Transmission Side Plug Problem

[lsf911]

Today I crawled under my 83 SC to change the transmission fluid. Easy job, right?

Well, it appears the previous owner rounded the hex key portion of the filler drain plug and then put it back on!

There is some "meat" left in there (not much) but the socket is twisting when I apply force to try and remove it. I am afraid of stripping it the rest of the way.

Any suggestions on getting it out?

[john walker's workshop]

something gritty, like valve grinding compound can help the tool get a bite. lay a shop rag over the hole and knock the tool into it with a hammer. grab the outside with channel-locks.

[lsf911]

Thanks John. I will give those a try.

[yelcab1]

at the very last resort, weld a hex key into that slot, back it out with a socket, and replace the plug.

[redstrosekNic]

I've used the mentioned "shop towel" method when removing my 924's stripped trans drain plug.

Good luck

[peppy]

I got mine out with chisel, but I am kind of primitive.

[lsf911]

Just following up on my old post. I finally got around to changing my transmission fluid today.

The job required a lift for better leverage but I used John Walker's recommendations to get the partially stripped filler plug out. I used a shop rag, hammered in the hex tool, and grabbed the outer rim with a pair of channel-locks. Combo of both tools got it out. Two man job. Thanks John Walker and thanks to all that responded!

On a side note, I filled the transmission case with Swepco. Not sure what was in there before but the Swepco is much thicker than what came out. The shifting feels much different now too, not as smooth. It kinda pops into gear now which takes a little more force. No grinding just more notchy.