Gearbox Check Plug Stuck

Vic_N · Sep 8, 2011

Doing my annual maintenance on my 59-inch snowblower and I just cannot loosen the check plug on the auger gearbox. I've tried a few applications of WD-40 and still cannot budge the darn thing. This thing usually just pops right out with a wrench. Looks like I'm rounding it out so thought I'd stop and ask for some help.

Anyone have some ideas for me? I'm fine with replacing the plug if I can get it out. Thanks.

beenthere · Sep 8, 2011

That often happens when someone screws it back in too tight. They only need to be snug, but some think it needs to be as tight as a wrench will get it.
I'd try a pipe wrench and/or a good strong pair of vice grips.

If that doesn't work, then you may need to drill it out and back it out with an easy-out. Just be very careful with the tailings from the drilling so they don't get inside the housing.

dsmau · Sep 8, 2011

Maybe heating it up a bit would help. There are also some better products than WD40 for this application.

Soundguy · Sep 8, 2011

wd-40 is for removing decals from glass.. for a penetrant.. use pb blaster or kroil. however for a plug into an oil sump.. save yer time on a penetrant.

slip a wrench on it, the give a couple good smaks to the plug with a hammer. it will square it off a bit and deform the threads a bit.. should fit the wrench better and loosen easier.

get a new plug.. use some thread dope, and don't tourqe the bajezus out of it...

soundguy

Vic_N · Sep 9, 2011

Thanks for the feedback. Yes, you're correct, the fellow who screwed it back in last year tightened it too much. I know who that is since he's the guy with the problem now. I'll try the pipe wrench and the heat. Then get a new plug.

Vic_N · Sep 20, 2011

Just a short follow-up on how I solved this problem. I bought a half-inch drive 7/16" pipe plug socket and the plug came out with almost no effort at all. Photo attached.

Soundguy · Sep 20, 2011

uep.. square sockets are nice. I've made a couple.

power adjust rim studs on some wheels are 1/2" square.. I used a 5/8 1/2 drive socket, and a 5/8 hex key in a 1/2" socket base.. slid them togehter with a piece of masking tape around seam to hold togehter.. works good.

have made others out of china sockets welded back to back.. made super deep wells out of 2 deep wells and cuttingthe back out before as well.

soundguy