Does anyone know what size hex fits in order to remove the plug where block heaters are installed? The stealership wants to charge about $40 to put it in, so I know I can find the proper size for less than that. Thanks.

14mm, the same as the wrist pin plugs. i have an S*K hex socket, it was about 14 bucks

Thanks, so far I have only been able to find 10mm ones, (which looked too small) but now that I know it's a 14, I should be able to get one tomorrow.

whats the size of the one that looks to spill all of the coolant from the engine at the bottom?

yep, that's the one I was talking about... the one that will probably spill all of the coolant from the engine... if only the stupid thing wasn't stripping!! I hate those projects where one stupid bolt/nut wont co-operate!

wow, so after like a hammer socket and air tools, it's just still just wanting to strip, so it looks like I am just down to using a chisel or something to get it out. Any experienced Subaru mechanics out there who deal with these regularly?

if it doesnt come out, dont take it out.

 

unless its the plugs that you need to take out to get the wrist pins off....then i dont know what to tell ya. i think i uded an impact to get a few out.

After searching every tool and auto shop for three counties I saw some large TORX bits on the shelf. I think it was about $20 for the bit and it fits on a 1/2 breaker bar. Fits just like it was made for it.

weld a nut to the plug. the plug is steel. use a wrench on the nut. and then you can re-use and re-install it.

Yeah - those big a$$ torx bits are for removing steering wheel bolts on newer VW's and Audi's - had to do that a few months ago. What a pain.

 

GD

This sucks, it's starting to get colder out and I still have no block heater. I haven't tried to chisel it yet, but I am afraid that it will do damaged to the threads or something if it is being this difficult and they my engine is useless. Anyone know of any inline block heater set ups?

man, i feel your pain martin. i had three block heaters to put in my subes this fall. i got 2 of the plugs out ok, they were tough but got them out without stripping them.

 

the third one on my 87 gl just would not come out. i tried everything, torch, impact,etc.

 

finally ended up totally stripping it.

 

i more or less gave up on it but saw this thread. i kinda like miles foxes idea of welding a nut on it.

 

sounds like it may actually work.

 

miles, have you actually done this?

damn 87 gl's just dont want to let them go then... I also assumed it would be easy like how your previous ones came out... but this one has been going through everything and no go. i think it's probably up to a size 15mm hex now, hahaha. I dont have any welding equipment, so that idea is out for me right now. If it is so stuck, it might just have to be left alone, I dont want the threads of the engine block coming out with the plug. I see why they write do not overtighten with the block heater instructions, hhaah.