BX2816 snowblower gearbox plug

[GreensvilleJay]

So neighbour with this unit( I KNEW I'd see it here eventually) wanted to check the auger gearbox oil level. Neither of use could budge the 1/8" NPT plug( 5mm allen key fits ,I'd assume Metric....))
vice grips on allen key didn't work, and paint's been scraped off

ANY suggestions ?

Jay

 

[animals45]

Try hitting it square in the center of the plug with a punch & hammer , Don't go all blacksmith on it , just a couple of hits .
animals45

 

[GreensvilleJay]

hmm, casing is $330 + 13% taxes so no way I'm going whack neighbour's pipe plug !
I wonder is 'they' used some locktite on the plug ??
Has anyone actually had their out ?
This is a 1 year old blower, tractor(BX2380) is 2 summers old ,has a whopping 30.8 hrs on it....

 

[TheOldHokie]

So neighbour with this unit( I KNEW I'd see it here eventually) wanted to check the auger gearbox oil level. Neither of use could budge the 1/8" NPT plug( 5mm allen key fits ,I'd assume Metric....))
vice grips on allen key didn't work, and paint's been scraped off

ANY suggestions ?

Jay

Good fitting key and 1/2" air gun.

Dan

 

[BonnySlope]

hmm, casing is $330 + 13% taxes so no way I'm going whack neighbour's pipe plug !
I wonder is 'they' used some locktite on the plug ??
Has anyone actually had their out ?
This is a 1 year old blower, tractor(BX2380) is 2 summers old ,has a whopping 30.8 hrs on it....

Not familiar with unite or cast material, but I have a couple Idles. Have you tried applying some heat. I'm guessing that plug is on a vertical surface, if so take some clay, silly puddy and stick it to surface with a small thimble impression size cup and spray some Blaster to float around threads. If you have a manual hand impact driver might break it loose if your able to get a hammer on driver. Gives a twisting action on impact if your not familiar with.
Good luck

 

[animals45]

I didn't say "WACK " I said a couple of hits . The tap is to hopefully break loose any bits of rust that may be keeping the plug from moving .
animals45 .

 

[DustyRusty]

-I had the same problem and determined that it had Loctite on it from the factory. Put a small propane torch on the plug area to warm it, and it came out without any damage. There are 2 plugs on the gearbox and a vent at the top. The bottom plug is for draining, the plug in the front middle is the gear oil level, and you take the top vent off to fill the gearbox. Everyone that I have drained had water at the bottom. When using the unit, it gets hot and it will pull in some moisture. Eventually, it will have enough to turn the gear oil to a tan color. Drain and refill every year and it is cheap insurance.
Next, put some chassis grease into the auger shaft to keep that lubricated. You will find a grease fitting on each auger. Then check the shear pins to make sure that they are correct and not just some bolt someone installed when they ran out of shear pins. I have seen shear pins bent because someone put the lock washer under the head of the bolt. Last thing, make sure that the augers are properly clocked. There is a label on the inside of the auger area with a correct diagram.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Thanks DR
Locktite..arrrrrrgh... my gut said it might have it , though unnecessary. I'll pass along al the good info !!
Dang unit is soooo clean, you could eat off it, maybe 3-4 hrs of use last winter.