So wentto change my oil yesterday only to find out thedrain bolt was stripped. Not the threading per say but the bolt head, where the you insert the bit was a nice clean circle. I also notice that 3 of about 15 bolts that hold theoil pan up had some oil on them while the rest of the bolts were clean. These three bolts were to the upper right of thedrain bolt if your under the car looking foward. Above these bolts I could see a small amount of oil sitting where the gasket is. Now I havent noticed a serious decrease in oil, just the normal amount the car will usually burn. So my question is, am I looking at a small amount of seepage or will I need to replacethe oil pan gasket? Also whats the best meathod to get out the bolt, I was thinking to possibly drill through it or if the pan has to be removed, the bolt can be worked from the other side.
Thanks in advance...

 

the sump pan should be ok but what you need to remove the bolt is some very good grips then replace both the bolt and seal

 

http://images.google.co.uk/images?hl...vers&gbv=2

 

Thats the same thing I was thinking avant80. I went to my friends shop today and talked to his head mechanic. They told me to get a new drain bolt and that they would drop the lower pan to get the bolt out and also check the gasket for leaks. He also told me that instead of getting a new gasket, I could buy a gasket glue, I believe he called it RTV and its black in color. He said to use this with the old gasket and it should be perfect or to be really safe, put the glue and a new gasket. What do you guys think of this meathod?

 

I think the RTV gasket is just fine. Although not the best long term solution, it will work. You will have the loosen the bolts to get the liquid gasket in there. I used RTV gasket maker a long time ago on an old Saab. Worked great and it didn't leak at least for the year I owned the car. Why not just have the oil pan gasket replaced, it can't be that expensive. You could always just do it yourself.

Jeff

 

I have inquired about a new gasket, which I will be putting on. The thing is, the head mechanic is telling me to get the black RTV along with a new gasket, he claims I will never have to worry about it again. Am I ok just putting the OEM silicongasket?

 

All the RTV will do is help gasket make a nice tight seal. Do not just use RTV as a gasket and call it good. That's the half *** way of replacing a gasket. All you need to do is apply a small bead to the pan (once the surface is clean) and then spread evenly withyour finger. The RTV should be as thin as paper once spread. All this does is help seal inconsistencies in the gasket and any slight warpage in the pan (due to heat) It shouldn't be a problem but the RTV is added comfort for a gasket. Keep in mind, not all gaskets require this, but I would apply the RTV to the oil pan along with the gasket if it was my car.

 

Thanks prbayha, I was thinking along the same lines. Do you think that my oil pan is really leaking or could it be seepage? Its a very small amount creeping from the gasket but as far as Im concerned, its still something. Time to hit the audi dealer for parts! $11 for a new bolt, $1.50 for a sealer ring and $36.50 for a newsilicon gasket is not too bad.

Actually I have one last question, what kind of drain plug do you guys have on your car? Is it an actualbolt heador a female threaded bolt that takes the larger allen key sizes? Im just curious cuz I have the latter and I think its a stupid design, the nut should be male(or external). When I checked audi part websites they all had the bolt head style drain plugs which leads me to wonder if thats the drain plug the car came with.

 

It could be just seepage but it is probably due to the gasket failing in that corner. Definitely replace the part.Here's some tips. After taking off the pan (oil removed first of course) wash down the pan with some acetone to clean it up so you dont get oil everywhere. Thelip of the pan (where the gasket sits) needs to be clean of old gasket material and RTV (if used before--I doubt it) Do not use a tool to do this if itgummed up--here is why. The pan is made of aluminum and can easily be scratched when removing the gunk. This causes inconsistencies in the surface and could potentially causea leak. Best bet is to soak it in acetone for a bit to loosen the gunk and then wipe clean. Tale some 700-800 grit sandpaper and lightly buff the lip to remove any leftovers. This also lightly etches the surface so if there are any inconsistencies you cant see, this will even out the surface. Make surewhere the pan mounts is also clear of old material. Apply the RTV and place the gasket on lining up the bolt holes. When you tighten it up start in one corner and then move diagonally form corner to corner, side to side to make sure it tightens evenly. After you drive it for a couple of day, get back under there and tighten the bolts again (to spec).