I planned to change the oil, grease the driveshafts and drain and refill the transmission today. I completed the first two jobs, and started on the transmission.

I first checked to confirm I could remove the fill plug, because the last thing you want to do is drain any fluid and then not be able to refill.

I then tried to remove the transmission drain plug with a 5 mm, L-shaped Allen wrench but it wouldn't budge. After a quick trip to the Home Depot I tried again with a 3/8 drive, 5 mm hex socket. I felt movement, but then I had the dreaded "oh ****" moment. The hex socket was rounding out the hex recess in the plug. Great.

I was not looking forward to the transmission drain and refill anyway. I hated doing it the last time, lying on my back in the driveway with a crappy pump. So now I plan to take it to a local, reputable Rovers-only shop and let them do it. I expect they will drill a hole through the plug, let it drain, and then use an EZ Out to remove it. I just hope they won't need to replace the pan.

 

I used a 13mm extractor on the OEM drain plug and it came right off. I took that sucker with me (what was left of it) and got a darn bolt instead. Did my drain/fill then slapped a new crush washer on it and called it a day.

 

Thanks Best, that's good to know. So it's a common thread. Do you recall what thread?

 

It's a M10x1.25 or M10x1.50 if I remember correctly. My local auto part store had a few 30mm bolts & my ACE Hardware had a few as well. I cut it down to be a bit shorter, but you honestly don't have to even do that.

With the 13mm extractor I gently hammered it over my messed up drain plug and then it came right off.

 

x2 on the extractor.. also just buy a new one instead of trying to make one.. its only $4 from BA

Drain Plug Transmission (Fine Thread) (Genuine Part # STC4098 ) - Land Rover miscellaneous from Atlantic British

 

Yeah 4.00 after you order it, but out under the truck on a Saturday/Sunday = good luck. I stuck a bolt on there for two reasons. #1 I couldn't locate a drain plug that small at any auto parts store. #2 Why deal with that stupid allen head ever again?? So I went with a standard bolt that won't strip out. Problem solved in my book.

 

You might try to put an english size hex into it that is a wee bit bigger and pound it in with a hammer to the socket extension. Then it will come out. Well maybe.

Yeah. It will come out.

Then get a cold beer.

 

This story will need to be put on the shelf for a while, probably until early August. My older son took Redrover with him back to school in Wilmington yesterday. He wants to be able to drive on the beach this summer. Pray for him.

 

OK, so this doesn't solve the immediate problem but it will reduce the possibilities for the future.

Oil drain valves - Bleeding brakes - simply intelligent oil change, leakfree disconnect lines! Our solution: The stahlbus Bleeder Valve, the stahlbus Oil drain valve and the stahlbus Quick disconnect coupling.

 

lol