Trouble with first Winterization

[Chris4x4Gill2]

OK, trying to winterize my '89 2001. The plug in the port side exhaust manifold is FUBARed. When I went to take it out the inset is rounded out so bad there was no hope of getting it out, and it looks like whoever put it in last used some visegrips on the outer edge to screw it end so these are messed up as well.

I tried WD40 and some vise grips but its not moving. So I drilled out the center and inserted a bolt out but I cant get any leverage to remove that with a 1/2" box wrench...........any ideas what to do next? I'm starting to worry when it does come its going to take some threads with it. :???:

[AirTool]

RE: Trouble with first Winterization

I don't think it will bring threads with it.

I know this is a dumb question...but can you get a longer wrench on it?

Also, you should use some real penetrating oil...not wd40. This statement is going to ruffle some feathers and may change the topic of this thread. WD40 is a handy product...but loosening threads is not what it was designed for. Use some penetrating oil or the right LPS and let it sit. Maybe apply each day for a week.

Other ideas, can you use a large flat blade driver and place it in the corners of the inset? ...then use an adjustable wrench on the screwdriver?....follow me?

One last thought, maybe you could make a temporary patch on the hole....get the engine/manifold up to temp....then try to loosen the plug w/your easy out.

AirTool

[jpduster]

RE: Trouble with first Winterization

I second Airtool

WD40 is a great product, but a multi purpose one at that. ie good for many applications master of none. I believe it has some sort of tar in it to help it 'stick'

Getting the temp up would be a good start

[8122pbrainard]

RE: Trouble with first Winterization

I third airtool on the WD40. It always amazes me how people will fall for a product due to a marketing scam. Billy Mays will be pushing the c**p next!!!

Chris, I hate to say this but you may need to pull the manifold. The largest "easy out" you can get in it and some heat will help too. Use the easy out that uses the splines to grab the part and not the type with the reverse taper flutes. They will expand the part you are attempting to remove making it tighter! Not something you want to do especially on a already tight pipe thread.


Get some decent brass plugs back in it or better yet a high end set of radiator drains. The type with the removable stem so you can still probe the hole for sediment.

[rocco]

Trouble with first Winterization

HAVE YOU TRIED A PIPE WRENCH.........

[djbartholomew]

RE: Trouble with first Winterization

Like everyone else us a good penetrating oil then I would give a pipe wrench a try, much better than vise grips.

[8122pbrainard]

Re: Trouble with first Winterization

HAVE YOU TRIED A PIPE WRENCH.........

He probably has (he mentioned the "inset") the socket head pipe plugs so a PIPE WRENCH won't work!!

[8122pbrainard]

RE: Re: Trouble with first Winterization



This is the decent removable stem "radiator drain" I referred to. Mercury uses them on their inboards and I/O's. They are available from McMaster up to a 3/8" pipe size so if installed in the manifolds, you will need a 3/4" x 3/8 reducing bushing (use brass). 1/4" NPT in the block and I believe 1/8" in the "U" tube off the water pump.. Do check the sizes! I have them on all my boats. Plenty of room for probing for silt and a pleasure to open up!!

[JUST-IN-TIME]

RE: Re: Trouble with first Winterization

WD-40 is a solvent

next time use some pipe thread sealant when u put them on

heat and PB blaster

[Chris4x4Gill2]

RE: Re: Trouble with first Winterization

I know WD40 isnt the best.........but it was all i had at the time I'll pick up some PB blaster or liquid wrench tomorrow.


Theres no way to get a flat head or anything else into the inset of the plug, the inset is rounder than the OD at this point.

I tried a pipe wrench, there isnt enoguh sticking out to get a grip on nor is there enough room to really get one in there.

The easy out I have is the one with the reverse flutes in it, so good point aout it wanting to expand the plug. It is gripping fine, I just cant get any torque on it to turn it. A 1/2 inch box end is what will fit and I cant find one any bigger than the standard one i have. I'm going ot look tomorrow for a piece of pipe with a large enough ID that it will go over the wrench, maybe that along with the PB blaster will do it.

[jward]

RE: Re: Trouble with first Winterization

could you take a drimmel tool and grind down two flat sides so you could get a wrench to grab it again.

[AirTool]

RE: Re: Trouble with first Winterization

I think he's there with the cheater bar. IMO

I'd suggest dosing the penetrating oil nightly for a few days...then get on it.

Can't wait to hear back.

[8122pbrainard]

RE: Re: Trouble with first Winterization

rocco and jward, Just to give you a better picture of what Chris is dealing with, here's the typical socket head pipe plug used on many manifolds.

Sometimes they are hex socket and sometimes square. There isn't enough of the plug sticking out to get a pipe wrengh on it or to grind flats on it ether. What's on your manifolds??

[Chris4x4Gill2]

Re: RE: Re: Trouble with first Winterization

I think he's there with the cheater bar. IMO

I'd suggest dosing the penetrating oil nightly for a few days...then get on it.

Can't wait to hear back.

I'm hoping this will get it. Just frustrated that what I thought would be an hour long job turned into an all day thing and then some. I'll pick up the stuff tonight on my way home and probably let it soak for a few days before i try again. I'll update later. I'll get a pic of the plug when I get it out.......it aint pretty.

[Chris4x4Gill2]

RE: Re: RE: Re: Trouble with first Winterization

well it still hasnt come out. I tried the largest cheater bar that I could get on the easy out and I think it may be expanding the plug too much like 8122pbrainard said. Looks liek this weekend I'll be pulling the manifold. That will give me more options.