Does anyone have a tool for removing the gearbox level plug on a MK1 MX 5 NA?
A 14mm set spanner fits but mine is so tight its likely to round off the corners of the plug using this type of spanner. I even asked my garage at MOT time and they couldn’t get it undone without risk of damage.
Any help would be appreciated, thanks.
I take it it’s this for the level plug installed https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/malleable-iron-fittings/2435262/
It should come off easily enough unless the last person was swinging on a breaker bar when torquing it up
Have you tried a little easing oil on it first? They should only be torqued up lightly with a little PTFE tape on the threads.
I feel your pain, when I replaced the gearbox oil on mine last year I struggled to move it. A couple of years before I’d checked the oil level and hadn’t overtightened it, I’m guessing with the plug having a tapered thread it had stuck.
I finally removed it with an open ended 14mm spanner with a length if tubing over it to add leverage. Not best practice but needs must.
When I looked for a proper tool for the job (female 4-point socket, 14mm across flats) there wasn’t much choice. In Japan I found a couple of places listing a tool for a Datsun gearbox plug that would’ve been perfect, cost ruled them out with postage though.
These were the only places I found that listed a socket;
Not cheap but the only 4-point socket I could find listed in the UK.
https://www.uktools.com/14mm-12drive-8-point-socket.html
Slightly cheaper 8-point socket that would do the job.
There must be somewhere else that lists a part but I couldn’t find one. I was even trying Snap On and Mac Tools catalogues with no success.
I could not fine one either but surely there is a bespoke tool available for this? Guess it is something the club would have and lend out if it was readily available.
Important with the 5 speed box to make sure that the fill plug can be undone before committing yourself to draining oil.
I changed the oil in situ on both our cars last year and yes definitely needed doing. I was very lucky to get away with using my heavy duty 15 inch adjustable spanner. Placed the plugs as far into the spanner as possible, wiggled and tightened a few times and then went for it. Having read up on this job breaking gearboxes I consider myself lucky. Glad that this is a job I will not need to do again for a while.
Developed a very effective way of filling the gearboxes with oil - will write up at some time.
If you are handy with a welder do this. I have and it works great.
http://www.mazdamenders.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=91&t=3050
To be honest I will now buy the impact socket linked to by Bannedbiker, great find.
No worries Eddie, thanks for the link from Mazda Menders. I’ve just bought another mig welder so great timing.
Great bit of fabrication Drumtockty. Brings back memories of my Dad who used to be in the farm machinery repairs business. If he needed a special tool he just made it as well. Alas he is in a home now, virtually blind, deaf and immobile which is very frustrating for him but he still recounts many stories like this from his working past.