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Stripped Block Drain Plug - Help!

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Old Dec 18, 2016 | 10:13 PM
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Default Stripped Block Drain Plug - Help!

So I'm in the process of cleaning out a block that was "rebuilt" and I have an engine block drain plug that is stripped. Any ideas on how to get this off? Does it need to come off? I have all the other plugs out. Any help would be greatly appreciated!


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Old Dec 18, 2016 | 11:32 PM
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Hammer and a sharp chisel
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Old Dec 18, 2016 | 11:34 PM
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How would that help? Are you suggesting I try to make grooves so that an allen can fit in there again?
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Old Dec 19, 2016 | 12:39 AM
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Originally Posted by wsun904
So I'm in the process of cleaning out a block that was "rebuilt" and I have an engine block drain plug that is stripped. Any ideas on how to get this off? Does it need to come off? I have all the other plugs out. Any help would be greatly appreciated!


Weld a nut or bolt to it and remove the plug: https://ls1tech.com/forums/generatio...plug-help.html
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Old Dec 19, 2016 | 11:24 PM
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In the absence of a welder, place a star bit in the hole, one whose spikes are slightly larger than the hole (T50?). Mark where the spikes touch the hole. Using a dremel or rotary tool with a thin tip, carve where the marks are, creating a groove (5 grooves). You might be able to get by with less than 5 grooves. This has worked for me in other scenarios.
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Old Dec 20, 2016 | 08:54 AM
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easy out?
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Old Dec 20, 2016 | 08:55 AM
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Take a chisel and put it on one side of the flat head of the drain plug and hit it in an unthreading direction. I've done this many times with small headed screws.

It would help if you heated the block around the threads, but being careful not to heat the plug. This will slightly expand the block and threads around the plug.

I would look at this as a challenge, not a problem.
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Old Dec 20, 2016 | 09:15 AM
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Originally Posted by Paul Bell
Take a chisel and put it on one side of the flat head of the drain plug and hit it in an unthreading direction. I've done this many times with small headed screws.

It would help if you heated the block around the threads, but being careful not to heat the plug. This will slightly expand the block and threads around the plug.

I would look at this as a challenge, not a problem.
Yep. Do this before trying to weld a nut on there. Chisel will work great.
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Old Dec 20, 2016 | 11:58 AM
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Originally Posted by gMAG
In the absence of a welder, place a star bit in the hole, one whose spikes are slightly larger than the hole (T50?). Mark where the spikes touch the hole. Using a dremel or rotary tool with a thin tip, carve where the marks are, creating a groove (5 grooves). You might be able to get by with less than 5 grooves. This has worked for me in other scenarios.
A big shout-out to Paul B AKA.."Mister Moderator"
hope you are well!
With my way, you can reuse the part. Whaddaya gonna do...chisel it back on?

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!
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Old Dec 20, 2016 | 07:36 PM
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Originally Posted by gMAG
With my way, you can reuse the part. Whaddaya gonna do...chisel it back on?
Well, it is damaged already but who would re-use it? It's a ten buck plug on ebay.

Originally Posted by gMAG
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!
Same to you and everybody!
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Old Dec 29, 2016 | 07:50 AM
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Yeah the least of my worries is saving the plug haha. I took a break from it but going to drill into the plug to get a flat head into a groove and try to tap it out.
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Old Jan 1, 2017 | 03:41 PM
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Just to update the thread for future reference for those with the same problem... It took awhile to remove the plug even while trying to make a ridge and cinch it out with a hammer and flat head screw driver. I finally bought a dremel and drilled a ridge all the way to the bottom of the plug right before it met the block. After I did this I tapped it once and it started to budge. Took me all of 3 minutes. Thanks again for all the help
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