Stuck Manual Transmission Fill Plug

[tedy]

I am planning to replace the pan gasket on the 5 speed transmission in my 81 Spider. I don't know much about the previous owner except that he was not a mechanic. I cannot get the fill plug (14mm) out. The edges of the hex on the plug are slightly damaged. Any suggestions on how I might be able to break it loose? There is not a lot of room down there, especially when you are lying on your back. I don't want to booger it up any more. I also noticed that almost directly below the plug there is a bolt that also looks like a plug. Can that be used to refill the transmission and if so, will it allow me to put in the proper amount of fluid?

Ted

[calvinconrad]

i used a Elbow Ratcheting Wrench. not much room to work under there. it helped me get a good angle on it.

[4uall]

Secure yourself a new one then use vice grips etc

This may help http://forum.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtop ... ansmission

[RoyBatty]

Heat is your friend.
Get a heat gun and concentrate the hot air stream on the plug for several minutes.
Only THEN should you try and break the torque. If a standard wrench wont fit due to damage, then get a pipe wrench to extract the plug. Properly adjusted a pipe wrench will grab until something breaks.
Another trick, if you can do it, is try and turn the plug in just a bit before you try to take it out. Sometimes the crap in the threads needs movement in this direction to help dislodge things.
Don't burn yourself, and if you use a propane torch, please be even more careful.

[vandor]

That 'bolt' is the fill plug!!!!
The fill plug takes a 17mm wrench. The round thing above it that has a 14mm allen hole is NOT a fill plug!
Do not take it out.

[tedy]

Thanks to those who posted replies to my questions. Got it done.

[4uall]