Archived Engine Soft Plug...

[jcbrown]

In trying to remove this soft plug, it was punched into the oil pan. So much for NO instructions on how to remove it.



Is my recourse now to drain the oil pan and try to fish the soft plug out?

 

[jlccc]

Originally posted by jcbrown

In trying to remove this soft plug, it way punched into the oil pan. So much for NO instructions on how to remove it.



Is my recourse now to drain the oil pan and try to fish the soft plug out?

I used a screwdriver to lift out the SMALLER of the two plugs when I installed by bypass oil filter.



If you are trying to remove the large plug then use a small nail to puncture it (near an edge) and then screw a machine screw in part way and grab with vise-grips.

 

[jcbrown]

Re: Re: Engine Soft Plug...

Originally posted by jlccc



I used a screwdriver to lift out the SMALLER of the two plugs when I installed by bypass oil filter.

The plug is currently in the oil pan!

 

[A Johnson]

My idea

Try getting a magnet on it thru thu soft plug hole and if you can fish it back up to the hole grab it with a pair of needle nose vise grips. Of course I haven't tried this myself.



Over the years I have found all kinds of things in the pan, nuts, bolts, wrenches, etc. The only ones that caused immediate problems were the stuff like rags or saran wrap. I did have an oil pan that had an injector adjusting screw in it and it wore a hole in the pan until it was leaking oil. I have no idea how many miles this took to wear the hole. --A Johnson

 

[Harley152]

Wait until 2014 when you do your first in-frame overhaul w/680,000 miles and remove it when you remove the oil pan to inspect the main and rod bearings----in the meantime it won't fit through the oil-pick-up screen!!! Just my $. 02 worth.

Daddy always said "don't fix it if it ain't broken"



Jerry

 

[baby.driver]

I don't think there is any problem with leaving it there.

It may get in the way when you drain oil for changes, but other than that... it won't float... so it will settle to the bottom of the pan and stay there. I'd rather not have it there either, but since it is don't have an ulcer.

For more peace of mind contact Cummins and see what they say.



Jay

 

[jlccc]

Re: My idea

Originally posted by A Johnson

Try getting a magnet on it thru thu soft plug hole and if you can fish it back up to the hole grab it with a pair of needle nose vise grips. Of course I haven't tried this myself.

Obviously my reading comprehension wasn't very good today. Now that I understand it's already inside the engine let me try for a coherent reply.



First of all, I think both plugs are aluminum--at least the small one is--so it won't be magnetic. But I agree with the other members' advice. It won't hurt anything by staying in the oil pan.

 

[jcbrown]

I'll try fishing it out. If I can't, I'll just have to live with it in the oil pan. I'm told that it may come out with some future oil change?

 

[Elite1]

Originally posted by jcbrown

In trying to remove this soft plug, it was punched into the oil pan. So much for NO instructions on how to remove it.



Is my recourse now to drain the oil pan and try to fish the soft plug out?

What is a soft plug? Are you talking about one of those rubber plgs that seal by tightening them?

 

[jcbrown]

Re: Re: Engine Soft Plug...

Originally posted by Elitel

What is a soft plug? Are you talking about one of those rubber plgs that seal by tightening them?

Also known as a freeze plug. See above photo.