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#83095 09/18/2007 8:29 PM | Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 58 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 58 | A real basic question.(I did a search but couldn't find this addressed). I own a 57 3100 with a 3 speed manual transmission. I had it rebuilt about one year ago. It leaks at the drain plug. More than just an occasional drip. I have tighened it slightly once and it seems pretty tight. Im not sure how much more I should do this. This leak just started a few months ago. Should I screw it down more? What size wrench should I use? Is it something special? I really don"t want to drain it (to fix/replace the plug) to fix this but i will if i have to. I need some suggestions please.  Thank you Kevin | | |
#83096 09/18/2007 8:39 PM | Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 | Kevin,
If this plug is a simple tapered pipe plug (NPT), ideally, it should self seal. If it doesn't, gooping it up with something might solve the problem. My first thought would be to tighten the heck out of it and see what develops.
I think they made a plug with a face seal gasket as opposed to a tapered pipe plug. This type would require it to be removed and a new gasket or sealing washer installed.
You won't break anything if you oink on your leaker...give it a try.
Stuart | | |
#83097 09/18/2007 9:35 PM | Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 58 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 58 | Thanks Stuart. Its a screw type plug with a square end to tighten the whole thing.(The threads are visible) Do you know if this is a standard wrench size? The last wrench that I used seamed to waller around and not fit tight. I dont want to round it off.
Kevin | | |
#83098 09/18/2007 10:11 PM | Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 | Kevin,
My experience parallels yours, the hex doesn't seem to be a conventional size, and is usually rounded off or has busted corners. It would almost be worth it to buy a new pipe plug of the same thread configuration and do a "wet swap".
I think some of the drain plugs had a square drive hole that accepted a 3/8" or 1/2" drive ratchet...those would be the ones to look for.
Stuart | | |
#83099 09/18/2007 10:21 PM | Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 58 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 58 | Thanks again Stuart. I will take some time to find what fits correctly. I like that term "wet swap". Brings up all kinds of pictures! I would rather not remove that plug if I can help it so I will try the tighten route first.
Kevin | | |
#83100 09/19/2007 2:25 AM | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 841 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 841 | mabey you just need to get a 4 or 8 point socket. i think my 63 and 64 needed that in the trans and rear. i have put together a set, i bet you can still buy them individually. | | |
#83101 09/19/2007 5:25 PM | Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 58 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 58 | Thank you gentlemen. I tightened it last night with an open end wrench. It seemed to work OK. I will check tonight to see if it still leaks. I gave it a quick glance this morning and didn't see any fresh leaks.
Kevin | | |
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