Removing Filler Plugs....

[Nabco]

Total newbie question here......what tool should I use to remove the filler plugs on the oil pan and the transmission.....channel locks, crescent wrench or something else

Thanks

Nick

[tbirdtbird]

channel locks....please don't

use the correct size open end wrench for the tranny filler plug
and the correct box wrench for the pan drain plug, which IIRC is 1", or possibly 15/16

[katy]

channel locks....please don't

Ditto

[Nabco]

Thanks guys, that's why I asked

[Marshall V. Daut]

Very often these plugs have suffered numerous amateur attempts to remove them with whatever tool was on hand, correct or not. That results in some plugs having rounded hex edges so that the proper wrench or socket will not work anymore. By all means try the correct size closed-end wrench or socket first. But if either slips or fails to get a good "bite", you can use a pair of vise grips with the rounded contoured jaws. I have had to resort to this tool numerous times to remove a well-worn oil pan drain plug. Naturally, it would be a good idea to replace such a plug with a new one or an undamaged original one so that you or the next guy won't have to go through this PIA in the future. Such plugs are certainly cheap enough.
Marshall

[captndan]

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Originally Posted by Marshall V. Daut

Very often these plugs have suffered numerous amateur attempts to remove them with whatever tool was on hand, correct or not. That results in some plugs having rounded hex edges so that the proper wrench or socket will not work anymore. By all means try the correct size closed-end wrench or socket first. But if either slips or fails to get a good "bite", you can use a pair of vise grips with the rounded contoured jaws. I have had to resort to this tool numerous times to remove a well-worn oil pan drain plug. Naturally, it would be a good idea to replace such a plug with a new one or an undamaged original one so that you or the next guy won't have to go through this PIA in the future. Such plugs are certainly cheap enough.
Marshall

This, and if it's a recessed plug try a 1/2" ratchet. When all else fails weld a nut to the plug and take it out. Always replaced an abused plug.

[Mitch//pa]

To remove al fill / drain plugs turn counter clockwise

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

To remove al fill / drain plugs turn counter clockwise

Lefty Loosey

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by CarlG

Lefty Loosey

Righty tighty

[Brentwood Bob]

Precaution for the Drain plug; IMHO don't use heat unless you are prepared to resolder the fitting to the pan. Slightly turn in the tightening direction to break the rust in the threads, then unscrew. A small ball peen hammer is your friend. Hit the box end once to break the drain plug loose. If the pan is real rusty try some kroil penetrant.

[Nabco]

The box wrench did the trick guys......thanks for your help.

Nick

[SeaSlugs]

Originally Posted by Marshall V. Daut

Very often these plugs have suffered numerous amateur attempts to remove them with whatever tool was on hand, correct or not. That results in some plugs having rounded hex edges so that the proper wrench or socket will not work anymore. By all means try the correct size closed-end wrench or socket first. But if either slips or fails to get a good "bite", you can use a pair of vise grips with the rounded contoured jaws. I have had to resort to this tool numerous times to remove a well-worn oil pan drain plug. Naturally, it would be a good idea to replace such a plug with a new one or an undamaged original one so that you or the next guy won't have to go through this PIA in the future. Such plugs are certainly cheap enough.
Marshall

agred, if worst case scenario you have to grind down 2 flats on the plug to the next smaller wrench and see if that will work if it got too rounded.

dont forget the tranny and rearend plugs are tapered - dont go crazy tight on them or they can crack the housing. Its not holding the engine together just liquid inside so tighten just enough so it doesnt vibrate loose.

[100IH]

8 point sockets are for square nuts and plugs. Finding a set is not easy these days but worth keeping an eye out for. They will do no harm and work even better than an open wrench.

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by 100IH

8 point sockets are for square nuts and plugs. Finding a set is not easy these days but worth keeping an eye out for. They will do no harm and work even better than an open wrench.

I have found quite a few "singles" on eBay. Not that expensive either. I have most of the common sizes in both 3/8 & 1/2 drive sockets.