Got the drain plug loose. Did not drain fluid until I would get fill plug out. Was good advise from another Forum member.
Well, got a 12, 14 and 17mm metric hex socket at Auto Zone for 8 bucks. Got the drain plug free with some effort as some prior owner nicked the inside lip of the plug. After 20 mins cleaning it with a smalll file, snap went the 1/2" drive and pipe extension and the plug came loose.

Next the fill plug on the side. The vette is on ramps of course, I am thin but not that thin...put the 17MM Hex in the plug and it was a little sluppy...I said why would ZF use a 18MM on the top and 17MM on the bottom. Of course German engineering. A closer look showed me some one was a back yard dofuss and screwed up the inside hex a bit where you could see his tool was slightly to small and rocked into the corners of the alum plug. Probably Mr Goodwrench. I got my hex to seat, but not a tight fit. It almost feels like a 18mm would work perfect. Even had my youngest son with 16 inch upper arms try to break it loose. but were affraid will damage the plug and than were really screwed more than we are now.

I have liquid wrench on it now....ANY IDEAS HOW TO GET THIS PUPPIE OUT. HEAT A LITTLE? Cannot fine and 18MM hex drive any where. You know all the last person had to do is use anti sezz and this puppy would come out and if the last person used the right tool we would be done. Now I have $3500 transmission in danger of the plug shearing or breaking out the edges. Dont worry if I get it out I will find a new plug.

HELP! ANY IDEAS

THANKS FOR ANY INPUT\\

BOB :confused: :smash: :cry

 

You may have to make a tool out of an 18mm bolt and nuts.

Thread the nuts on the bolt and use it with an 18mm wrench or socket.

That should work better! :thumbs:

 

A little heat will work.

I doubt it was GM, as they don't recomend to change the fluid anyways.

 

Here's an old mechanic trick. Put a piece of paper on the male hex tool before you put it into the female hex plug. Experiment a little. Maybe a piece of super fine grit sandpaper, but paper or thin cardboard should help. Also, I wouldn't waste any more time or effort on a L-shaped hex key if that's what you have. Buy a proper 3/8" or 1/2" drive socket with the proper hex coming out the front. You need to apply pressure into the hex to be able to turn it. The L-shaped utility key isn't going to do it, and you can't afford the f-up that hex any more. Good luck.
Clark

 

Grind the head on an 18mm bolt till it fits, apply pipe wrench to threaded end.

Always do the fill plug first. Dry trannys melt down.

[Modified by froggy47, 4:39 PM 12/8/2003] :flag


[Modified by froggy47, 4:39 PM 12/8/2003]

 

I answered your first one on this and my fix is the same. Buy a good quality 17mm socket 1/2" drive and a 1/2" drive breaker bar. :yesnod:

Flag a Mac tool truck down. He'll have what you need.


[Modified by Strick, 9:48 PM 12/8/2003]

 

Get some PB Blaster on those threads. It is MUCH better than Liquid Wrench at freeing things up in case you have any corrosion on the threads. PB Blaster is available at Pep Boys here in California.

Once you have a tight fitting tool in the plug, use impact pressure (e.g. hammer blows on a breaker bar or a light duty impact tool) not steady pressure to get the plug moving.
Be gentle but FIRM. Good luck.