differential drain plug

[grasshopper]

Wondering if a universal drain plug can be used on Spider differential ? What type of thread is it ? I can not remove mine. Threads are ok but slots for wrench are rounded off. Thanks.

[18Fiatsandcounting]

A universal drain plug might work, but the threads would have to be metric. How about a new one for Fiats:
https://autoricambi.us/magnetic-oil-drain-plug/

As far as getting the old one out, try vise grips or a pipe wrench. You'll definitely need a new plug after that abuse...

-Bryan

[grasshopper]

That's a great option thanks. Problem for me is i live in Canada. Shipping charges for one little part is quite expensive. I will have to wait until i need a bunch of parts i guess.

[davidbruce]

According to AR''s description of their non magnetic plug. The threads are the same for trans and diff drain and fill plugs. Pull a fill plug and take it to a shop that specializes in hydraulic fittings. There's a good chance they can supply a plug to fit.

[ORFORD2004]

Kennyupull Montreal have a 79 in the yard

[Nanonevol]

I could not get mine off either so I put a piece of hose in and siphoned it! It took a long time with the thick oil but enough came out that I was satisfied and did the refill.

[spider2081]

First: the end of Allen wrenches often gets slightly rounded from use. To remove worn plugs grind the end of the Allen off until there is no sign of any wear. Then apply valve grinding compound to the outer surface of the Allen wrench for additional gripping. Then tap the wrench into the plug well with a hammer.
I think the oil pan drain is 12 mm That is 0.46875 inch A SAE 1/2 inch Allen wrench would be 0.03125 larger and might fit into a worn 12 mm opening.

I like using using Allen wrenches designed for use with ratchets or breaker bars for drain plugs. For me it is easier to keep direct pressure into the plug and the longer tool handle gives better leverage.

I like pipe wrenches better than vice grips for an alternative tool. The smallest one I have is about 6 inches long. I use it to help remove difficult studs. Double nut the stud, put pipe wrench on the un-threaded portion use correct wrench for the nut and the pipe wrench at same time. This greatly reduces pipe wrench damage to stud.

[DieselSpider]

The differential on my 78 has a plug with a hex end sticking out of it so no Allen wrench involved there. Always use the correct size 6 point socket and there should be no issues with it rounding off. If it has a square end then get the correct square socket and never have problems with it rounding. Using the correct tools for the job will ensure longer life and fewer problems with drain plugs and bolts that need to be removed/adjusted regularly for servicing.

I rarely use a 12 point socket any longer.

Where someone else has already messed things up a ViseGrip Locking Wrench does a better job than the ViseGrip Pliers and even work well on flair nuts.

[spider2081]

The differential on my 78 has a plug with a hex

Boy are my reading skills poor. "Differential" never registered in my mind. Thank you DieselSpider for your post.