Hey all-

Went to remove the plug on the AFC housing today to fiddle with the star wheel.

Got out the 8mm hex driver socket, extension, ratchet.

Guess what? The stinkin plug stripped! Anyone have any advice on getting this plug out now? After the first slip, I stopped. No reason to make it even worse..

 

they're a real joy aren't they? try tightening it SLIGHTLY first to loosen it, then try backing it off... you could try hammering in a slightly bigger allen head in there

push comes to shove, just remove the whole AFC housing and have someone weld a nut to it... I welded a 10mm nut to mine. makes things MUCH easier... I also welded an 18mm nut to my oil pan drain plug when the allen hole stripped all the way out the 2nd time I changed the oil

Forrest

 

Take a 8 mm allen wrench, cut off the bend so it is a straight shaft, use an open end wrench on the cut allen to turn, while applying torque to loosen, start tapping the end of the allen wrench with a hammer (like pounding in a nail but trying loosen with the wrench). Go lightly and slowly, and try some pen. oil like pb catalyst on it for a day or two first.

You could also try some heat. While not a good idea to put a propane torch on the pump, you can get the allen wrench hot and let it conduct the heat to the nut. Just be careful. Kevin

 

I've ran into a couple that were impossible to get off, the metal used has a tendency to gall together. I ended up having to remove the housing on the first one and drill it out, even then it was difficult, almost like the threads were welded together. Couldn't find a replacement plug except in a junk yard. On the second one I just removed the housing and adjusted the star wheel from the bottom, much easier.

 

LOL! that'll show it!

 

I have successfully used an impact driver........it shocked the plug enough to make it unscrew easily after about 5 hits of the hammer on the driver.......

 

that's another technique... just hit it w/ a hammer... either the allen driver or just a big punch and rap it a few times w/ a hammer... not so much as to crack the AFC housing obviously, but sometimes a little impact will help get things moving. obviously an impact driver would be better, but if you don't have one at your disposal...

Forrest

 

Even once its out I find it likes to bind. The aluminum or whatever alloy seems to be apt to gall. Once you do get it out I have been using some Nickel anti-siezure compount on the threads.

 

Yeah, a little anti-sieze is always a good idea to make sure you don't run into that problem again!

 

Actually, I do have an impact driver.. Shoulda thought of that before it stripped. I'll try and find a bit that fits tighter and give the impact driver a try..

Thanks!
Shane

 

since the 8mm is stripped, take a 3/8 allen socket to the grinder. Start to taper it down to 8mm starting about 1/4" up. Then, using an impact driver, bang away. The hammering will aid to shock it loose, an the tapered end will dig in harder the deeper it goes, usually preventing a strip-out.

On the way back in, I never tighten it past snug. There's only splash oil there and mine has never leaked......just be sure to put the washer back in.

G/L

 

Another possible is to use a Torx Bit that is slightly larger than the allen give it a couple of light whaaaps That'll do the trick

 

mine doesn't have a washer... no leaks.

Forrest

 

Mine doesnt have a washer either.
I have used a big screwdriver and drove it in the allen hole to get it out. It worked.

 

The Torx bit has sharper edges that would dig in for some grip.. Good idea.