As i was starting to change the oil and filter on my octy, i noticed that the sump plug was just turning and not actually moving out from the sump. Tried to wind it in and out to see if that could bring any joy, but to no avail.

Can anyone help?:confused:

Does it seem that i have to get a new plug (IF i can remove the old one :eek:)

Sadly I think it's more likely you'll be needing a new sump to go with your new plug.

It sounds like the threads have stripped, you might be lucky and get it out but the sump is aluminium and quite soft.

Any ideas on how much things are gonna cost? Been looking at posts from before about the sump and plug seems to happen quite a bit

I am sure I have also read on here it is only expected that an aluminium sup will only last about 10 oil changes.... :-(

you could always cheat and get one of those things that sucks the oil out of the dipstick hole - not that I approve of them though....

and if your sump bolt just spins now, I guess there might be a chance of it leaking?

Sumps aren't too bad as they are quite often broken so a common part and the plug should only be a couple of ££.

One of the bigger costs is the oil but as you were changing it anyway it's taken care of.

I'm guessing from your profile you have a TDi which is a shame as this might have helped -

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF/BORA/AUDI/SKODA/SEAT/1.8 TURBO/GTI SUMP on eBay, also, Volkswagen, Car Parts, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 03-Dec-07 19:56:46 GMT)

I've got a 1.9 SDI :(

You could invest in a Helicoil kit and put an insert into it once the plug is out. There are some engineering firms that will come out and do it on site

Sump plug (with washer) cost me 99p from a dealer. They don't sell the plug washer on it's own for some bizarre and wasteful reason!

Why do some garages/mechanics tighten sump plugs so bloody tight anyway? It's not as if it's under a massive amount of pressure is it?

I was going to change the oil in mine a couple of months ago but even with a two-foot-long extension bar the plug would not budge - and as the sump is aluminium I decided against using a hammer... It's going into my local garage on Thursday for a full service so they can have the fun of removing the plug.

The next (obvious) question is can you get a steel sump for the Octy to replace the alloy one? Answers on a postcard please.