Sump Removal

[nelmo]

I used instant gasket on my sump (along with the standard rubber one) and i need to take the sump off to investigate a rattle, but i can't get the damn thing off. I've managed to break the gasket most of the way round but not at the front, where the sump goes behind the flywheel.

 

Is there any chemical i can use to help dissolve the sealant stuff, which won't damage the engine internals? Or any other suggestions?

[fry61]

Not chemical but maybe a mechanical solution. Use a long length of mig wire between sump & engine block -- wrap the ends round wooden sticks & try pulling the wire through like a cheese cutter.

[nelmo]

I tried that when i had to get my front cycle wings off and it didn't really work but i might give it another go...

[WallerZ]

Sure you have every single bolt out? Theres always one hiding somewhere!

If yes, big screw driver to prise it whilst using a stanley knife (or other long reach sharp utensil if you can smuggle one out the kitchen ;) lol) and keep cutting away. The V6 sump is purely RTV Silicone sealant as standard. I've had that thing off a number of times, just make sure both sides are clean when reapplying/fitting

[Matt brown]

Ye they are a right bas74rd to get off I used a flat head screwdriver and and extendable crafts knife to cut though the sealant. Just make sure you clean the sump out before putting it back on

[richyb66]

Go to a car windscreen place and see if they'll give you some of the yellow cord they use for cutting out screens. They use it off a roll so I'm sure they'd give a couple of metres for some beer money.

[kevin the chicken]

The stuff Richard said to use is not surprisingly available on ebay although you would have to wait for it. I would have thought a heavy duty fishing line would do the same job if you know an angler. A braided line is supposed to be abrasion resistant but a heavy monofilament might work. Thats always assuming you can get to it from both sides. Tie a bit of wood on the end if you try it or it will cut your hands.

[Andi]

Dental floss?????????

[Bob Tucker]

I use stuff called nichrome wire.

Its very thin & almost impossible to break.

I can take some to Huntingdon if you are going?

[nelmo]

Thanks for the offer Bob but can't make Huntingdon and even if I could, I would want to take my kit, which is obviously tricky at the moment

 

If I go the garotte method, it will have to be something solid as I need to push from one side of sump to the other, to get it started. I might just keep hitting it with a hammer...

Edited June 28, 2018 by nelmo

[Matt brown]

Just stick a thin flat head screwdriver at the front corner (crank pulley side) tap in with hammer and then use a blade to start cutting the sealant and work your way around. Do it from under the car to you can see what your doing

[nelmo]

Ive done that on the 2 sides but i can't get to the join that goes behind the flywheel at the front or the join hidden by the bellhousing at the rear.

 

I've only got the car up on ramps at the front and axle stands at the back, so i haven't got enough space to lie underneath and pull on it. That also doesn't seem like a good idea anyway. ..

[Matt brown]

If the sump is hanging off at the front but hung up at the back then it's off. You will find the oil pick up will stop you being able to remove the sump easily so you may need to unbolt the pickup

[nelmo]

It's a Zetec blacktop - the pickup bolts are inside the sump...

 

Can anyone confirm that the blacktop only has bolts down the side (4 or 5 per. side) for the sump and none at either end? I can't see any and I don't remember there being any but just checking...

 

EDIT: ok, don't bother, found a picture of the sump from my build - no end bolts.

Edited June 29, 2018 by nelmo

[Guest mdav1970]

If your putting not using the same sump gasket (which i presume your not) have you tried a heat gun?