[h00kem]

Anyone know what tool is used to remove the fill plug on the differential of an 86 Graduate Spider? I tried an 11MM allen wrench but it doesn't seem to fit. Looks more like a star-like tool? Anyone know?

 

[Gary Knox]

If I recall correctly, it was a 12 mm allen wrench for my '91 spider. I know I had to buy a set of LARGE allen wrench sockets for my 1/2" drive ratchets in order to get the transmission and differntial drain and fill plugs out.
BE SURE you open the fill plug before you open the drain plug. Several stories of draining the case, THEN find that the fill plug was impossible to get out!! BAD DAY AT BLACK ROCK!!!!
Gary Knox
West Chester, PA

 

[SamW]

12mm is correct, I got one from IAP.

 

[aldo]

If you need it quickly? Sears sells Allen wrenches individually.

 

[h00kem]

BE SURE you open the fill plug before you open the drain plug. Several stories of draining the case, THEN find that the fill plug was impossible to get out!! BAD DAY AT BLACK ROCK!!!!
Gary Knox
West Chester, PA

Thanks for the reminder Gary. I have done some bone head things in my lifetime including that one on another car...luckily I learned my lesson then! But it doesn't hurt to remind someone again. I'll try a 12MM wrench if I can find one. I could only find the 11MM. Perhaps it was just a tad too small. I got worried that it was not the right shape.

 

[h00kem]

If you need it quickly? Sears sells Allen wrenches individually.

Drove right past one yesterday on my way looking for one...don't know why I didn't think of that! I'll pick on up there!!!

 

[john.harrill]

I've Done That..

....Drained the differential before loosening the fill plug. Ended up heating the brass plug then allowing it to cool.

 

[bianchi2]

after you get the right tool for the drain plug.. take out the spare tire, take out the rear rubber plug...get a 3/8 vinel hose..( this is the cool part to make it easy) take your 2 quarts of oil, and put them in a bucket of really!!! hot water for a 1/2 hour...this will make it pour much easyer...put on end of the hose thru the hole in the truck and push it into the fill hole on the rear end...snip off a small section of the pointy thing on the oil canester, and insert this into the other end of the hose lift and pour it end..it also helps if you punch a hole in the bottom of the trans fuild contaner...one more thing..you might want to take off the lower plate of the diff. after you drain it,,you will be suprised what is left in the bottom of the pan.. also get a tube of lsd additive, put this in between bottles.

 

[Gary Knox]

And - if you are draining the transmission, refill it with 100% synthetic lube. You'll be amazed at how much easier the shifting is (the synchros will really work!!).

Gary Knox
West Chester, PA

 

[Peter]

And - if you are draining the transmission, refill it with 100% synthetic lube. You'll be amazed at how much easier the shifting is (the synchros will really work!!).

Gary Knox
West Chester, PA

does the same apply here that applies for engine oil, i.e. when switching from dino in an old engine, the detergents in synthetic may cause leaks? guess so??

 

[chasgtv6]

lubricant pump

Pegasus auto racing sells a pump that works like a hand lotion dispenser. Screws into the lubricant container. Works great. Just be careful not to lose the tiny ball bearing in the top if you disassemble it to let it drain when you're finished. 12 bucks. One of those "wish I'd found that years ago" tools.

 

[Anfanuts]

Simple hand pumps like these are also sold in auto stores (for gear lube) and the boat stores (or boat sections of sports stores like Academy). They are used to fill stern drive fluid. Bruce