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[duggs]

I'm puzzled.   My sump plug does NOT appear to be stripped and is in good condition....BUT when tightened up, it spins in the hole...It doesn't leak and will unwind perfectly.

Its as if the sump plug hole has got a lining of some sort and once the plug is tight, the lining merely turns in the hole UNTILL its loosened again...again...she doesn't leak.

Any thoughts please ?

[Andy B]

I'm puzzled.   My sump plug does NOT appear to be stripped and is in good condition....BUT when tightened up, it spins in the hole...It doesn't leak and will unwind perfectly.

Its as if the sump plug hole has got a lining of some sort and once the plug is tight, the lining merely turns in the hole UNTILL its loosened again...again...she doesn't leak.

Any thoughts please ?

Your sump plug is indeed screwed into a 'lining' that's pressed into the lower steel sump pan. For some reason GM/Vauxhall pressed an ally insert into the sump pan that then carries the thread.

[duggs]

Thank you Andy...Is the "spinning" effect ok then as I hope to do another oil change this weekend.

Its strange because it seems to unwind ok and only spins once tightened...is that right ?

[Andy B]

....

Its strange because it seems to unwind ok and only spins once tightened...is that right ?

In a word .... no!    
I think I'd be keeping my fingers crossed as I undid the sump plug so that it came out . I replaced the lower sump pan on mine ...... long story   & IIRC it was around £35 for a new one, although I'm sure that you'd be able to get A N Other from the various cars being broked on the forum or a local breaker.  

[Marks DTM Calib]

Thank you Andy...Is the "spinning" effect ok then as I hope to do another oil change this weekend.

Its strange because it seems to unwind ok and only spins once tightened...is that right ?

when tightened......remember thats its only about 8-10Nm on the rubber washer type!

[Growler]

damn mine spins both ways   how on earth am i going to change the oil.

[Richard A]

Make sure you have the 'repair kit' ie buy a new sump plug, oil & filter.
When it happened to me it was the sump plug thread, however I had taken the sump pan off and fitted a new one before I knew it was that thread  .
To unscrew the sump plug use two thin blade screw drivers and slowly wedge them between the plug flange and the sump pan as you undo it.  
regards
richard a

[TheBoy]

A certain, well liked Admin, helicoiled mine on tractor (renown for crap sumps, being BMW junk).  Despite the action its seen, including ripping sump plug off at 80mph, it is excellent.

[Growler]

Cheers I'll try that.