Hi all

Thank you all for taking the time and trouble to post replies on what must be to you people a rather trivial matter of a simple oil change job. I really appreciate it.

Loarn Thank you for your thoughts on the use of PTFE tape. I have used yellow PTFE tape many times on plumbing jobs and the compressed air installation in my workshop. The problem I have with it is, on the odd occasion when I need to temporarily dismantle one of the joints, I find it difficult to clean the remains of the old tape out of the female thread ready for re-use. I would be worried about pushing some of the old tape into the diff chamber when next doing the oil change not knowing what problems, if any, that might cause.

Richard and Sewin given your comments on copper, I think I will fit a copper washer regardless of what I find behind the head of the drain plug bolt and then, when re-fitting, torque it down to about 34Nm (25ft lbs) and see how I get on. According to the internet that's about right for these bolts.

When torquing down bolts and fittings to the correct spec I often feel it's not enough, but it always is. For peace of mind I use security check paint (see below) across the heads of critical bolts and fittings after torquing down so I can keep on eye on things to make sure they are not coming loose. I use this stuff on the sump drain bolt 15Nm on the Zetec engine. On the gear box drain plug after an oil change, on nuts and bolts I have removed around the steering assembly when fitting a new steering rack gaiter. I also use it on the wire wheel nuts. I put a spot across the nut and wheel centre opposite the tyre valve so it is easy to find for a quick check. I also use it on the oil filter ½ to ¾ of a turn once seated, again does not seem enough but always is. If you look closely at the photo you can see the small orange spot. I will have to use a mirror to check the diff drain and fill plugs when the car is on the ground but that's no problem.

Regards Tony

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