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33Lover · Alfa Arna Joined: 17 Oct 2003 Posts: 7 Location: Macedonia

10 days ago I've changed engine oil
(Agip sint 10w/40) ,yesturday I've noticed that a small amount of oil is leaking from drain plug.
I've visited my mehanic today so he says he will fix it in monday..
Now it's dillema, since oil(just changed) need to be drain out to fix the drain plug. My mehanic sugested to refill same oil after fixing.
But somehow I'm affraid that the oil dont gonna be drained in sterile enviroment so some dirt particals may make oil dirty...and I for sure don't want dirt back in my engine..
To listen my mehanic suggestions or to put brand new oil in my engine??(may look expencive, but...engine repair will be more expencive.... right, and I love my bella)
Please suggestions and expirience...need opinions before fixing in monday...
Thanks bros...!!!!!!!
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gritsop · Posted: Sat Nov 22, 2003 9:22 pm Post subject:

Hi,

Fixing the drain plug usually means putting a new ring. Did you use the same ring when you replaced the oil? If so you could just use the other side of it without using a new one if you dont have it available.
The drain plug usually fails if you try to unscrew it without paying much attention. if the allen key is not placed properly the sitting of the plug will be destroyed and you ll have to use big pliers like the plumbers use in order to put it out. Then of cource you should buy a new plug to install it.
By the way it is advicable to have a few rings in order to avoid the frustrating situation to replace the oil and seeing it droping from the sump and make dirt to your garage ...

The drain plug is magnetic and it has the ability to collect each iron element within the engine.

So it wont be a problem to use the same oil provided that you collect it in a clean container.

This had happened to me when I replaced the oil and I found my self in front of the frustrating situation that I could not unscrew the plug as the allen sitting was destroyed from the mechanic all the past times.
I had to use the plumbers pliers in order to remove it.
But it was Saturday afternoon, the shops were closed and the oil was droping ... On Monday I bought a new plug along with some rings for future use and replaced it using the same oil.
This is not a problem. Do it without any fears.

Regards,
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Thanassis Gritsopoulos
1991 Alfa 33 1.4 IE
2001 Alfa 147 1.6 Distinctive

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