Stupid (lazy!) Question of the day - Xantia Sump Plug

[Zelandeth]

Simply because it will save me fumbling around tomorrow when I go to change the oil...

What type and size of socket do I need to get the plug out on my S2 1.9TD Xantia? If it's a recessed plug is a good chance I'll need to pop out to get one as I've only had one car like that (Renault 11 from memory) and haven't seen the sockets for them in years!

Have had a post it on the fridge for weeks now telling me to change the oil! Plan to actually do it in the morning.

Fuel filter is also going to be changed at the same time...assume there are no major pitfalls to that...top off filter housing, filter out, drain any water out, new filter in, reassemble and prime system?

[elma]

Bang on with the fuel filter.
Sump plug is not recessed, if the same as s1, but I don't remember the size.
It's probably between 18 and 22mm, I'm looking at a ruler trying to visualise it.
All my XUD's have had an 8mm allen key hole in the centre of the plug as well.

[Zelandeth]

Cheers!

If it's a normal non-recessed "bolt" type I should be a fine as I've plenty of normal sockets.

Whereabouts is it for that matter? Know the car has an undertray so not assuming it will be easy to see unless there's an access hole...

Saab has "engine drain" and an arrow helpfully cast into the sump to help you find it!

[elma]

Theres an access flap.
If you are under the car facing upwards with your feet sticking out from under the front bumper it's in the region of above your right shoulder.
I've always had my under tray off when I've done the oil, you may need an extension on your socket or a deep reach.
Remember to prop it up, don't just put it on high, Xantias can go really low.

Again i know this from S1, hopefully someone who's got S2 will confirm or correct before you get to it.
The trays only a few little bolts if it has to come off, bit faffy to refit.
I'm sure the actual sumps the same though, it's an XUD9.

[Zelandeth]

Thanks.

It will be on stands, having worked on buses with air suspension that precaution is second nature at least.

Pretty sure my undertray is held on by cable ties after 198K miles, un-trimmed ones at that (is on the list to tidy up).

May well take it off anyway as I would like to see where the oil with which it currently marks its territory is coming from.

Thanks so much for the info, really appreciate the answers to what was a very lazy question.

[RichardW]

Pretty sure they're all 21mm. If it has air con the drain is actually on the rear face of the sump, rather than the bottom - take care when you take the plug out, as the oil shoots out backwards about a foot - right over the top of the drain pot if you're not ready.... If it's without AC then it's on the bottom of the sump, so the oil comes straight out. Both are located towards the cambelt end of the engine.

[Peter.N.]

Mine are all 21mm but occasionally you come across a different one.

Peter

[RichardW]

Mine are all 21mm but occasionally you come across a different one.

Peter

Tell me about it.... First change on BX TD. Get under, oh, it's square only. Off to Halfords, get a universal spanner. Fits everything except BX. File it down so it does fit. Find plug has been tightened by gorilla, apply hammer to get it off. Drain oil. Filter - will it come? No. Off to buy a strap wrench (on bike now, as no oil!). Will it come off? No. Off to buy a chain wrench (bike again). Get it off now. Refill. Total time about 3 hours

[Peter.N.]

I know it well. I have a selection of modified spanners and home made tools.

Peter

[Zelandeth]

Could be worse...could be my Fiesta a few years back!

Ended up taking the sump off. Some oaf had totally rounded the sump plug (which had also been tightened by superman, couldn't get it out, even on the bench!).

...three of the bolts snapped.

...it was still like that six months later when I sold it!