Thread: Sump Plug and Helicoil on TD5

Originally Posted by strangy

Dont worry the helicoil will not screw itself into the sump. The design of the coil causes it to expand into the external thread when fitted and the bolt or plug will futher assist this.

You will not achieve the best result, if indeed a result at all, by fitting the coil to the plug.

IMO if you dont want to do the job properly why do it at all? But if you want to risk a possible $10k on a rebuild for the sake of an hour and a sump gasket and the benefit of an inspection go for it, sounds a bargain.
A similar discussion regarding manifolds was raise a few days ago. Swarf doesnt always fall away from a work site sometimes small pieces remain attached (burrs) which if not removed at the time may happily dislodge later.
You are better off with a leaking plug than a stuffed engine. You could even just goop it up with silicone everytime you do service.

cheers

From a fitters point of view I agree totally. Pull the sump off, fix the thread, check your oil pump bolt and renew your gasket. Cant go wrong and peice of mind.
Regards Robbo.

Not having done a TD5 I cant comment specifically but on a couple of 300tdi I have done I have had better results by :

-removing sump (dont be lazy - it adds what 30 minutes and tube of Silicone)
-drill out trashed threads for next size up metric fine tap (relatively cheap cf recoil) Wil be M14 by 1.5 or there abouts.
-hand tap
-use appropriate bolt with copper washer.

Doesnt need to be a specific sump plug.
On the 300tdi there seems to be insufficient material for the helicoil to grip adequately. I tried and it failed a few oil changes later.

Steve