JAinVA 4,619 #1 Posted August 17, 2018 This may be only temporary but I think I will change the name of the Big Ugly 520 to the royal pita tractor.I have been using it to gather wood when I noticed that the right rear seal was leaking.I ordered new seals and was going to put them in today.I went to drain the trans when the hex in the drain plug stripped.The wrench was bottomed in the plug,argh! Removing the hubs is a chore but a 10 ton porta power gets it done.I guess it's time to do a refresh on Big Ugly as the trans has to be removed to drill out the plug.Winters coming and I haven't finished the 312A custom yet.Hate to vent but life's fun some times. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 51,464 #2 Posted August 17, 2018 You may be able to gently drive a TORX bit into the hex hole and get it to come out. May ruin the plug or bit but better than having to drill it out. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JAinVA 4,619 #3 Posted August 17, 2018 (edited) Thanks for the tip.This machine had not seen cover since new.I fear that it will be drill and tap time.It may be that Big Ugly might be telling me it's time for some attention. Edited August 17, 2018 by JAinVA 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aldon 4,826 #4 Posted August 17, 2018 Had same issue on same tranny. @fast88pu had to bring in higher grade easy outs to break it free at @stevebo last fall meet and greet. With right tool he made it look easy. 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jerry77 1,218 #5 Posted August 17, 2018 10 hours ago, JAinVA said: royal pita tractor. Life's just one big thrill after another.............. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pollack Pete 2,273 #6 Posted August 17, 2018 When you install the new plug,wrap it with Teflon tape thread sealer.Also had the same problem as you.I usually buy new plug that has outside square head.Either brass or steel.Makes it easier to remove next time. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JAinVA 4,619 #7 Posted August 17, 2018 (edited) I was thinking about the square head brass plug.I know why they used the recessed heads but I don't plan on going rock crawling on the WH.Thanks for the answers and suggestions. Edited August 17, 2018 by JAinVA 2 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EricF 589 #8 Posted August 18, 2018 I did my trans oil change on my 520 this spring, and found the plug was either overtightened or in the early stages of seizing up. Hit it with PB blaster every day or so for a week, and it reluctantly came out. Looked like the last time it was put in, they didn't use any thread sealant at all -- just tightened the heck out of it. Cleaned it up and pit it back with PTFE (teflon) pipe thread sealant on it so we won't repeat that again... Unfortunately, the wheel horse manuals don't say anything about using any pipe thread sealant on the plug -- but if I'm not mistaken, it uses a pipe thread profile and therefore should have sealant paste or modern tape applied in order to fully seal without over-tightening. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dcrage 621 #9 Posted August 19, 2018 Seems like there have been stringent warnings posted here about putting anything on these plugs that could end up in the hydro mechanism. I think thread sealant was supposed to be really bad. Am I wrong on this?? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JAinVA 4,619 #10 Posted August 20, 2018 (edited) Thread sealant like a brush on may be a problem due to contamination.Ribbon dope or Teflon tape should not be an issue as long as it doesn't project above the inner end if the plug. Edited August 20, 2018 by JAinVA Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
