STUG38 Posted February 11, 2015 Share Posted February 11, 2015 I have a 2008 Focus 1.6 TDCI. Today its gone in for a service and MOT. No problems. Apart from a bill for £160 to replace the sump as the threads are stripped? I believe there are only two causes for this. Overtightening and cross threading. The same dealership done the service and oil changes for last three years. Would i be right to assume this damage been caused by the technicians or put it down to wear and tear? Would be good to be armed with information before i pick it up tomorrow. They have had to keep it overnight as it wasnt completed despite being dropped off at 7.30 this morning. Any information would be much appreciated. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iantt Posted February 11, 2015 Share Posted February 11, 2015 Does sound like overtightening to many times to me, stretching the threads. Should be tightened to 34nm which isnt very tight , but tight enough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
STUG38 Posted February 11, 2015 Author Share Posted February 11, 2015 Thanks for the reply. Has anyone else had this problem? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
williamweb Posted February 11, 2015 Share Posted February 11, 2015 Excuse my ignorance but why was the sump tampered with? Sent from my iPad using Ford OC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
STUG38 Posted February 11, 2015 Author Share Posted February 11, 2015 I would imagine it was to remove the sump plug to drain the oil for the service. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjt Posted February 11, 2015 Share Posted February 11, 2015 I'd say that this can only be caused by the plug being over-tightened at some time, weakening the threads, so on the face of it you would seem to have a good case against them. However they could argue that it might have been tampered with between services, which would be impossible for you to disprove, or over-tightened at some time before they started doing the servicing. Nevertheless you haven't anything to lose so why not see if they'll meet you half way on the cost? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
STUG38 Posted February 11, 2015 Author Share Posted February 11, 2015 Thanks that's fantastic advice. I did think about arguing the case but was unsure whether id have a leg to stand on. But as you say they may consider meeting half the cost as I cant prove anything and neither can they and also the fact that its basically took two days to do the work. And as they're too busy to MOT it tomorrow and wanted to outsource it to a neighbouring garage. Which I don't feel is appropriate for a franchised dealer to do. The car definitely hasn't been touched by anyone other than them in the time I've owned it. They've done the last three services. Thanks. Feel much more confident standing my ground tomorrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
williamweb Posted February 11, 2015 Share Posted February 11, 2015 Sorry,but in your original post it says sump not sump plug,am I being thick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
STUG38 Posted February 11, 2015 Author Share Posted February 11, 2015 No not being thick at all. The threads on the sump have been damaged when the sump plug has been removed to drain the oil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MONDEO TXS 2.2 Posted February 11, 2015 Share Posted February 11, 2015 In over 35 years I've never heard of a thread being stripped / damaged whilst the sump plug is being undone. . any damage normally occurs during the first / second turn of inserting the sump plug at an incorrect angle or over tightening. . I've learnt something new ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
south_bound Posted February 12, 2015 Share Posted February 12, 2015 This has happen to me as well, although I am probably the one to blame as I have done my own servicing for the past few years. In my case its the plug which has stripped threads, not the sump and so I over came this by using a thicker washer to move to the good part of the thread - at least until I get around to buying a new plug. It doesn't need to be tightened very tight at all, just enough to crush the washer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Ford UK Shop
Sponsored Ad
Name: eBay
Ford Model: FordUK Shop
Ford Year: 2024
Latest Deals
Ford UK Shop for genuine Ford parts & accessoriesDisclaimer: As the club is an eBay Partner, The club may be compensated if you make a purchase via the club
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.