Hi,
My timing cover has a large steel plug low down on the outside - I think it’s for the filter related to the oil pressure relief valve.
I have two covers and I can’t shift either of the steel plugs. Were these plugs sealed in place with stud-lock or something similar? I’ve tried using an open-ended spanner and also a socket with an 18-inch breaker bar but nothing will move.
It’s not left-hand thread is it? I can’t see any reason for it being a L.H thread but stranger things have been done on old bikes.
I’ve had the end of each cover soaking in Plus Gas for 3 days but even that hasn’t helped. Do you think that electrolysis (corrosion caused by dissimilar metals) has caused the plug and the cover to have fused together? There is a copper washer under the heads of the plugs so that should prevent the plug head from seizing but the threaded part might have seized - I just don’t know.
Any suggestions gratefully received - for what it’s worth, I have an angle grinder and a chainsaw but I’ll keep those for the ‘last straw’ attempt at plug removal.
regards
Tony
I would heat it with a heat…
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Pressure Release Valves
If they're off the engine, the covers are difficult to hold firmly enough to shock the thread loose. Using a vice, even with protection will cause damage. It might be worth screwing them to a plate / the edge of the bench in order to get some purchase.
I make a point of loosening them before removing the cover or the engine from the frame.
They're not a left-hand thread, but if they have been repeatedly tightened through several heat cycles to stop them leaking, rather than replace the washer then they do take some moving.
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I would heat it with a heat gun or put it in the oven. If it has been thread locked, the heat will soften the bond. If someone has used brute force to tighten it, then it may need brute force to undo and an impact driver may help.