Sump installation Procedure - 300tdi

Planning on dropping my sump (300tdi) and re-sealing. For you guys who did this job already is this the best course of action?:
1. After removing sump, remove all traces of old sealant from mating surfaces and clean with a solvent like brake cleaner.

2. Re-apply fresh bead of RTV along the inner side of the screw holes taking care to use one continuous bead.

3. After allowing the silicone to set, reinstall the sump and tighten screws using a diagonal pattern to allow an even position and good seal.

My questions at this point are:
1. How long should the silicone set for before re-installing the sump?
2. Are there anything to look for or change when the sump is off?

Thanks in advance for the responses.

Refit the sump as soon as you have applied it.

no need to wait.

Radioactive Man said:

Refit the sump as soon as you have applied it.

no need to wait.

Click to expand...

+1. Use a proper sealant like Dirko if you can as its easier to apply. Did this on a VW 1.9tdi engine recently, works a treat, no leaks.

I've recently done mine and I would suggest that before removing the sump retaining bolts, you go round them all using a 1/4" drive ratchet/extension bar/10mm socket and test the integrity of the bolts/threads by slightly tightening each bolt before undoing them. When I refitted my sump I found that that one of the thread holes in the crankcase was knackered and needed tapping. I didn't do it because the sealant had already been applied and couldn't put up with starting again - but I got away with it this time.

Thanks for the replies. My main concern as stated was the setting time but that's pretty clear now. Will tackle this soon and post experience and results.

My advise would be to make sure you have drained it before you remove it
as only a dumb ass would do that and get covered in oil :der: