3.4L tear down question

[npdimonte]

My block is bare now and before I have it cleaned I would like to remove the plugs that screw into the block. I having the darnedest time trying to find a square bit for these plugs. Is there a proper name for this type of fastener? The closest thing I found was "Robertson", but that seems to be for little screws. I have "innie" and "outie" plugs (new technical terms). The outies won't be a problem, only the innies.

Thanks for any info,
Nick

[3400-95-Modified]

Um, try a 3/8 extension or 1/4 extension yet?? Some of those innies are 3/8 square so a ratchet extension will fit with no problems.

[1988GTU]

Use the end of a ratchet extension. If you need to use the female end, then use a adjustable wrench on the free end.

[npdimonte]

Nope, didn't even think about that.

Will try when I get home.

[geoffinbc]

They will most likely be 5/16". You need a set of square drive sockets. They are not available everywhere. I bought mine from MAC Tools.

[npdimonte]

They will most likely be 5/16". You need a set of square drive sockets. They are not available everywhere. I bought mine from MAC Tools.

Yep, last night I measured them and I have 1/4 and 5/16. I will check into MAC Tools.

Thanks for the tip.

[3400-95-Modified]

well the 1/4 can be done with a 1/4 drive extension and yeah the 5/16 you need the tool for... oh well.

[1988GTU]

I once found a female torx bit to be of great help when I could not find my expensive (only ever used once) kit made for those type of heads.

[tractorman]

I have this set:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/3-8-Drive-Male-Female-Pipe-Plug-Socket-Set_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ43993QQihZ005QQitemZ150231230071QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

Impossible to beat for the price. Never broke one, and I've used them for years on trucks and heavy equipment.

[geoffinbc]

Yup that is a good looking kit. If you don't use an impact gun on them then you should be good. I sure is cheaper than the Mac Tools set

[tractorman]

Actually, they're impact sockets.

And yeah, much cheaper than Mac. You'd be lucky to get two sockets from Mac for that price.

[npdimonte]

I have this set:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/3-8-Drive-Male-Female-Pipe-Plug-Socket-Set_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ43993QQihZ005QQitemZ150231230071QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

Impossible to beat for the price. Never broke one, and I've used them for years on trucks and heavy equipment.

I've been out of town a few days, and yea, that was a very nice looking set. I missed the auction dead line. But, now I know their call "Pipe-Plugs". While I was gone, a neighbor who is a mechanic, dropped off some square harden stock metal, about 6" in length, in 1/4", 5/16" & 3/8" sizes. As long as they don't twist, I'll be in good shape, otherwise, I'll have to wait until another set is available.

[powerdoctor]

I just took an old 3" 3/8" extension to the bench grinder till it was the right size....why spend the money or time looking .....