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Leaking gearbox oil plug
Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2014 5:46 am
by pietmeyer
Hi Guys
I have posted under accessories wanted but not sure how many check that out and need some advice.
My 582 e-box drain plug is stripped and now leaking oil. It is the plug at the bottom on the cover side

Just from this statement I probably make it rather clear that I am not mechanically inclined and not sure of the terminology
I guess I can have the cover remove and find a place that can re-thread or if anybody has a spare cover from a scrapped box lying around please let me know. If you know of somebody who can re-thread it or who has done it, also let me know
Thanks'
Piet Meyer
Tel: 082 774 7541
Email:
meyerph@telkomsa.net
Re: Leaking gearbox oil plug
Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2014 6:00 am
by Tracer
So, is the actual plug stripped, meaning you can't remove it to replace with a new one, or is the casing thread stripped?
Re: Leaking gearbox oil plug
Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2014 8:52 am
by pietmeyer
Casing thread is stripped. Plug can easily screw in and out but not tighten

Re: Leaking gearbox oil plug
Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2014 11:43 am
by vernon11
Piet, I know you can get helli coils. But for that application, I would be a bit hesitant. I would try and get another cover.
Vernon.
Re: Leaking gearbox oil plug
Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2014 8:22 pm
by Turbo
What thread is that plug?
Does anyone know if it is imperial or metric?
Re: Leaking gearbox oil plug
Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2014 5:25 am
by pietmeyer
vernon11 wrote:Piet, I know you can get helli coils. But for that application, I would be a bit hesitant. I would try and get another cover.
Vernon.
Why would you say that Vernon? What if I use plumbing tape and maybe add another washer? The problem is that the plug goes in but just does not tighten. Just as it seems like it will tighten, it is loose again. Seems like it is that last little bit that is the problem
Those covers are expensive and seems to be a moer of a job to just replace also. Would like to go for a cheaper option but still safe option

Re: Leaking gearbox oil plug
Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2014 3:39 pm
by Bundy
I'm not an AP...but the same thing happened to my sump plug on my old bantum bakkie... I bought a different plug (slightly bigger) and re tapped the hole to the bigger thread. Took me about 15 min and cost less than a spark plug.
Is this not maybe an option?
Re: Leaking gearbox oil plug
Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2014 3:45 pm
by vernon11
I must confess Piet. The Heli coils are good. The solid ones that cut their own thread, not the ones that the hole has t be first tapped. I have seen them and used them in many applications. Taking into account the difficulty and expense of getting a new cover, I would use one. I know I am contradicting myself here. Thread tape is not necessary, nor are two washers. Your best bet would be to go to an automotive engineering firm. to get one. they use all sorts of sizes. They might even fit it for you. Let me know how it goes.
Vernon
Re: Leaking gearbox oil plug
Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2014 3:52 pm
by vernon11
It is metric.
Re: Leaking gearbox oil plug
Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2014 6:13 am
by Tracer
Piet, sal met jou praat, ek het 'n idee of twee!
Re: Leaking gearbox oil plug
Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2014 1:38 pm
by Turbo
Bundy wrote:I'm not an AP...but the same thing happened to my sump plug on my old bantum bakkie... I bought a different plug (slightly bigger) and re tapped the hole to the bigger thread. Took me about 15 min and cost less than a spark plug.
Is this not maybe an option?
exactly why i asked what thread it was --
Re: Leaking gearbox oil plug
Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2014 2:41 pm
by vernon11
Hey Alan.
Did you get an AP to sign it out?

It is a good idea, and maybe the best option.
Vern.
Re: Leaking gearbox oil plug
Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2014 2:52 pm
by Bundy
Nope...my AP doesn't have a rating for a Ford Bantum....don't think the CAA would give a damn...
I also don't trust helicoils (just from my lawnmower shop days)...I think this would be the best and at least you don't have to strip the whole thing to fit a 2nd hand cover?
Re: Leaking gearbox oil plug
Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2014 4:05 pm
by PeterGrant
Hello Piet,
I have the same problem with my e-box.
At the moment the thread is sealed with Locktight.
There are only about 4 threads available on the case so a Helicoil most likely will not hold.
The best solution is to take off to the gearbox case and get a good engineering works to machine a brass insert for you.
I guess the best design will have a shoulder on the inside so it can never pull out.
Someone suggested to me to get the thread aluminium welded and tapped to fit the original plug.
I don't know enough about Al welding on alloys to comment on that.
good luck!
Re: Leaking gearbox oil plug
Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2014 7:26 pm
by Duck Rogers
Jislaaik okes!
13 replies to a simple problem and everyone's going in circles.
Pieta......as jy my klein laaitie vir 'n spin in daai Jabbi vat dan kom maak ek daai ding vir jou gou reg........vir mahala, free, gratis and for nothing!
Bel my of PM my