Happy to report that 2 weeks later I finally got that plug out.... I was bent out of shape, because I refused to put the intake on until I got this resolved one way or another. I tried everything including paraffin and I think Tom Telasco thought I was nuts that I still couldnt get the thing out. The right combination turned out to be two guys, Map gas heat, paraffin, a Snap On impact driver and a 18 inch 23 mm wrench... The induction heater didnt work as well as I'd hoped, and I managed to strip the plug so the 3/8 drive would climb out of the hole when turning the plug counter clockwise. But with Tom's advice on the paraffin I was able to tighten the plug a little with the Map gas, so at least it was moving. So the impact driver seemed to get the best bite, and the hammer impact kept peening the drive back into the plug. Thankfully the handle of driver was shaped so you could get a wrench on it, so I heated and turned while the other guy hammered and kept pressure on the driver. Even then, I had to throw all my weight into turning it, and we managed to strip the plug almost halfway through. At least it didnt take the threads with it! So know I can hook up the tiny Equus gauge set I mounted above the radio last year, and I finished the carb and manifold install... All thats left is to adjust the pedal throw, choke coil action, converter switch and dash pot. I also have to fabricate the hot air line to the choke coil. I might even beat the snow to test drive! Last year we had a constant two feet on the ground at this time.. this weekend it hit 60. Yay global warming. Thanks to everyone for their advice.
I think that the main problem was that there was still water in the head up to the plug. Normally it's a one shot deal. After the plug square gets stripped it becomes even MORE difficult. Glad you got it out without any damage to anything other than the plug. I don't know if the gauges are electric or mechanical. If electric don't forget that the adapter into the head needs to have a GOOD ground or else the gauge will NOT work or not work properly/accurately. So be sparing on the gop/sealer you use on the threads for sealing. If mechanical nothing to worry about. A just FYI. Tom T.
Oh, another just FYI. If either or both are mechanical gauges don't forget to "Loop" the oil & temp. lines so they don't get broken from the engine rocking back & forth. 2-3 loops each will do.
Oh, another just FYI. If either or both are mechanical gauges don't forget to "Loop" the oil & temp. lines so they don't get broken from the engine rocking back & forth. Just like they do with brake lines from the master to the frame. 2-3 loops each will do. Hopefully see you on the 22nd. Rhett.
Hmm.. I've also rounded out the square bolt with no luck getting it out. Some day I'll get that little *&^$#$%!!
Tom - I'd say your right about the water being the first mistake of many....live and learn. The gauges are electric, and honestly I never thought about the ground for either one, and I used teflon tape on both. I'll pull them and clean them up, and maybe run them in with a speck of sealant or something. Thanks for bringing it up.
