Induction heater to remove 915 transmission fill plug?

[grahamkissack]

Like pretty much everyone, I've been fighting for two days with my fill plug. Just want to do my regular maintenance with an oil change and the plug just won't budge and I've read every single thread on the topic multiple times. Has anyone tried heating the plug with an induction heater? Not much of the plug sticks out which as me skeptical about the approach. Thoughts?

Gratuitous interior picture

[rwest]

I haven’t tried it, but heating the plug isn’t what you want to do as you need to get the area around it to expand instead.

Of course heating it up and then wicking wax around it could possibly help in removal.

[walt]

There was a thread not long ago about initially tightening a fastener to help break it free, I would try this first on the drain plug. Use a good quality 17mm hex socket and long breaker bar. Sorry, no experience with induction heaters. If all else fails, apply heat with torch to surrounding area.

[boyt911sc]

Graham.

Is the car on a lift or on jack stands? Be very cautious if you have the car on jack stands doing the stubborn drain plug removal. Make sure the car is safely secure and stable when working under the car. Get the correct tool/s to remove the stuck drain plug. Applying heat cycle using MAP or inductive heater will be helpful. It would be prudent to have someone with you when you do this job. Stay safe.

Tony

[11BC2]

Originally Posted by rwest

I haven’t tried it, but heating the plug isn’t what you want to do as you need to get the area around it to expand instead.

Of course heating it up and then wicking wax around it could possibly help in removal.

This method works exceptionally well. Years ago, I watched the old guy at the machine shop that did my Engine work use this method, and I was absolutely gobsmacked at how easy you can remove a tapered plug.

I am mediately purchased a ball buster… They really missed out not using nut instead of bolt… Induction heater for our shop.

While I haven’t used it on a Porsche gearbox, I have used an induction heater on Vanagon 91 and 94 type of gear boxes that have magnesium case in the same style she’ll plug.

[NY65912]

I welded a nut onto the plug. Nothing was working, I believe that the heat from welding the nut helped to free the plug, what a PITA

[pmax]

Tighten it just a tad more ... but no more than a tad ! The next owner will thank you.

[mepstein]

1/2” Impact gun. Much safer on jack stands than a long lever.

[Koizumi]

Originally Posted by mepstein

1/2” Impact gun. Much safer on jack stands than a long lever.

Yes! Please be safe!

[grahamkissack]

Thanks for everyone's feedback. I'm putting this project on hold until 2026. In the meantime, I'm buying a shorter 17mm hex socket in preparation.

[Ian Comerford]

Once you get the plug out its worth knowing the correct torque figure for tightening so that it comes out more readily next time 20-25Nm

[shoooo32]

Once you get them out, there's no reason to crank the piss out of them when re-installing. I use a little PTFE paste to seal and never have an issue. I have an old Snapon stubby 17mm but these cheap Sunex sockets work just as well.


https://www.autotoolworld.com/Sunex-364617-Stubby-Hex-Impact-38-Drive-17MM-Allen-Socket_p_219791.html?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20146941832&gbraid=0AAAAADutwyJt2rBket3bk8I521P4okyWe&gclid=CjwKCAiA2svIBhB-EiwARWDPjrrHJ8w9xcMj2yzMex3hJb_wr9esBsW8ZNJwm2N7RQ jIXZYNwH1y8RoC5t8QAvD_BwE

[GH85Carrera]

And when you buy a replacement new plug, get a drain plug that has the magnet attached.

The differential throws oil right on the drain plug. The magnet will help catch any metal in the oil. On ther next change, or just routine maintenance, check the fill plug for metal. If there is any more than normal, the bearings in the differential may be going bad, or something is wrong.

It is an easy check, and no need to drain the transmission.

[pmax]

Originally Posted by grahamkissack

Thanks for everyone's feedback. I'm putting this project on hold until 2026. In the meantime, I'm buying a shorter 17mm hex socket in preparation.

!!!

Allen and cheater bar, no jackstands.

[A930Rocket]

Can the fill plug be used as a drain plug? Or do they make one that has a male hex on it?