[David Jones]

I'm working on a short block I bought a few weeks ago and finally got around to cleaning the area where the distributor drops in and where the plug covers where I was going to pick up an oil pressure signal. The plug was full of crud and upon cleaning it out I find that somebody has beat me to ruining it. It's fairly rounded out.
Ideas?
Forget it and take my signal off of the oil filter mount?

[65blackplate]

put an old extension in and a couple tac welds and turn left

[mechanickeith]

That plug is 5/16" I made my own tool for removal by cutting a 1" piece off of the shank of a chraftsman screwdriver & using a square drive or 12 point socket on it. Does not look like its messed up to bad. Should come right out.

[GRX]

I have removed far far worse .... clean well with wire brush, let Kroil or PB'blaster soak for a day, heat the area around the plug with a torch, use square bit of your choice as suggested above.

[Skip Fix]

So is there an "official" tool/socket set for the various square size plugs?

[grivera]

Originally Posted by Skip Fix

So is there an "official" tool/socket set for the various square size plugs?

An 8mm square socket is a nice fit. That being said, I have a Snap-on in that size and I too am having issues removing the same plug...

[b-man]

I use an old beat up 3/8" extension that I ground down to be a taper fit in the 5/16" square hole. Pound it in good and tight with a hammer so it won't slip and round out the square hole. The plug will twist out using a lot of persuasion, use some heat to help you.

Never had a problem getting the plug out.

[toddmoll]

Originally Posted by Skip Fix

So is there an "official" tool/socket set for the various square size plugs?

Yes, they are pipe plug sockets and they work much better than an extension

[David Jones]

Got it out. I used an old 3/8" extension (Chinese?) I had. I ground it down carefully to fit the hole. Earlier today I sprayed a bit of PB Blaster on the plug and right before I took the plug out this evening I heated the area around the plug with a torch. Popped right out. Thanks for the ideas, I hated to just jump in and make the situation worse and somebody on here ALWAYS has the right method. Odd sized little plug. What is the cavity that that plug covers?

[FrankieT/A]

I usually use a piece of 5/16 key way. Using an eight point socket and a impact driver, the kind you strike with a hammer. I never have a problem.

[Bob Eiler]

Originally Posted by Skip Fix

So is there an "official" tool/socket set for the various square size plugs?

Goodson sells individual oil gallery plug removers. The 5/16 is $39.99 with a lifetime guarantee against breakage. It's designed to be used with an impact wrench.

[lust4speed]

The hole is a standard 3/8" NPT thread, and the new plug will have a standard hex that an allen wrench will fit.

I don't even mess with trying to save the plug. I drill the plug through with a 5/16" bit and then use a 4 sided easy-out that I tap solid into the square allowing it to go down into the drilled hole however far it wants to go. I've had some really stuck plugs where the block was cleaned and then left to the elements to rust solid. I use a 2' breaker bar with a towel wrapped around the socket and easy-out in case one or the other explodes. I've lost a couple Craftsman 12 point 1/2" sockets when they cracked down their length. If all else fails, the above will always work.

[Jack Gifford]

Originally Posted by David Jones

... What is the cavity that that plug covers?...

It's the vertical passage up to the driver's side lifter gallery (from the horizontal passage from the oil filter adaptor).

Rather than a replacement plug, you'll need a reducer from 3/8 NPT down to whatever fitting size will be on the end of your guage line (or a sensor for an electric guage).

[David Jones]

I'm swapping what's on my 400 over to this one.

[60man]

Originally Posted by Skip Fix

So is there an "official" tool/socket set for the various square size plugs?

Yes ....there are tools made for this application...both male & female style. Most of the time being 3/8" drive...depending on size. Usually most tool vendors/trucks (MATCO/MAC/SnapOn) have them on board...as I did. Probably order them from elsewhwere...just get "quality" ones..

Whoops...got treed..LOL

[Skip Fix]

So what are they called to the tool guys? Males like would fit in that plug.

[Held for Ransom]

Originally Posted by Skip Fix

So what are they called to the tool guys? Males like would fit in that plug.

http://www.collectingsnapon.com/inde...%20odd%20balls

This what I have (or had). I can't find it and it's driving me mad.

[Skip Fix]

Thanks. There is a small one by the oil filter on the SBC in th Camaro project I wanrted to pull and add a gauge there-figured I'd break it off and have an oil leak ! Laos my IA freeze plugs are square, had to use a chisles end and a cresent wrench to pull one that had a pin hole in it.

[Firebob]

Had to remove all of them from an orig block. Couldn't even get the ground down tools to work for me. Asked my neighbor( GM mechanic) if he had one that would work. He says sure but they are all at work. I ended up drilling them all out and using a chiesel on them that rear hidden one was a bitch to get at. He brings me over one the next day so I guess I'm all set for next time. I think he got it from the snap-on truck.

[Fast 69]

I take a 1/2" grade 8 bolt and grind in slightly larger than the plug. Drive it I'm with a hammer and use my impact to spin it out. The impact action seems to help break the plug loose. I've tried to use my breaker bar but seems to just round the plug out.