legacycentral bbs

I'm trying to remove the coolant plug in the right side engine block that is just behind the oil filter/cooler. I tried the 14mm hex of course, with PB blaster and a mallet to tap it. This started stripping out the hex of the plug.
So I cut off some sections of the plug face to allow a wrench to fit, but it's too short to get a good grip. Channel locks and vise grips can't grab it enough either.
I drilled a hole in the center of the plug and tried using an "easy out" (total oxymoron) but that broke the handle I was using to turn the east out. A bigger handle gives enough force to twist the easy out bit, but the plug still won't budge.

Anyone have tips, tricks or advice for removing this plug?

I need to get the plug out so I can put in the turbo version with a nipple. In retrospect I should have just drilled and tapped a hole in the center of the plug and fitted a nipple.

IIRC, the coolant for the turbo comes from the head.

Yes, but this nipple feeds the oil cooler I think. By "turbo version" I meant EJ22T version.

Finally got the mofo out! It took a larger size easy out, more PB blaster put directly on the threads (from both sides) and more anger with the mallet.



Here's the nipple I mean.

Yeah you need to be really pissed to get those off LOL. I think it's a 24mm?? The last one I took out I couldn't believe the resistance on it. I used a breaker bar on a 1/2" drive. I was worried that it would strip but didn't fortunately.

I was pissed for sure.

The bastard plug was 14 mm. The nipple one might have been 24mm, I used an adjustable wrench since I didn't have the right size. It came off much easier, just a few taps with a mallet.

When I did my motor, I pulled the plug on the passenger side so I could put in the oil cooler. That one came out without too much issues.

I tried to get the plug out on the driver's side.....that wasn't budging, and since I didn't need to take it out.....I left it alone.

Alluminum expands alot faster than steel, sometimes putting some heat to the block around the fitting will help.

Gary

+1 for ANGER.

I keep mine in the middle drawer of the rollaway.

I didn't even try the driver's side plug, it can stay there forever for all I care.

I did try a micro torch on the surrounding area, it wasn't warm enough. A friend suggested spraying something cold on the plug to contract it.

edit: My post count equals my car's model year, woohoo!