My last problem of 2011

This is a Super A question. Decided to replace the oil in the transmission. Removed drain plug without any issues, a 1/2 ratchet fit perfectly. Then the fun began. The fill plug on top was a bear. A 1/2" ratchet end (or an extension) was too small. A 3/4 is too big. Same situation on the fill-level plug (once I found it!). A 1/4 is too small and a 3/8 is too big. Did these require a special tool to remove, or do I have something unusual going on here?

Actually ended up taking the top off the tranny and removed the plug with the top being held in the vise. Gave up on the fill-level plug and just put in the amount of oil the manual stated. How does one get those hummers out???

Dad had a wrench sort of like this one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Blackhawk-No-152-8-Drain-Plug-Wrench-1943-USA-/250960423711?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a6e682b1f

Note added: A chunk of square stock of the right size (if you have it) can be put in then turned with an open end wrench.

Roy - buy a ratchet extension and grind the square end down until it fits.

Roy, If you don't want to use Bigdog's suggestion, you can take a piece of sheet metal the right thickness, bent a 90* angle and cut to fit alongside your ratchet end (kind of wedge it in to take up the excess space on two sides).

Bob

I have had several SAs and never had a problem getting ratchets to fit the plugs

I have had several SAs and never had a problem getting ratchets to fit the plugs

Roy, did you buy those ratchets from Billy Ray?

I have had several SAs and never had a problem getting ratchets to fit the plugs

But I* do have a little sperience doing it


Do you have the holes real clean?
Mine may have been switched out, I would go back with a regular pipe plug after you get them out
Boss

I went to Sears and got a craftsman square drive socket set. It was worth the price with as much as I end up using it.

Billy

Thanks for the great suggestions, guys.

Bigdog,
I took your idea. I discovered that I had 2 adapters, 1/4 to 3/8. I took the cheapest looking one and headed to the grinder. Finished up with a flat file. Got that baby out of there. Then I couldn't stand it, so I put the caliper on it. Guess what...exactly 5/16".

Boss,
You say you have more sperience?? Does that mean you borrowed one of Bigdog's hammers to fine tune those things to fit?


Cowboy,
Great suggestion. I think that would be a very useful addition to a tool box. That would be the next best thing to having a wrench like Jim sent the link to on EBay.


And finally. Do y'all think IH actually build those things 5/16, or did a PO stick on in there?

I have had several SAs and never had a problem getting ratchets to fit the plugs

Roy, did you buy those ratchets from Billy Ray?

I wondered why he gave those to me!!! ???

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Do y'all think IH actually build those things 5/16, or did a PO stick on in there?

They are standard hardware items. IH used them, at least at times.
http://www.discounthydraulichose.com/product_p/5408.htm

I went to Sears and got a craftsman square drive socket set. It was worth the price with as much as I end up using it.

Billy

Billy,
Can you post the Sears part number on that set? Thanks.

Hi Don

I was thinking about the wrong plug. What I have is a 8pt socket set for a male headed plug for the trans level plug. I don't know if they make a adapter for female plug or what it would be called. I guess one could use a key stock or do as Bigdog said and grind one down. Sorry for my mistake.

Billy

Don,
SK has several sizes, individual or in sets, male and/or female. Pricey! Sunex also makes them but they are cheap Chinese made tools.
http://www.mytoolstore.com/sk/sk03221.html

Automotive Tools Online has a reasonably priced set. Their item number is GRY1308P. The 5/16 individual socket is a little over three bucks. Shipping is ridiculous, though.