Date:         Sat, 6 Jan 1996 13:38:01 -0500
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         limbo@bcn.net (Jim Digennaro)
Subject:      Re: Drain plug problems

>4) something else I haven't thought of.
>
>Solutions:
>I'm going to reinstall the plug bolt using a nylon washer, which should
>form a better seal than the copper ones that VW has been giving me. The
>washer is made for this kind of application, so it should be OK.
>If it still doesn't work, I have a rubber expansion bolt as Bob described
>in his sermonette (thank you Bob!). I hate to use a solution like that (it
>_seems_ like such a temporary measure), but it'll do until I find a better
>solution.
>
>Possible original causes of my problem (what did I do wrong):
>1) I don't think I used too much torque on the bolt during my oil changes,
>but since I haven't used torque wrenches to tighten this bolt, I can't
>really claim any exact torque figures. I tend to use a six inch socket
>wrench and hold it close to the neck. I'd say I tightened it to 15-18 ft.
>lbs. at most, but that guesstimate's worth zip in the absence of an actual
>measurement.
>2) (this is the biggie) You may gasp in horror at my stupidity, but I'd
>always been taught to warm up the engine a little to get any gunk up into
>the oil (so it drains out with the oil). I'd always wondered about this,
>but it always worked. However, warming up an aluminum engine and then
>pulling a bolt out of a warm crankcase may win me new honors in the
>"no-brainer" department--literally. This theory may be supported by the
>fact that the bolt stripped coming out of the case--not going back in.
>3) I've been using new copper washers, but Bob's sermonette reminded me of
>the old crushable washers I used to use on my 412's (Type IV engines in
>Type IV bodies--what a concept). Maybe these washers contributed to my
>problem, although they are what's sold at the dealer. I haven't seen the
>crushable kind for years around here.
>
>Hmmmm.
>Hope this helps someone on the road to a similar mistake,
>
>Dave
>
>=====================================
>dlm202@psu.edu
>Dave Mancuso
>
>'87 Vanagon (Kalypso)
>'89 Jetta
>
>
>
>------------------------------
Hi Dave,
   I wanted to add my 2 cents about you drain plug problems.  First  Don't
use two copper gaskets.  It defeats to gaskets purpose for sealing
properly.  I have to agree with Jack Reed as far as warming the engine.  It
does supended the contaninates in the oil so they can be drained out. Plus
Jack makes a good point about heili coils.  Makes new steal threads that
are left in the case so you shouldn't have that problem again.  I work in a
GM dearlership and Most of my duties include oil changes.

To everyone else:
    Becareful on those type 4 motors.  If you decide to change the pick-up
screen, don't over tighten the bolt that holds the plate in place.  If you
do you'll break the case where the bolt threads in and you'll need
expensive engine work.=(


                        Keep on Busin' -Jim D

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James Digennaro        The Late Model Bus Organization,International
Advertising and Promotions Director, Official  On-line Represenative.
20 First St
Adams, MA. 01220                  82 Westfalia  'GTI'
E-Mail limbo@bcn.net

Volkswagen Disc Jockey, Have VW will travel.'I DJ most shows in the Northeast'
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