Transmission tower plugs

garcia63 · Post by **garcia63** » Sat May 15, 2021 11:36 am

working on my transmission tower for a 1951 M38 and have a leak where the hex plugs in the front are. I am trying to get the plugs tightened or off to get some sealant on the plug. What size hex is needed to remove it? thanks in advance.

RonD2 · Post by **RonD2** » Sat May 15, 2021 11:48 am

Hi Garcia,
Not sure what you have, but my plugs aren't hex, they're square (5/16-inch) as called for in the M38 ORD9. Pipe plugs, which means taper thread. It might be possible to crack the housing if you over-tighten them.

I use one of these tools on them: https://www.amazon.com/Sunex-310PC-8-In ... B0076HIHF0

If yours are hex, it shouldn't be too hard to get a measurement if you have a ruler?

Good luck!

garcia63 · Post by **garcia63** » Sat May 15, 2021 12:06 pm

Same plugs!! Just ordered the socket thanks!

RonD2 · Post by **RonD2** » Sat May 15, 2021 12:17 pm

Hey Garcia,
You're welcome, glad to help.

The ORD9 doesn't specify the tool size, I measured mine at 5/16-inch and am pretty sure that size will work. But out of curiosity, I have that tool in 11/32 (used for L134 oil gallery plugs) and it also fits those plugs. No matter if 1/32nds makes a difference --- so long as they don't fight you coming out.

Good luck!

garcia63 · Post by **garcia63** » Wed May 19, 2021 2:04 pm

Well the socket came in and worked perfect, both tower plugs were loose. I also replaced the inspection cover with the correct one, the old one was a piece of half inch steel. That’s where the majority of leak was coming from. Additionally I plugged the T vent line in the bell housing cover with a plug. Will see how it goes . Thanks for the help!!