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View Full Version : Can't get 350X oil plug out...Any techniques



clong
08-18-2004, 06:56 PM
I'm trying to change the oil for the first time on my recently aquired 86 350X and for the life of me I can't get the drain plug (8mm allen nut) free. What other options are there. Can I tip the trike and drain the oil out the oil filter housing?

Any techniques to get frozen drain plugs out. Its not stripped at all, just frozen.
Appreciate any help or ideas, Thx, Chris

patblkwell
08-18-2004, 07:01 PM
I had the same problem draining with the 10mm plug on the final drive on my big red. The best thing to do is to get a brand new 10mm socket and spray the plug with a good bit of wd40. The brand new socket should grip it and loosen it up.

Mobular
08-18-2004, 07:16 PM
How about removing the skid plate and using a pair of locking pliers/ Or, with a dremel or die grinder, cutting the round head into a 6 sided bolt head and use a wrench or socket to remove.

patblkwell
08-18-2004, 07:18 PM
I mean a brand new 8mm socket in your case..

AirManCam
08-18-2004, 09:29 PM
Usually when I cant get a bolt/nut loose, I tighten it to brake it loose, and then loosen it. It sounds weird, but it really does work!

84250r
08-18-2004, 10:40 PM
Try not to tighten it to much (if you go this route) or it will either break or strip.

clong
08-19-2004, 11:51 AM
I had a frozen drain plug on my 1998 YZ250 and my friend with the 250R helped me get it off. He has every tool in the book and allot more skill and technique than I do so I'm taking it to his house tomorrow night and we'll get it off.

I was told that frozen drain plugs are the result of two things. One it could be the drain plug was tightened down too hard when the motor is hot. Then when it cools it sinches down ever tighter. The other is the metal composition (usually stainless) in a drain plug and the metal composition in a motor case (usually zinc/aluminum) react with each other because they are different metals and electrolysis occurs and they fuse together.

Lesson learned, if your ever going to let your bike sit, make sure the drain plug is not overly tight. This 350X sat for a few years in a garage before I bought it.