Transmission fluid drain plug problem

[fireman 1,021]

The drain plug on my C-195 won't budge. On top of that the hex is rounded and an allan key won't bite anymore. Anyone have any ideas? I am thinking drill through it, drain the fluid, then heat it up and use an easy out.

:USA:

[whdave 1]

:) Weld a 1/2" nut to it and back it out. Just fill the center with the weld. A simple and effective fix that guarantees no metal shavings getting up in the transmission.

[TT-(Moderator) 1,127]

You can also try a TORX bit.

Here's more info:

http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/index.php?showtopic=2354

[fireman 1,021]

I was just looking through my tool box a little while ago and saw some of my torx bits. Now that you mentioned that i'm gonna see if I have the right size and give that a whirl.

[wh79d160 52]

Don't know if you got it out yet, but I had the same problem 2 yrs ago. Ended up beating a t-45 or t-50 torx in it and it worked perfectly. I just put a hex plug back in. :)

[Suburban 550 28]

Jeff, either one, driving a torx into it or welding a nut on it will probably work out for you. Good Luck. :)

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,040]

Jeff,

You may be able to extract the fluid through the fill tube much like you do in an inboard boat. I use a suction pump but you may need to heat up that fluid to get it out. If all else fails you can sell it to me and I will figure it out :)

[Butch 194]

What about some heat on the case/pan so you won't need as much torque to back it out?

[fireman 1,021]

Steve that isn't gonna happen any time soon!

Butch, I tried heat before it stripped out. Still no luck.

[wheel horse man 56]

hope this helps i had the plug on my commando strip out the plug but there was enought of the plug sticking out that i put a set of visegrips on it and it came right out mabey if there is enoght room on yours sticking out you could use visegrips> :)

[pumper.atv 26]

welding a nut on has saved me before when an easy out failed on that plug

[VinsRJ 721]

Jeff, I would say your best bet is to weld a nut to the plug. Just make sure you've got good penetration into the plug because if the nut comes off without the plug, you've got a bigger mess on your hands.

[wh79d160 52]

Look , no welding needed. I did try with the vise grips before using the T-45 torx, but it wouldn't hold. :)

[fireman 1,021]

Thanks for all the tips and advise guys. I will try the T-45 this weekend. If that doesn't work I'll move to the next step and try the easy out.

[Coadster32 793]

I'd go with the welded nut. I've seen it work well in the past. The torx idea is pretty nifty also. I'm sure you'll get it. :)

[fireman 1,021]

Not sure if my little 110 volt welder will penetrate enough. May have to go see "Tommy One Weld" !

[jimbotelho 1]

Jeff your welder should work just fine :)

[stevasaurus 22,229]

Jeff...the suspense is killing me...I just gotta know what worked.

I've always been an easy-out kind of guy...the TORX bits are new to me...have to check them out. :wh:

[wh79d160 52]

I'd weld it. :)

[fireman 1,021]

Had a few minutes tonight and tried three different types of vise grips including a very small pipe wrench. No luck . I think I will try to weld a nut on tomorrow. Lets hope I can get enough penetration.

[PPGman 5]

My vote is on welding a nut to it. The Torx sounds like a good idea as well. As for the easy out, i have a love/hate relationship with them. They work great right up to the point when you break one leaving the other half in the hole. :)

[fireman 1,021]

Well I decided to go with welding the nut on. I figured the $79.00 Harbor Freight Flux-core only welder wouldn't handle the job as I have not had great luck with it in the past. SO I decided to upgrade. My local Tractor Supply was hosting a Hobart Demo Day and the factory rep was there. After spending an hour with the rep and trying out various welders, I decided to go with the Handler187. Not only was it $50 off but he through in a cool little pony CO2 bottle w/fixed flow regulator and a auto darkening helmet. It also came with the standard regulator etc. This should handle just about any job that I'm ever gonna need welded! I'm away camping for the Labor Day weekend but you can bet as soon as I get back that nuts getting welded on and that damn drain plug is coming out

[Uncle BO 0]

Jeff now your talking welding :USA:

[fireman 1,021]

Yeah Bo I had to bite the bullet and do it. Now I'll put the other one on Craigs List and sell it.

[htopjimmy26 3]

If you end up going the drill route consider left hand bits or reverse drill bits as sometimes they can remove the plug before it penetrates negating any shaving cleanup. Good luck. :)