TR4/4A How to get the $&@%# filler bolt out of the side of the trans to top her off?!?

[clanofwolves]

I need to get the $&@%# filler bolt out of the side of the trans to top her off; and she's really in there and I sooooooo don't want to take the tunnel off. Help? ......and yes, I know I was the clown who put it in tight when I performed the last clutch replacement haha.

 

[TR3driver]

Re: How to get the $&@%# filler bolt out of the side of the trans to top her off?!?

My recipe: 8 point 1/2" drive socket, long breaker bar, and a pry bar to pry between the breaker head and tunnel (to hold the socket down on the plug). Might need a piece of wood to help spread the force on the tunnel.

Another thing that will help, some, is to put a heat lamp on the gearbox housing. Don't want to get it too hot since you aren't draining the oil, but around 200F or a bit more will help loosen the plug without harming the oil. The alloy housing expands with heat faster than the steel plug does.

 

[Geo Hahn]

Re: How to get the $&@%# filler bolt out of the side of the trans to top her off?!?

And, if you're shopping or borrowing, I think it is the 7/16" 8-point that you will need.

I guess you know by now that the plug has a taper thread and doesn't need to be wicked tight not to leak and to stay put.

 

[TR3driver]

Re: How to get the $&@%# filler bolt out of the side of the trans to top her off?!?

Some Teflon "pipe dope" on the replacement will both help it seal and help it come out next time, too.

 

[KVH]

Re: How to get the $&@%# filler bolt out of the side of the trans to top her off?!?

I need to get the $&@%# filler bolt out of the side of the trans to top her off; and she's really in there and I sooooooo don't want to take the tunnel off. Help? ......and yes, I know I was the clown who put it in tight when I performed the last clutch replacement haha. 

Removing that plug when stuck in my transmission was more effort than pulling my engine. I had the interior totally out and fried and broke three drill bits until I spent $12 on a carbide bit from an industrial supplier here in town. Then I used an easy out. Four days were consumed. I spelled my short words differently. I will never forget those days. Never before had I toiled so long to achieve so little.

 

[TomChar]

Re: How to get the $&@%# filler bolt out of the side of the trans to top her off?!?

I went through the same phrases removing my plug, and my trans was out rolling around the floor while I was doing it. I used heat, but I was very concerned about over heating the alloy trans case. I had a breaker bar with a square socket, but I was still concerned - mostly due to the loose trans on the floor - with rolling the socket off the plug and rounding it. My neighbor, who's about 80, had an ancient square box wrench just for pipe plugs. That was perfect.

 

[TR3driver]

Re: How to get the $&@%# filler bolt out of the side of the trans to top her off?!?

FWIW https://www.the-vintage-racer.com/index.php/categoryhome/tools/product/73-are-001

 

[KVH]

Re: How to get the $&@%# filler bolt out of the side of the trans to top her off?!?

FWIW https://www.the-vintage-racer.com/index.php/categoryhome/tools/product/73-are-001

Yes, definitely, in hindsight I would have used that if I hadn't already rounded it off like a derby hat. I now own that wrench plus a square socket.