Rear axle (late type) oil filler plug

[paul wilks]

Does anyone know the size and thread type of rear axle oil filler plug please?
I’d like to replace current square plug with hexagon head bolt if possible
Thanks
Paul (Wilks)

[David Morris]

Hi Paul,

Not sure, but be careful. The plug might have a taper thread?

If you wanted, you could always get a hexagonal head from a bolt welded onto the square head?

If it helps, send me the plug and I'll weld a hex head onto it for you? Or, if you can wait a couple of weeks, I will by then have a spare rear axle and could send you a suitably modified plug and we can do a swap? ( I have just invested in a DC inverter welder and need the practice! )

All the best,

David

[paul wilks]

That's great David! Thanks.
I'll send the plug in the post.

Thanks again
All the best,
Paul

[ian Howell]

Paul:-

It's just a thought, but way back when, when I ran Javelins (1965 - 1987} I found that many of the 'plumbing' items used BSP threads. That said, the axle plug reminds me of a blanking plug for the 'old fashioned' steel water pipes and I think these had tapered threads. A visit to your local plumbing shop (or better still an 'Old Time' plumber) might bring forth a solution?

Hope this helps!

Ian H

[AmilcarJohn]

I don't wish to cast doubt on David's welding abilities, but if the plug gets stuck and the welding fails when you try to undo it, you will be in a pickle.

Isn't it simpler to live with the square drive?

John

[paul wilks]

Thanks for all the advice so far. My problem with living with square plug is unfortunately it's not really that square!

When I last tried to check the rear axle oil level I discovered that a) the square had been rounded by a previous mechanic who had drained and refilled rear axle and b) the plug was too damned tight to shift. I resorted to a local garage who confirmed a) and b) !

I guess I need to seek others input.
Do other owners use a 'special tool' rather than the open ended spanner?
Have any other Javelin owners experienced the same sort of problem- or is it just me?
Does anyone have a spare plug? I promise not to round it!
Thanks

Paul

[johnairey]

As Ian has stated the plug is a standard 3/4 B.S.P. 14 T.P.I. Blanking Plug which should be available from your local supplier. Might be worth asking them to see if they have a key for the Blanking Plug.
The size across the flats is 0.520- 0.525 which is the 1/4 whit size.

[paul wilks]

Thanks again!

[Bronteboxer]

Paul, I got fed up with my drain plug being difficult to get out, so welded in a large hex head years ago. It works well and has been no problem. I would say a good little mod. G.

[paul wilks]

Thanks for all the help and advice

Paul