Rounded off drain plug

[sixdogs]

Looking at the original pics in post 517 and enlarging them, it looks like attempts to remove it didn't have a good "bite" on the plug. You can even see where it looks like the wrench was mis-positioned and caught the edge of the drain pan. This would be typical of an awkward position and limited access. But it leaves me with some thoughts and speculations.

I'll bet not a lot of torque has been applied and that the right tool properly positioned by someone who has done this before might be successful. I'll bet a BIG pipe wrench would fit in there and take limited effort for just the small turn to break it free. Then use a smaller wrench. I do these things with a 30" or 36" pipe wrench and never been defeated.

A different way that's more work would be to find a large nut that would fit over the square end of the plug and then weld in place. There probably is enough room to get a mig wire in to weld there and that's worth a thought. Clean the end of the plug first for good contact.

Another way to use that nut would be to first drill some cross holes sideways in the nut. Sine it would be fairly big nut, I'll bet 3/8" holes would work. Then, if you can't weld the end of the nut, weld in the holes to the pan plug. Maybe weld the end too if access permits. You would still have the same access after this so no change in approach afterwards.

Just some thoughts.

 

[Kando]

Biggest problem with using the pipe wrench is there's so little to bite into, as is. The showing threads are around 1/2" to grab hold of and the bolt head is the same. However the threaded portion is a larger diameter. If I were to grind down the threaded area and the chewed up head to match, that would allow better surface area to hold.

 

[sixdogs]

Biggest problem with using the pipe wrench is there's so little to bite into, as is. The showing threads are around 1/2" to grab hold of and the bolt head is the same. However the threaded portion is a larger diameter. If I were to grind down the threaded area and the chewed up head to match, that would allow better surface area to hold.

Yeah, forget that little square end unless you weld to it.

Bite into those big threads with a big pipe wrench. I see where I think you tried it but got scared. Just move that plug 1/8" to 3/16" and you're home free and don't grind those threads. And, if you can do it, maybe have someone next to you that has done this before or understands the situation, just to coach things along. a plumber could do it.

Also, get the machine in a good work position. Jack it up 12" on stands, if you have to, so you aren't crowded and can relax.

 

[California]

Also, get the machine in a good work position. Jack it up 12" on stands, if you have to, so you aren't crowded and can relax.

... But beware of how pulling a huge wrench on that nut might rassle the tractor off the jackstands. I would go under with a creeper at ground level so long as there is room.

 

[Kando]

Yeah, forget that little square end unless you weld to it.

Bite into those big threads with a big pipe wrench. I see where I think you tried it but got scared. Just move that plug 1/8" to 3/16" and you're home free and don't grind those threads. And, if you can do it, maybe have someone next to you that has done this before or understands the situation, just to coach things along. a plumber could do it.

Also, get the machine in a good work position. Jack it up 12" on stands, if you have to, so you aren't crowded and can relax.

Any decent sized pipe wrench ends up sliding off due to the limited surface area to bite onto. Too small of a wrench and no leverage or I just end up sliding myself into the tractor instead:laughing:

This 960 is a narrow front, so I'm a bit leery of jack stands in this case. I'd only be able to jack up the rear. Probably wouldn't be an issue, but the weight wouldn't be too well distributed I think.

 

[4570Man]

Are you using a good pipe wrench not a worn out one with dull teeth?

 

[sixdogs]

Any decent sized pipe wrench ends up sliding off due to the limited surface area to bite onto. Too small of a wrench and no leverage or I just end up sliding myself into the tractor instead:laughing:

This 960 is a narrow front, so I'm a bit leery of jack stands in this case. I'd only be able to jack up the rear. Probably wouldn't be an issue, but the weight wouldn't be too well distributed I think.

Skip the jacks the; it's high enough.

A smaller pipe wrench has smaller grooves milled into the face and makes it harder to grip on small pieces of steel. I think a bigger wrench would make an easier bite onto those pipe threads, You would have to try it out but I'll bet you can get a big pipe wrench on that. Do you have any plumber friends that could assist? That would be a great idea. Traveling mechanic also good.

If you don't know of one, ask a farmer for the name of a guy that does ag repairs on the side and have one stop out. These guys are everywhere in rural areas.

Also, with the wrench on right with a good bite you can just whack the end of it with a big rubber hammer if clearance is not there. Don't turn the wrench unless you have a good bite on the threads. Preparation will be 95% of this job.

 

[goeduck]

600 posts, here we come.

 

[Jstpssng]

600 posts, here we come.

OH come on now, you have to think BIG! We're going to hit 1000 before the first year anniversary of the original post.

 

[tjkubota93]

I'm depressed. I remember the first post. I just checked the date- March. I remember how many projects I thought I would have done by the end of the year.