alfetta sump plug size?

[Alfapride]

Hi all, just wondering if anyone knows what size the Alfetta 2 liter sump plug is? hoping to find a tool at all tools to remove it and do an oil change!

[Neil Choi]

27mm

[Alfapride]

Awesome thanks!

[OzMidnight]

Mine was fitted by the butcher of Brisbane...bought a 27mm one like the books say but it was a little loose on the rounded edges.  Borrowed a 26mm socket from a friend and tapped it onto the chewed soft edges with a mallet.  Worked like a charm.  I'll file the plug to size and anneal the washer at work this week!

[Alfapride]

ouch!!

[Beatle]

Or 1-1/16".  

1-1/1"6 is very, very slightly smaller than 27mm, but manufacturing tolerances will be greater than the mathematical difference.  So if you can find a 1-1/16 socket cheaper, or even a better quality brand at a second hand tools store for the same money as a cheap 27mm, grab it.

I always smear the threads sparingly with Loctite 515 and this acts as a both a retainer and a sealer.  Don't overtighten the plug.

I don't like silicone sealants as they tend to allow plugs to work loose.  Silicone seals, but seems to lubricate the threads and reduce the mechanical grip of the plug.

Of course, you can always safety wire the plug if you are concerned about it working loose (a must for track work).

[Alfapride]

thanks everyone for the advice! much appreciated

[MD]

Some good essential advice Paul but I need to split a couple of hairs with ya. 

Any chemical agents used as "thread locks" require a thoroughly clean thread. Now getting the plug clean in a bath of acetone is simple enough. However, getting the sump threads clean while the oil is still dripping 3 weeks after you dropped the plug out is another story. ( er, ..it seems to take an eternity to stop dripping  )

So I like your wire anchor the best which is what I do too.

oh yeah, Oz, I just finished doing the same to one of the sumps yesterday. Seems like the tag Genius is not exclusive. Darn.

[Beatle]

Agreed....in a perfect world.  However, Loctite 515 is not a pure retaining compound (threadlocker), but classed as a gasket eliminator and flange sealant (it's quite thick/viscous and comes in a tube, not a bottle).  So I'm guessing it is much more tolerant of surface cleanliness (recommended for re-using gaskets).

I can attest that Loctite 515, or at least my well-past-use-by-date tube of it, will retain a sump plug in an Alfa 2L twin cam, a 1600, a 2.5V6, a 3L V6, a Toyota 1HZ, a KTM300 2T, a WR426 4T and a GM 6.2 V8 Diesel without more than a wipe of the threads with a rag.  Admittedly, some of it does squeeze out between plug and washer, and plug and sump which no doubt assists retention and sealing, but even when I've had dubious threads and barely nipped the plugs with a spanner or socket, they require significantly greater torque to undo.   On more than one occasion I've spun the plug in with fingers alone, and when I've returned a while later to do it up fully, the plug has required tools to remove and I have to remove the plug, clean off the Loctite, and reapply.

The stuff hardens on the threads (anearobic cure) and any excess on removal can be picked off the plug with a scriber.  It stays soft outside the joint so no risk to engine internals.

Oh, and I watched a mate repair a punctured motorcycle tube with it once, and it lasted for months, but even I wouldn't recommend that.......

[Alfapride]

anyone know where I can buy an allen key or socket for this? I know the mechanics have them but I like to do my own oil changes

[colcol]

Total tools are quite good, as are Repco, Supercheap tools are rubbish long term, but for a one off job they are ok, Kingchrome are a favourite of mine very good quality at a good price, Colin.

[Alfapride]

Hi Col, I tried two Repco's and one total tools and no one has an allen key or socket of this size....wonder where the mechanics get them??

[Neil Choi]

Should be available most places, Bunnings or Masters maybe, or ebay $7-8 from HK with free shipping, you don't need a SNAP-ON one, so the China made is fine.  I can't remember what mine is, Sidchrome or Kincrome.

Some use a ring spanner as well.

Mechanics have the SNAP-ON or BETA or KINCROME tool truck come to their workshop.

You can borrow mine but I need your first born as a deposit.

Neil

[Neil Choi]

How come you need an allen key one? 

[Sheldon McIntosh]

Most Total Tools shops should have them.  Otherwise, Just Tools in South Melbourne has every tool you could ever need.