removed it so just applied the same amount of force to the spanner when tightening.

[Crasher]

I always fit a new one because the VAG manual says you must. Put it this way, a stripped ally sump thread really ruins your day.

[vwcabriolet1971]

If a new sump plug with damaged threads is used at each oil change then the thread in the sump will quickly become damaged and liable to strip as each new plug will ream/tap the thread and remove metal. All new plugs should be checked for thread damage with a 10X eye glass. I've never stripped a sump thread in my life or had sump thread leaks. All's it takes is a little care and common sense. It's about time that VW supplied new plugs without damaged threads and with adequate packing protection..

[Crasher]

If you buy them from Febi like I do every single one of them comes without damage, in fact I have never seen a new one damaged but I have removed plenty where the thread has come out with it and there has been a damaged or non genuine washer used. We drain the oil on around five VAG cars per day and damaged sump threads are a rarity but when we do see them most have signs of an old plug being used.