Oil filler plug on gearbox (cannot undo)

[andyzeetec]

Need to change the driveshaft oil seals so just checking if I can undo the fill and drain plugs.

Fill plug has  been rounded off by the looks of it, not really bad just looks like a spanner has sliped off. Tried various sockets but slips round, cannot get a 13mm spanner on it at the right angle as the ally rib is in the way aswell. Socket is easier as it is easy to get on the square plug but slips round.

Does anyone know if a special deep 13mm square ring spanner or socket  exists, so it will grip the plug on all 4 sides and why do they use these square plugs    it's driving me up the wall, any other ideas on removing it (heat), as I really dont want to take the whole gearbox out to fill from top.

Thanks
 

[Rusty's Uncle]

Reverse a 1/2" drive short socket extension, tap it home on the plug then get a spanner on the square drive of the extension 

[andyzeetec]

Reverse a 1/2" drive short socket extension, tap it home on the plug then get a spanner on the square drive of the extension 

thanks, I'll give it a go.

[Hazey-n-Marc]

You don'r have to remove the gearbox to fill through the top, just support it on a Jack on the mount brace, undo the mounts and lower it. You can then get a spanner in to remove the top plate. But it is a hassle.
Has anyone ever cracked their bellhousing trying to get the plug out? I am a bit worried that I might on mine.

Marc

[andyzeetec]

You don'r have to remove the gearbox to fill through the top, just support it on a Jack on the mount brace, undo the mounts and lower it. You can then get a spanner in to remove the top plate. But it is a hassle.
Has anyone ever cracked their bellhousing trying to get the plug out? I am a bit worried that I might on mine.

Marc

I had no luck with the half inch reversed extension,  I could try some heat on the surrounding ally housing, although I'm now leaning towards a mechanic having a go at it.

[Gadge]

How about removing the reverse switch and filling it though there?

[Hazey-n-Marc]

How about removing the reverse switch and filling it though there?

Not sure. I think it would be hard to do unless the gearbox was stood on end.