C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Square Plug in Heads....

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Old May 2, 2007 | 12:15 PM
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Default Square Plug in Heads....

I was going through my pile of leftover stuff after my rebuild, and just now realized I'm missing the temp sensor that runs the boost fan on my '89. There is a plug with a square hole in the block where the sensor goes... How the hell can I get this thing out? I cant find anyone who has square socket bits and my attempts to get it out with a piece of bar stock on a pair of pliers isn't working either.
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Old May 2, 2007 | 12:19 PM
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Maybe a socket entension bar?
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Old May 2, 2007 | 12:38 PM
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Originally Posted by shotchkiss
Maybe a socket entension bar?
Ooops. Forgot to add that was the first thing I tried. 3/8 is too small for the hole, and 1/2" is too big.
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Old May 2, 2007 | 12:44 PM
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Originally Posted by Wheelman
Ooops. Forgot to add that was the first thing I tried. 3/8 is too small for the hole, and 1/2" is too big.
I had the same issue when the heads for my car where returned. Apparently F-bodies had the sensor on the OTHER side and mine were switched out! You might want to make sure you don't have an "extra" hole over there as I did. I ended up re-wiring my sensor as I found it impossible to get the plug out and I wasn't about to take the heads back off the car.
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Old May 2, 2007 | 12:57 PM
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A lot of guys have mentioned the trouble getting that plug out.

You might buy a short 1/2" extension and grind if down to a very tight fit into that square hole; you do NOT want it to slip and bugger the thing. Try spraying it with PB Blaster; not sure if it will work here but won't hurt.

If that fails have a shop do it, maybe using some heat on it.
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Old May 2, 2007 | 01:26 PM
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Originally Posted by XTRME 94
I had the same issue when the heads for my car where returned. Apparently F-bodies had the sensor on the OTHER side and mine were switched out! You might want to make sure you don't have an "extra" hole over there as I did. I ended up re-wiring my sensor as I found it impossible to get the plug out and I wasn't about to take the heads back off the car.
It runs good without any fluids flying out the side of the block, so no extra holes uncovered over there. The other head does have a hole in the exact same spot, and there is a sensor there, i just cant remember which one at the moment...Coolant temp sensor for the dash i believe...
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Old May 2, 2007 | 02:40 PM
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Its a 5/16" square hole. Yoo could grind an extension to fit or you try what I did. I got a section of 5/16" square rod from home depot and cut a sectiondown to make a bit. Then you just have to find a socket that fits it. The rod did have a tendency to want to twist, but I got the plug out eventually. You might be able to harden the rod a bit by heating it.
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Old May 2, 2007 | 03:54 PM
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I've heard they are a bitch to get out. Put some blaster on it. When you get the sensor for it, it's a 22mm socket to install! When I changed my sensor I ran out about 3 quarts of coolant so be ready to catch it. I think it's actually a metric size close to 5/16" FWIW.
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