Author Topic: Gearbox Square End Filler Plug  (Read 292 times)

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Offline 4129R

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Gearbox Square End Filler Plug
« on: Monday,June 05, 2023, 01:17:29 PM »
At the end of a big total rebuild, I am putting the fluids in.

The gearbox fill plug has seized solid. I cannot move the square end with a 10mm spanner, even with heat. The spanner/wrench just slips off

I went to two car tool shops and neither had any tool to fit all 4 sides of the plug to get a tight fit.

Brainwave, the square end is 10mm. What about getting the square end of a 3/8" socket on to the plug, link 2 x 13mm sockets together with a long 13mm nut, and then use a long extension bar on the other end of the socket/nut/socket sandwich?

Tomorrow, light filing on the burred square end of the plug to get the socket to fit snugly.

It seems you cannot get a socket to fit a square plug/nut, and double hex sockets do not grip enough of the soft metal plug.   

Offline BDA

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Re: Gearbox Square End Filler Plug
« Reply #1 on: Monday,June 05, 2023, 01:33:14 PM »
I filed my drain and fill plugs to 3/8" and used a 3/8" 8 point socket. Then I found out that 10mm 8 point sockets are not hard to find! Having said that, I was unable to find a 10mm 8 point socket quickly at either ebay or amazon. They are out there though!

Offline bjthomp

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Re: Gearbox Square End Filler Plug
« Reply #2 on: Monday,June 05, 2023, 01:57:03 PM »
I don't know if this will work for you, but my notes indicate that I've been using a 12pt.-12mm socket to remove and replace the drain & fill plugs. If I recall, the tool fits snugly and doesn't slip. The plugs are original and are stamped 3/8.

Offline Pfreen

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Offline Kendo

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Re: Gearbox Square End Filler Plug
« Reply #4 on: Monday,June 05, 2023, 05:33:36 PM »
Many many years ago, our VP of operations had a Snap-On account. I got a square 10mm socket from them for that plug. Works great. (And my only Snap-On tool to date  ::))

Offline 4129R

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Re: Gearbox Square End Filler Plug
« Reply #5 on: Tuesday,June 06, 2023, 01:07:31 AM »
Success. I had to move the gearchange out of the way by removing the long 1/4" bolt on the U/J.

The plug, socket, long nut, socket, 1/2" drive extension bar combination worked easily.

After I filed off the burrs, the socket square end tapped on to the drain plug right up to the thread quite easily.