Stuck LU drain plug

v12mac

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 30, 2003
Messages
502
I just bought and installed a used LU for a buddy. The problem is that the lower fill plug is stuck.

How hard should I crank on this thing? How much heat can it take. If i heat it just a bit will I be committed to getting it out no matter what? What if I just use a heat gun? Or should I just top it off and roll the dice? I doubt the motor has more than 1 or 2 seasons left in her anyway.

Mac
 

lindy46

Captain
Joined
Nov 27, 2008
Messages
3,886
Re: Stuck LU drain plug

Use an impact screwdriver - takes them out everytime.
 

bkwapisz

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 20, 2009
Messages
441
Re: Stuck LU drain plug

My plugs are both standard head flat-blade screws. I took an old screwdriver and ground it down so that there was no play in the way it grabbed the screw (meaning the blade was not skinnier than the slot) and it helps to NOT dmage the plug. If you can get a good purchase on it with a setup like that you can attach a vice-grip to the screwdriver and while pushing in heavily steady try turning CCW.

OR the impact version mentioned above will work as well...

Either way I'd replace it once she's out.
 

Sixmark

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 11, 2010
Messages
890
Re: Stuck LU drain plug

Use a manul impact driver, getting carried away with a pneumatic can cause damage to the case of the L/U if you are not careful.
 

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,102
Re: Stuck LU drain plug

Mac, Impact drivers are easy to use and safe to use. Use the screwdriver bit that fits best, set the driver to loosen and give it a firm smack (not hard), and the screw should loosen up....
 
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