OIL PLUGS

[dclewallen]

Went to the shop today after church to finish disassembling my block for the 232 to 289 build up. Started to remove the oil galley plugs. Whats with the square indentions [no Allen heads] ? I got all of them out. Then went to remove the male square headed plugs [What size are these and what tool is used to remove them?] totaly destroyed one and gave up. Do any of you have any tips on this topic? I thought this was going to be a quick and easy task. Thanks all,

Darryl C. Lewallen Clarkesville, Ga.

[garyash]

I had the same problem with rounding off the square head of an oil gallery plug. In the end, I gritted my teeth and used the MIG welder to weld the 5/16" shank of a hex-head bolt to the remains of the plug. I made sure to ground the welder on the block right next to where I was welding so as not to put the current through the wheel bearings or crankshaft. Between the heat and a much better grip on the bolt head, I was able to get the plug out.

To avoid this, you can get 4-sided sockets for these plugs. It's so easy to round them off that the sockets are worth the price of a set. Besides, I know I don't want to be welding on one of the gas tank drain plugs on my M5.

[img=left]http://www.studegarage.com/images/gary_ash_m5_sm.jpg[/img=left] Gary Ash
Dartmouth, Mass.
'48 M5
'65 Wagonaire Commander
'63 Wagonaire Standard
web site at http://www.studegarage.com

[dclewallen]

Thanks Gary, I've not heard of 4-sided sockets, only 8-sided and none that I have fit. but the welding on of a nut or bolt to the plug is an idea that worked for me on a bolt in an aluminum intake once. I think its a good idea and appreciate the input.

Darryl C. Lewallen Clarkesville, Ga.

[Roscomacaw]

I think Gary MEANT 8-point sockets but I'm ready to be taught otherwise. They DO make 8-point sockets to fit those plugs tho. I have one.
Now, plugs with a SQUARE hole! That would be new to me. That said, I know there's square drive screws, so I guess there could be square drive plugs as well. Ya hafta wonder tho, with allen and torx drivers prevalent, why do we need yet another style???[V]

Miscreant at large.

1957 Transtar 1/2ton
1960 Larkvertible V8
1958 Provincial wagon
1953 Commander coupe
1957 President 2-dr
1955 President State
1951 Champion Biz cpe
1963 Daytona project FS

[Skip Lackie]

quote:Originally posted by Mr.Biggs

I think Gary MEANT 8-point sockets but I'm ready to be taught otherwise. They DO make 8-point sockets to fit those plugs tho. I have one.
Now, plugs with a SQUARE hole! That would be new to me. That said, I know there's square drive screws, so I guess there could be square drive plugs as well. Ya hafta wonder tho, with allen and torx drivers prevalent, why do we need yet another style???[V]

Miscreant at large.

1957 Transtar 1/2ton
1960 Larkvertible V8
1958 Provincial wagon
1953 Commander coupe
1957 President 2-dr
1955 President State
1951 Champion Biz cpe
1963 Daytona project FS

I suspect the square-hole plugs pre-date the Allen and Torx fasteners by a lot of years. They were (are?) used on a lot of GM rear axles. Most are either 3/8" or 1/2", so a ratchet extension usually fits in nicely. Snap-On makes short ratchet extensions without the little ball-and-spring dohicky just for use on these pipe plugs. I think they offer sets of smaller square bits, too that fit in the same holders as their Torx and Allen bits. I have a cheap screwdriver set that I bought back in the 1950s -- one handle and multiple bits. It includes a complete set of small square bits, up to 5/16". I think I've used a square bit exactly once in 50 years.
Skip Lackie

[dclewallen]

The engines a 53 and has never been apart. The square headed set screws [male and female] measure approx 5/16" so no ratchet extension fits. When [if] I get these things out they'll be replaced with something current. Thanks,

Darryl C. Lewallen Clarkesville, Ga.

[Alan]

Get yourself a piece of 5/16" square stock cut it about an 1 1/2" and use a 5/16" 8 point socket. The only one I could find is a 3/8" drive from Snap-on, use a 3/8" X 1/2" adapter and use a 1/2" impact wrench and they come out like they were Kroiled.