Removing a slightly rounded Hex Socket Plug
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,919
Likes: 4
From: Clovis NM
Removing a slightly rounded Hex Socket Plug
I finally started up the car again, and noticed a slight leak from the outlet for the heater hose from the water pump, and the top plus that I had plugged with a hex plug. I reapplied teflon tape to the hose nipple, and attempted to remove the plug at the top of the water pump. It turned about 2 times, and then the plug gave... now the 3/8" is too small, and the plug is in there tight.. anyone have suggestions for removing this thing???
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,919
Likes: 4
From: Clovis NM
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,031
Likes: 2,587
From: Del Boca Vista FL
If you have availability to the TIG you can do it on the car. Won't hurt anything. Once one of those plugs rounds out on the allen area you are pretty well screwed. Unless you can drill it out successfully and use an easy out. Lots of grease on the drill bit helps catch the chips. IF you have a left hand bit it also helps.
Good luck with it. I don't envy you trying it still mounted on the motor. Labor to R&R the pump is minimal. Might even be faster than trying to monkey di#k it on the car.
Rich
Good luck with it. I don't envy you trying it still mounted on the motor. Labor to R&R the pump is minimal. Might even be faster than trying to monkey di#k it on the car.
Rich
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 8,913
Likes: 283
Any heat on the pump will wreck the seals. You could weld the tool on as sugested. If you don't have a welder, just drive the car there and have them weld it on, then drive it home and remove it.
I would not fart with drilling it out, for the time, effort and brain damage, just pull the pump and buy a new one for 28.00.
Mark
I would not fart with drilling it out, for the time, effort and brain damage, just pull the pump and buy a new one for 28.00.
Mark
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,937
Likes: 163
From: OP Kansas
C2 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
The other thing you might try is to cut a slot across the hole with a dremel and use a large flathead screw driver or a flat piece of steel to turn it out.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 58,061
Likes: 7,145
Army
I've done some amazing things with 'Knock Er Loose' penetrating oil, some heat and large vice grips (if you can clamp them on to the problem bolt!)... If the bolt is located in a depression you will have to use one of the suggestions above..
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Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Greenville, Indiana
You may have to dress the sides a little and cut a taper on the end. Then drive it in the plug and turn it out.Or:
mix up some JB weld or similar and put it in the hex depression and then shove the allen wrench in after it. Let it harden. Turn the plug out.
Or:
Drill a hole between the plug and pump. Run the appropriate size sheet metal screw in the hole. Turn the plug out. Dress up the buggered up pump with a little jb.
I don't really see anything wrong with mig welding the key to the plug if you lay wet rags around the repair to absorb the heat and catch weld spatter.
