850 oil drain plug.

[rguzz]

From FCP oem plug reads BUFO, is painted black, and requires a 17mm wrench to remove-tighten. The one I took off is larger, unpainted, and is marked M18. The oem washer fits loosely on the replacement but fits tightly on the original plug marked M18. Both plugs fit easily in to the oil pan. So is this what the new oem Volvo plugs look like, black, 17mm, marked BUFO? and clearly less robust than the M18 unit. It seems that a number of smaller Volvo replacement items no longer have any markings indicating they are in fact a Volvo product. I used the black BUFO plug but am curious as to what it really is. Of course I saved the other one which is a bit buggered up. Anyone?

[scot850]

I believe Volvo is now sourcing parts from non-original OE suppliers for some of their parts, and the quality is not as high. I found when re-building the rear of my 2000 R (sub-frame/suspension/fuel system) that bolts were different to those I removed as were some of the parts. I ended up re-using many of the bolts as some of the replacements were fundamentally wrong for the purpose (to small diameter or wrong altogether).

I know the replacement plug I fitted to the project 97 850 NA recently was different to that fitted. Having said that not sure the one in the engine was an OE part anyway, and it leaked along the threads. The one from FCP worked fine with no leak.

I'm afraid that is the way of the world today. To hell with quality, all about profit.

Neil.

[dorvin]

Just wait until our cars are twenty years older, unfortunately. I'm struggling through a mess of this with the restoration of my '77 Cutlass. It is likely to only get worse.

[misha]

I don't know who makes is but it certainly needs to be 17mm.Mine is original and it's 17mm.

[rspi]

It's a drain bolt. Hopefully it will keep the oil in the pan and prevent it from leaking oil on the garage floor. 17mm Is stock/standard. But really, if the treads fit, go for it.