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1978 Bus/manual/ 17mm Fill Plug Stripped

Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 8:04 am
by Manfred
There was another post about a drain plug stuck, but this is a different issue.

The check bolt is starting to strip. It's not completely rounded out. I get so much wiggle with my 17mm hex wrench, I can't put any pressure on it.

Anyone have any advice? Will I have to drill it out? I'm tempted to just take it to a shop and tell them to change the trans fluid and let them deal with it. But as Colin says, you are the best mechanic out there. I'm sure he is right in this case. I can only imagine the hack job from a mechanic that doesn't care about my bus.

Is there any special socket I can buy?

Re: 1978 Bus/manual/ 17mm check bolt stripped

Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 8:33 am
by Amskeptic
Manfred wrote:There was another post about a drain plug stuck, but this is a different issue.

The check bolt is starting to strip. It's not completely rounded out. I get so much wiggle with my 17mm hex wrench, I can't put any pressure on it.

Anyone have any advice? Will I have to drill it out? I'm tempted to just take it to a shop and tell them to change the trans fluid and let them deal with it. But as Colin says, you are the best mechanic out there. I'm sure he is right in this case. I can only imagine the hack job from a mechanic that doesn't care about my bus.

Is there any special socket I can buy?
By "check bolt" do you mean the "fill plug"?

Get an American bolt with a slightly bigger head than the 17mm socket, and file it as necessary, or if it is close go straight to >, hammer it into the socket and use a good pair of visegrips to loosen.
Colin

Re: 1978 Bus/manual/ 17mm check bolt stripped

Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 9:00 am
by Manfred
Amskeptic wrote:[

By "check bolt" do you mean the "fill plug"?

Get an American bolt with a slightly bigger head than the 17mm socket, and file it as necessary, or if it is close go straight to >, hammer it into the socket and use a good pair of visegrips to loosen.
Colin
Sorry. Yes, the fill plug. This doesn't sound like it will be a fun job. Where do you find replacements plugs? Local auto chain or special order?

Re: 1978 Bus/manual/ 17mm check bolt stripped

Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 9:25 am
by dtrumbo
Manfred wrote:Where do you find replacements plugs?
This claims to be a transmission drain plug for a 1978 bus.
Image
http://napaonline.com/MasterPages/NOLMa ... Drain+Plug
It doesn't look quite right to me, but might be worth seeing if your local NAPA can get one to put yer peepers on.

Another option is to get in touch with Ken at The Bus Comapny. www.thebusco.com I'm willing to bet he's got a couple (dozen) laying around.

Re: 1978 Bus/manual/ 17mm check bolt stripped

Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 9:29 am
by Manfred
dtrumbo wrote:
Manfred wrote:Where do you find replacements plugs?
This claims to be a transmission drain plug for a 1978 bus.
Image
http://napaonline.com/MasterPages/NOLMa ... Drain+Plug
It doesn't look quite right to me, but might be worth seeing if your local NAPA can get one to put yer peepers on.

Another option is to get in touch with Ken at The Bus Comapny. www.thebusco.com I'm willing to bet he's got a couple (dozen) laying around.

Thanks. That thing doesn't look anything like the one that is on there. When I'm ready to swap it out, I'll contact Ken.

Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 9:46 am
by Manfred
Any one every use one of these? Will they work on that kind of recessed hex plug?

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1260 ... tyEnabled=

Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 5:27 pm
by Bleyseng
I tack weld a 17mm bolt to the hex fill plug, screw on a 17mm nut and tack weld that. Then put a socket on it to remove it...

No muss, no fuss and no shaving into the tranny.. :cheers:

always remove the fill plug first!

Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 9:46 pm
by chitwnvw
I think colin is right about this. We could tap and tie something else in there.