I really feel stupid, oil change

[Wayne64]

I posted a while back about what type of wrench removes the drain plug. 1/2" square drive is what I was told and that made sense as other plugs on the M37 also use that size. My drain plug has eight notches which looked like the plug was stamped when made. I can't get the plug loose?? I tried a breaker bar, my hand help impact driver and lastly I reached for my 1/2" air ratchet set on low. All that happened was the extension didn't have a good hold and skipped around. What truly makes me feel dumb is that I have more tools than most shops, have built automatic trannys that could handle 800hp, built race engines and know my way around Ford 9" rears. What am I missing here? Or do I Tig weld a nut onto it for removal. Go easy on me as I'm questioning my skills

[MSeriesRebuild]

I posted a while back about what type of wrench removes the drain plug. 1/2" square drive is what I was told and that made sense as other plugs on the M37 also use that size. My drain plug has eight notches which looked like the plug was stamped when made. I can't get the plug loose?? I tried a breaker bar, my hand help impact driver and lastly I reached for my 1/2" air ratchet set on low. All that happened was the extension didn't have a good hold and skipped around. What truly makes me feel dumb is that I have more tools than most shops, have built automatic trannys that could handle 800hp, built race engines and know my way around Ford 9" rears. What am I missing here? Or do I Tig weld a nut onto it for removal. Go easy on me as I'm questioning my skills

Well, sounds like you can handle it, what we do in stubborn cases is simply get creative however we can with what we have to work with.

[Cal_Gary]

Mine was as stubborn as yours, Wayne. I had to use a pipe wrench, which of course trashed the edges of the plug, but it came loose and I replaced the plug with a standard plug from VPW.
Gary

[Wayne64]

Mine was as stubborn as yours, Wayne. I had to use a pipe wrench, which of course trashed the edges of the plug, but it came loose and I replaced the plug with a standard plug from VPW.
Gary

Thanks Gary, I'll look to buying another before I try to remove again.

[Tim Powell]

Please explain "VPW"? Intrested minds (I use minds loosely) want to know! Thanks, Tim.

[Lifer]

"VPW" is Vintage Power Wagons, rougly 50 miles west of you in Fairfield. US 34 is a straight shot!

[Tim Powell]

DUH! Boy do I feel goofy! Fairfield will be handy as I report to work everyother week in Mt. Pleasant IA, half way between Burlington and Fairfield!! Cool!!

[N1VSM]

... I replaced the plug with a standard plug from VPW.
Gary

I took my old one to a plumbing supply place (not a big box store, but one where they can get exactly what you need) and bought an exact replacement (and a spare). Much cheaper route, I think.

[Cal_Gary]

I think the VPW plug was 8 bucks or so-you know the local parts places almost refuse to help unles you give them "year, make and model, please....?"
Gary