Sorry folks, I have searched the site as I thought this will have been asked and answered many of times so it's apologies from me for not finding it...
Anyway could someone please advise what tool I need (and size and shape of sump insert) to undo the sump plug so I can drain the engine oil. Also will this then fit the other plugs (gearbox etc which I'll do shortly) and if not what else will I need and finally....
Do I buy engine parts (if available still) from Volvo or Renault.

And finally, finally....I bought two oil filters which both apparently have the appropriate valve, one a ACDelco x4112E and the the other a Halfords one...the former is half the height of the latter and just looks plain odd?

Again many thanks to all you knowledgeable and kind folk on the forums for all your help, always much appreciated.

Lee.

It's either a 3/8" or 10mm square plug. 3/8" definitely fits and you can just use the end of a 3/8" ratchet drive/extension to do it, but a correctly fitting square plug will grip better and be less likely to round off your sump plug.

Hello, for the 1.4 its a 3/8th socket set handle with a short length of pipe for some extra torque. The gearbox filler plug is a hexagonal head bolt (13mm? but the drain plug is bigger) and from memory the diff filler plug has the same square hole as the engine oil drain plug? I think you can get new plugs from the specialists listed on this site or from Skandix (but they don't seem to have them anymore) but there seem to be aftermarket alternatives on ebay. The oil filters come in all shapes and sizes so as long as they fits, they should be fine. The only vulnerable plug is the gearbox filler plug. Alex beat me to this anyhow maybe some use....Bests, bog.

I've got a Facom D.13A wrench which has a 10mm square one end which will do the engine sump plug. (As already said, a 3/8" drive will do). The other end is a 8mm square which does my other French stuff. Beta tools do a similar wrench.

Get oil filters from Volvo as they aren't that dear and aftermarket stuff is very hit or miss (usually miss).