I have been relentlessly trying to remove my transfer case drain and fill plugs, but they aren’t budging. I have seen many differing opinions on using heat to help remove them, so I was wondering if using a soldering gun on them would be alright.
Using heat on transfer case drain and fill plugs
- Thread starter TheOriginalMnM
- Start date
I used a little map torch on mine. Top one anyway, drain case out ok. Watch out for locker pump wiring and hoses if you’re has that!
If you have any Kroil, Liquid Wrench, or Break-Free (in that order of preference) I'd try some and give it time to work into the threads. Nope I did not suggest PB-Blaster or Liquid Wrench, both of which suck as penetrants.
I’ll have to go pick some up, these plugs are not budging at all.
I wouldn't use a soldering gun, you really need to heat the case and not the plug. I'd just use a bit of heat with a propane torch, it would take allot to cook the ATF+4 inside and you're draining it anyway. The only bad things I can think of happening are creating a tiny bit of sludge on the inside of the case or if you go totally crazy melting the housing. Don't go totally crazy.
The bottom plug is currently soaking in ATF which most people consider great penetrating oil so I kinda think spraying it is not too useful but that's just me.
By itself, without adding something like Acetone, straight ATF is not a great penetrant. Not to mention if it was that good it'd already be seeping through that thin threaded joint. And if it were me, I'd only be working on the top plug first to make sure I can refill it after draining it.
If you're a guy that does a lot of your own work a little torch is definitely something you should pick up. Propane is a great all-around gas, but doesn't get that hot. MAPP gas is what I like, but you have to be careful with is as it gets real hot real quick (too hot to braze with). You can pick up a canister and nozzle at Lowes or HD depot for less than $40, and they last for a long time.
I dealt with both drain and fill plugs stripped and seized on my Rubicon when I bought it. I welded 1/2” bolts to the plugs and they both came out ridiculously easy, I suspect a big part of that was the heat from welding the bolts. I pulled the case to change the clutch but I don’t see why it couldn’t be done with the case still installed.
Have you tried an impact on them? Get the top one first. You can at least suck the fluid out and refill. Get the bottom out and drain it without the top off you will be buggered.
Jerry, do you use the Kroil in the liquid or aerosol can?
I prefer the liquid. It is an excellent gun cleaning solvent, too. If you're into that.
Well thank you for all the replies, I thought I would just update everyone real quick. I had just finished changing my differential fluid, so obviously I took it for a quick drive to check on everything. When I got back, I decided to try my luck again and both plugs were finally able to loosen up. Good thing I’m changing it though because it was extremely low on fluid it seems.
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