What in the H...do I use to get the plug out?
 

Okay, I went to check my coupe's differential fluid, and had no way to remove the plug. What tool is used for this internal approximately 7/16 plug. I know I had this out on my car as a kid. I actually still have the tools and toolbox. I was expecting a 3/8 or 1/2 drive ratchet to work ???? I've got a 3/8-1/2" drive interface that I could grind, but it's a good tool.


Please answer quick. My gal's with me and she thinks I know everything about these cars.

Re: What in the H...do I use to get the plug out?
 

I’ve used one end of a set of pliers. Other end provides the lever to rotate it. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...4c9b926d90.jpg

Re: What in the H...do I use to get the plug out?
 

Rob, we have seen them in so tight that we had to weld a large nut to the drain plug and use a long wrench to back it out of the housing.

Re: What in the H...do I use to get the plug out?
 

Will a 3/4 drive fit in there?

(Sorry- next time I'll read the whole post with my glasses on)

Re: What in the H...do I use to get the plug out?
 

I've just used a breaker bar and a cheater [ piece of pipe].

But if want to grind down a short extension, thats fine. Avery mechanic ended up with a box full of 'special made' tools.

Re: What in the H...do I use to get the plug out?
 

I've ground down key stock on a taper, 3inches long, hammer to fit, 12 inch adjustable wrench. Hammering helps loosen the rust penetrating oil also helps smoke wrench for really stuck plugs. Fun fun fun !

Re: What in the H...do I use to get the plug out?
 

A standard 3/8" socket drive extension works for me. Also, that square stub on the end of the "Ford" adjustable wrench is, I guess, designed to fit those plugs.

Joe B

Re: What in the H...do I use to get the plug out?
 

I cant imagine what your plug looks like .... from your words. Maybe give us a pic, eh !
BTW, if it is the ‘standard’ 3/8” plug OR per chance 1/2” inside hole, use either which size it is... then put a 3 foot cheater bar extension to break loose.

BTW, I just ran inro the first ALLEN wrench type hole in plug in my A.

Guys use cheater wrench, leg pressure to put those plugs in TOOO tight.... to try stopping them from leaking. DOES NOT WORK, in many plugs... mine included.

Try thread lockind tape or pipe dope. Afterall, it is a pipe thread !

Re: What in the H...do I use to get the plug out?
 

You may be able to find square keystock that fits, then use a the correct size open end wrench or heavy duty adjustable? Is it possible that it is a 1/2" square with a lot of corrosion or paint on the sides?

Re: What in the H...do I use to get the plug out?
 

I'll check your comment out. But, I think I've discovered that there are such things as Pipe Plug socket sets. A set comes with male and female square ends or holes. And there are antique wrenches that have several square ends on one oddly shaped wrench, too. (Compliments of the folks at VFF)



I believe that a male pipe socket marked 1/2" might measure just over 1/2". I'll try shimming my 3/8 drive breaker. I don't expect mine to be overly tight.


Thanks to all for the responses.

Re: What in the H...do I use to get the plug out?
 

Check your "Private Messages" in the top right corner of this webpage.
Marshall

Re: What in the H...do I use to get the plug out?
 

Go to an industrial supplier of bearings and buy a section of 7/16" key stock . Your wrench will grip it or better yet weld a hex nut to the end for a socket to grip

Re: What in the H...do I use to get the plug out?
 

Square drive sockets and bits are available in both male and female types from various sources. This link has the Apex brand that use a socket to turn them.
https://mrotools.com/pdf/apex20.pdf

Re: What in the H...do I use to get the plug out?
 

If the plug protrudes enough out from the housing, you may be able to use vice grips on it???

Re: What in the H...do I use to get the plug out?
 

JoeBC has the correct answer, 3/8

Re: What in the H...do I use to get the plug out?
 

I managed to grind my 3/8-1/2 socket interface to a taper. Used liquid spray Instant Freeze and tapped the new tool into the mangled female plug. Put my medium breaker bar in the tool and the plug came out. It wasn't real tight. It should not have been put back into the differential by the previous person. They are .95 cents at Snyder's.


I consider this thread closed with a successful outcome. I am a lot smarter and will have the right tool for this job in the future. Hex head inserts as mentioned above.