My guess, without looking, is that the threads are some size of NPT thread, and that a threaded plug of the right size from the plumbing dept. of your nearest hardware store will work. NPT threads are commonly used in such applications (threaded plugs used to seal water), such as plugs in engine water jackets (even if the rest of the engine is metric).
If the plug rusted out, how good is whats left of the pipe?
well actually, everything went well, the original plug was almost rusted completely out on the 85 gt I was making a service call to, I used a torch to heat it up, and when I tapped in the correct tip to try and begin ratcheting it out, it just came out after a few full turns. I wasn't expecting this one to just come out like that, and I pulled all 4 plugs from a parts car I had sitting here with no problem at all. I chased the threads with a tap and put in one of the plugs I pulled. and used thread sealant...
I guess I'm lucky to be in florida working on fieros that haven't seen the salty northern winter roads.
In my experience, I remove mine by inserting the largest hex key that will fit, and I will pry it around in all directions to widen the hole until I can fit the correct 3/16" hex key. Then it comes out without too much trouble. They are a blessing when you are draining coolant for removing the cradle
In my experience, I remove mine by inserting the largest hex key that will fit, and I will pry it around in all directions to widen the hole until I can fit the correct 3/16" hex key. Then it comes out without too much trouble. They are a blessing when you are draining coolant for removing the cradle
Arent Fieros supposed to be GM metric vehicles? I used a 5mm.
If the plug rusted out, how good is whats left of the pipe?
The coolant tubes are stainless steel and very corrosion resistant. The plugs are not stainless and would corrode much more quickly. Poor coolant servicing will set up a corrosive environment in the cooling system that will attack the plug from the inside.
The coolant tubes are stainless steel and very corrosion resistant. The plugs are not stainless and would corrode much more quickly. Poor coolant servicing will set up a corrosive environment in the cooling system that will attack the plug from the inside.
------------------ "Kilgore Trout once wrote a short story which was a dialogue between two pieces of yeast. They were discussing the possible purposes of life as they ate sugar and suffocated in their own excrement. Because of their limited intelligence, they never came close to guessing that they were making champagne." - Kurt Vonnegut
[This message has been edited by Spoon (edited 07-23-2017).]
In my experience, I remove mine by inserting the largest hex key that will fit, and I will pry it around in all directions to widen the hole until I can fit the correct 3/16" hex key. Then it comes out without too much trouble. They are a blessing when you are draining coolant for removing the cradle
In case it helps anyone... I bought a couple of new drain plugs from the Fiero Store, and they were 3/16" hex key.
So on this basis I used a 3/16" hex key to try and remove the old plugs. This resulted in me rounding off the hex key and stripping / damaging the existing plugs, which still wouldn't budge. As the old plugs were gunked up, it was difficult to see, but the 3/16" hex key seemed to be a tight fit.
After thinking this through, I thought that the only way it would have stripped the hex key is of it wasn't the correct size / tool. After really close inspection, I discovered that it was actually Torx. So even though the plug was now stripped / damaged, I tried a T30 Torx and it fitted tightly and I was then able to unscrew the plug.
So it appears that although the replacement plugs from the Fiero Store are 3/16" hex key, the original plugs in my 85' Fiero GT 2.8 were actually Torx.
Hopefully this helps someone who is struggling to get their original plugs out with a hex key.
Memo for the day; If you can, when you go to the JY to get some parts, snag the plugs if you can get them out...I have a double set of spares...I should probably have another...And mine are 3/16" allen- 1985 SE V-6...
Would not a standard brass 1/8 NPT pipe plug work? Any Loews or Home Depot Should have them. Being that it has a sq or hex end, they should be a breeze to remove.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
Fortunately, I was able to remove my plugs easily with a 3/16" hex key. I'll be replacing the plugs with something a little different. I'm nixing the internal hex plug altogether. I'll be using either an external hex head plug or an external square drive plug. Either way the plug will be 316 stainless steel. If you need fasteners (nuts and bolts, etc) you should give McMaster-Carr a looksee. Click here to see a selection of plugs. Maybe you're lucky enough to have a MC location near you. I do. If not, they ship promptly via UPS. I've replaced several other nuts and bolts on my car sourced from McMaster-Carr. One downside: sometimes you'll have to buy in a quantity more than you need.
------------------ Stanton '88 Formula, red on gray
[This message has been edited by oneinch (edited 11-25-2020).]
Install w/ Non-Dry Teflon pipe dope not tape. This Dope will act as anti-seize later. Find it easy in Plumbing Section in many local stores.
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Originally posted by AL87: Arent Fieros supposed to be GM metric vehicles? I used a 5mm.
Not Everything is Metric in many old cars including Fiero. Pipe drains, sender/sensor holes and some steering column parts are few that are SAE and/or NPT.
For Allen heads... Often Hex heads too... Use the wrench that fits very tight regardless Metric or SAE. Rust in or on the heads/nuts can make odd size tool to fit better.
Hex bolts/nuts is best to use 6 point sockets not 12 points that most set have.
------------------ Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should. (Jurassic Park)
