Oil Pump Stuck
 

Someone in the past used a square head pipe plug in the side of the block. It was in there tight and needed a good heft with a wrench to remove it . In the process the very end of the plug broke off. After dropping the pan, the oil pump will not come out. Presumably the end of the plug is tight to the oil pump. What's the best way to remove the end of the plug without damaging the threads in the block?

Re: Oil Pump Stuck
 

Do you have a picture? is any of the plug actually out of the block where you could grab it?

If it is flush you will have to drill it and use an ez out product.

Re: Oil Pump Stuck
 

I have encountered similar scenarios with that plug. My fix is/was to set the block up on its side against a couple of angleplates on the Mill, and use a left-handed drill bit and peck drill it out. You generally will need to drill all the way thru the plug since it is tapered thread but if you can get it to loosen even slightly, this will allow the Ez-Out to make it come out easier without the chance of breaking the Ez-Out.

As for not damaging the threads, I fear the threads are already damaged by now being oversized.

Re: Oil Pump Stuck
 

It's below the surface. I may be just the very end of plug.

Re: Oil Pump Stuck
 

Is the engine in or out of the car?

Re: Oil Pump Stuck
 

The motor is in the car and would prefer not pulling it to get the plug out. The plug was 1/8" NPT which I believe is correct. What about using a left hand bit with a diameter smaller than the plug? I guess drilling it out oversize for a 1/8" NPT helicoil would also work. With either method, my concern is getting the hole straight with a hand drill.

Re: Oil Pump Stuck
 

I have had luck with welding a nut to the top of the broken bolt, though at the time the engine was out of the car and I could use gravity to keep the nut in place prior to and during welding. You may have to do something creative to keep it in place. The heat from the weld can help break the bolt free as well I am told.

Re: Oil Pump Stuck
 

The OP says on the other web forum that the issue is resolved. Pump was stuck just on its own. Came out with penetrating oil and gentle tapping.

Re: Oil Pump Stuck
 

Thats good, because if it just was a normal plug, it would not have been holding the oil pump in anyway.