BayAreaSS

iTrader: (10)

Can anyone tell me what size hex wrench I need to remove the plugs from the block? And where can I get a wrench that big?

Thanks

Grimes

iTrader: (3)

you can double nut (jam the nuts together) a large bolt that has a head the right size to fit into the plug (probably metric). No need to buy a huge allen key.

jmm98LS1

iTrader: (28)

That great big one is 17mm. I got a cheap set of metric hex head sockets at harbor freight that had a 17mm in it for less than 10 bux.

BayAreaSS

iTrader: (10)

I went and bought a 17mm this morning. I'll see if it fits later today. So if the big one is 17.... What size is the smaller one?

HavATampa

iTrader: (49)

17MM Allen front left behind alternator.
T50 torx rear drain over starter.

BayAreaSS

iTrader: (10)

ok thanks. I try it out later tonight

1CAMWNDR

iTrader: (21)

I have 10mm, 3/8", and 5/16" hex heads and none of them fit the small freeze plugs on the driver's side of the block or the oil passage plugs. The 5/16" was the only one that went in but was too loose. The 10mm was too big.
So, I figure they are 9mm?

1CAMWNDR

iTrader: (21)

There is one over the oil filter also isn't there?

BRAAPZ

iTrader: (14)

Ran into similar issue this weekend. Being a Datsun Z car shop, I have a decent selection of metric hardware on hand, so I found a bolt with the right sized head for the large brass core plug/block coolant drain.


Turns out it is 17mm as pointed out above. Found 10mmx1.25mm bolt with a 17mm head, then wanting a little more “engagement” with the soft brass, I added my last 10mmx1.25mm nut that takes a 17mm wrench, ran it up tight to the bolt, clocked the flats in phase and welded it to the bolt. I then took another 10mmx1.25 nut, this one takes a 14mm wrench, welded that on the end of the bolt. With this totally bubba, uber ugly “tool”, I was able to remove that stubborn brass plug. The block drain for the other bank takes an 8mm allen, already have one of those for a 3/8” ratchet.





Monday went down to Sears and bought a 17mm allen wrench. Will be cutting a length off of it and tacking that into a ½” drive 17mm socket for a dedicated LSx block drain tool.

1CAMWNDR

iTrader: (21)

Thanks BRAAPZ. 8mm and 17mm . I just ordered a Hex socket set from Harbor Freight with I think 8,9,10,12,14,17mm Hex, 7,8,11,13 square and 5/16 and 3/8 square heads.
Link:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=94961

BayAreaSS

iTrader: (10)

Thanks for the pics. I have the tools needed to take them off. I just need to go to my friend's house because thats where my engine is at.

HavATampa

iTrader: (49)

Possibly. The 2 I took out are the big one behind the alternator that takes a big 17mm allen wrench and the small one above the starter that takes a T50 torx. I stole these pics from another thread:

BayAreaSS

iTrader: (10)

I took them out tonight. Thanks to everyone that chimed in

1FastBrick

iTrader: (16)

FWIW They are all installed to 44 FT LB. so they may seem a little tough to get out.

BayAreaSS

iTrader: (10)

Yea i had to put some muslce into it for sure

bww3588

iTrader: (49)

some blocks must be different than others. i just looked at my 98 LS1 block and every plug on it is a hex. no torx.

1FastBrick

iTrader: (16)

They are all Hex but some people dont have the proper metric allens and the torx works out in a pinch because it's cut from the same 8mm hex material.