Removing Plug to Install a Block Heater - Need some ideas

clemsonfor · Dec 13, 2018

pmsmechanic said:
I would get the engine hot with coolant in it. Put a plastic garbage bag over the grill to help warm the engine quicker. Then weld a nut onto what is rounded off on the plug. Make sure you use a large enough nut to fit completely over the head of the plug. As soon as you are done welding touch a wax candle to the threaded area. The wax will melt and then follow the threads into the block lubricating them. As soon as the welding has cooled to block temperature start working the plug back and forth using an air impact gun set to about medium torque. When you are changing directions on the air impact don't release the trigger just instantly reverse direction by using the appropriate buttons or knobs. You might have to work at this for a while but the plug will come out. You can even leave the engine running to keep heat in the block.

Have fun!

I like this suggestion. And one I would try. The heated block from it running will help. Welding the big nut will super heat the area, and the wax trick supposedly works, and the impact will help break loose.

pmsmechanic · Dec 14, 2018

clemsonfor said:
I like this suggestion. And one I would try. The heated block from it running will help. Welding the big nut will super heat the area, and the wax trick supposedly works, and the impact will help break loose.

I've done this with a wrench too. No impact gun. Just work the broken off bolt back and forth. At some point the threads will let loose and you know you've won.

careyo63 · Dec 14, 2018

If it's that bad I have a Flex Head bar that slides into my Adj. Length Breaker bar. Nothing has been able to withstand that. Esp. the Forward and Rev. motion with just the good old WD-40 or oil for that matter. I have broken some heads off bolts but I make sure to use the correct Wrench or socket. I've known about wax and working on commercial printing machinery which is what I did for a living you can't use Heat or a Torch. So it's back and forth with oil. Definitely the Chances of a fire is very extremely likely with all the Chemicals on or around the equipment.

Scotty Dive · Dec 14, 2018

Great advice here....AS ALWAYS! Not sure if I will tackle this project again this winter.....but come warmer weather I am all in....again!

woolyAcres · Dec 19, 2018

winston1 said:
What is the lowest temperature some of you folks from up North crank off at?

My old YM240D had thermo start. I was never convinced that it worked correctly and I didn't bother to repair it because it had a block heater and always got parked near the garage at night. If it was below 40F it struggled. Below 30 it would not start without being plugged in. I think the coldest I ever started it, plugged in of course, was single digits. Never tried below that.

bedrock61 · Dec 19, 2018

Using block coolant heater for a few hours then decompression and thermostart I fire up easily at 10f...haven’t tried in any colder yet

woolyAcres · Dec 19, 2018

LouNY said:
my Milwaukee M18 Cordless 1/2in. Impact Wrench is rated at 1400 ft/lb of removal torque.

I'm lucky enough to have this tool as well. It's a back and time saver. Not sure what the budget (or available access is like here) but this tool finds all kinds of uses so maybe that would help justify the cost.

LouNY · Dec 19, 2018

woolyAcres said:
I'm lucky enough to have this tool as well. It's a back and time saver. Not sure what the budget (or available access is like here) but this tool finds all kinds of uses so maybe that would help justify the cost.

It is quite heavy and almost clumsy at times, I have at times put it down and gotten my pneumatic out as its lighter and more compact, but yes it is a great wrench.

clemsonfor · Dec 20, 2018

woolyAcres said:
My old YM240D had thermo start. I was never convinced that it worked correctly and I didn't bother to repair it because it had a block heater and always got parked near the garage at night. If it was below 40F it struggled. Below 30 it would not start without being plugged in. I think the coldest I ever started it, plugged in of course, was single digits. Never tried below that.

My ym 2000 will start into the upper 20s without any starting aids, without using thermostart or block heaters. The time I tried at those temps I had a failed start the first time but probably cause I didn't hold the starter long enough first sign of starting I released it and it was not going on its on, second time I held it longer and it came to life. I start in the 40s all the time though.

careyo63 · Dec 23, 2018

I was out looking for a Old Hand Drill I had put up. Not Elec. but actually hand driven. And sure enough I found a 1/2 inch impact. And remembered this thread. It's old and is way to big for most anything around the house. Either my Fathers or could be my Grand fathers even. Still works and says Extreme duty model PL1502. @380Ft.Lbs.. Cambell Hausfeld was manufactured in OH.. It's heavy and my guess why I put it up...