Author Topic: Tool for sump drain plug  (Read 6392 times)

Ulf

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Tool for sump drain plug
« on: September 15, 2010, 10:58:36 »
I usually change the oil myself spring and autumn, but due to lack of time i let a garage do it for me in the spring. Since then, the tool for unscrewing the sump drain plug has been missing (it's like a BIG allen key) - they swear that they used their own and blah-blah-blah. Have looked at various webshops looking for a new one, but so far without luck.
Any help, links etc. will be greatly appreciated since the car is soon due for its autumn oil change...

Best regards

Ulf
1965 230 SL in silver (DB180)
1982 Land Rover Series III SWB
2008 Jaguar XF 3.0
2005 Mini Cooper

Naj ✝︎

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Re: Tool for sump drain plug
« Reply #1 on: September 15, 2010, 11:05:15 »
14 mm hex allen key or socket: e.g.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/DRAIN-PLUG-KEY-14MM-HEX/dp/B0002BUTBW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=diy&qid=1284548826&sr=8-1

Some engines have a 17mm hex head ?

naj
« Last Edit: September 15, 2010, 11:07:03 by naj »
68 280SL

Ulf

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Re: Tool for sump drain plug
« Reply #2 on: September 15, 2010, 11:14:51 »
Dammit - you're fast, Naj! Think I'll get them both just to be sure...

Thanks a lot

Ulf
1965 230 SL in silver (DB180)
1982 Land Rover Series III SWB
2008 Jaguar XF 3.0
2005 Mini Cooper

Naj ✝︎

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Re: 17mm hex head drain plug
« Reply #3 on: September 15, 2010, 11:32:37 »
You just need a normal 17mm socket or wrench (spanner) for the 17mm hex head drain plug, same as the bolt on the oil filter bowl.

naj
« Last Edit: September 15, 2010, 12:03:26 by naj »
68 280SL

Ulf

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Re: Tool for sump drain plug
« Reply #4 on: September 15, 2010, 14:29:11 »
Think I'll measure it just to be sure - how come they didn't just make a plug that could be unscrewed with a regular spanner/wrench???
1965 230 SL in silver (DB180)
1982 Land Rover Series III SWB
2008 Jaguar XF 3.0
2005 Mini Cooper

graphic66

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Re: Tool for sump drain plug
« Reply #5 on: September 15, 2010, 15:22:38 »
That was probably the regular wrench to the German engineers of the time. It seems that every nuance of these cars were very well thought out. It may not seem normal to us now, but it always makes sense when you think like a 60's German engineer.

Benz Dr.

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Re: Tool for sump drain plug
« Reply #6 on: September 16, 2010, 02:26:36 »
There are two different drain plugs. One has an external 17 mm and the other has an internal 14 mm.
1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn

1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1988 560SEC

ja17

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Re: Tool for sump drain plug
« Reply #7 on: September 16, 2010, 02:38:24 »
There was also a third version drain plug on the ribbed oil pans.  A common 13mm box end wrench removes it.

Yes, I heard that Mercedes just supplies the 14mm allen hex plug these days? and of coarse the latest 13mm version.  In a pinch go to your favorite tool store and buy a 9/16"or 14mm allen wrench, slide a little pipe over the end for a bit more leverage.

Supposidly Mercedes got away from the old 17mm hex head version since they were more likely to spin off if you hit your oil pan on something
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
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1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback

scoot

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Re: Tool for sump drain plug
« Reply #8 on: September 16, 2010, 16:50:45 »
I believe that the replacement wrench is available from Mercedes.  (I think not very expensive, not the same as original but a good replacement)
Scott Allen
'67 250 SL (early)
Altadena, California

J. Huber

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Re: Tool for sump drain plug
« Reply #9 on: September 16, 2010, 18:04:36 »
There was also a third version drain plug on the ribbed oil pans.  A common 13mm box end wrench removes it.

That's the version I have. MB replacement 230SL engine. Glad Joe has seen one -- was starting to worry...
James
63 230SL